In today’s world, you have information at your fingertips as sites like Twitter and Google have made the flow of knowledge seem instantaneous. However, despite this availability of information, you still see individuals who are unaware of current events or political situations affecting their future and society as a whole. If you are complaining about tuition costs and how much money is being taken from your paycheck each week, it would make sense for you to be aware of an upcoming vote on taxes or a politician running for a position that would create such change.
You are probably wondering, “Well, how does watching CNN or following current events help me in my career?” It’s true that if you watch the news and CNN all day you will not just be offered a job but being well-informed can help give off the message to potential employers that you take your career seriously and that you are a well-informed professional. It’s all about creating a strong brand for yourself which can affect how other professionals see you in the field. For example, if you are thinking about going to law school and just so happen to bump into a few lawyers in the field or professionals involved in politics and you are completely clueless on current events or major court cases currently in the public eye, you may leave the conversation leaving the wrong impression on individuals who could be future colleagues.
Being well-informed is not limited to just networking opportunities. Say you are a biology or chemistry student applying to medical school or dental school and have to go in for an interview to get into the program. If you are not staying up to date on current trends in your field or engaging in meaningful conversations with professionals in your field, how will you be able to articulate how Obamacare and other healthcare policies are affecting your desired career path? Not staying informed on such topics may send messages to the admissions committee that you are not fully committed to the field of study or that you may not fully comprehend the rigors of such a profession.
Engaging in meaningful conversations early on in college will help you grow intellectually and professionally as it will challenge you to think in new ways and step outside your comfort zone. A good way to get started is to engage your faculty members in such conversations. What better way to prep for future conferences or networking opportunities than to practice with individuals who are there to support you?
Engaging your faculty in meaningful conversations will not only leave you more well informed about the industry but will also give you someone to support you as you strive to reach your short and long-term goals. Especially early on in your collegiate journey, talking with faculty will help you practice using professional language and engaging in meaningful conversations in your field of study, which will pay dividends as you meet with other employers in the future.
At the end of the day, the more informed you are on current events and trends affecting your career, the more well-rounded a professional you will be when you speak with prospective employers or individuals in your field of study.
