Never Stop Asking Questions: Career Advice That Changed My Mindset

On Tuesday, March 3rd, I had the opportunity to attend a career fair aimed at Communication and Sports Management students at my university. I received valuable career advice from many different employers, but two pieces really stood out to me. 

One of the most impactful conversations I had was with McKenna Johnson, Associate Consultant at APCO. She emphasized the importance of clearly communicating your skills and experiences with confidence. She explained that in strategic communications, it is essential not only to have strong writing and analytical abilities but also to articulate your value to clients and colleagues. One point she emphasized was that it is not only important to communicate effectively with clients but also within your own company. She shared that APCO has helped new CEOs and management leaders learn how to communicate with their teams during transitions, making the process smoother and helping them establish a strong foundation for collaboration and improvement.

Another meaningful piece of advice came from Pamela Moran, Human Resource Generalist at Capitol Broadcasting Company. I had a lot of questions for her, and I felt bad for taking up so much of her time; however, she stopped me and told me never to stop asking questions. She explained that curiosity shows initiative and a genuine interest in learning, which employers highly value. Whether in an interview, internship, or full-time role, asking thoughtful questions demonstrates engagement and a desire to grow. She also stressed the importance of gaining hands-on experience whenever possible, as it helps students stand out in competitive industries. 

Although I originally was not overly excited about attending this career fair, these conversations ultimately encouraged me to be more confident in presenting myself and to remain curious and proactive as I continue developing my career path. It also reminded me that even when I feel like I have everything figured out, there is always more to learn and room to grow.

Keywords: Opinion, Career Fair, Communications, Advice, Professional Development, Networking