Which guest speaker did you listen to$?$ Please include their name and company.

The guest speaker I chose to listen to was Emily Evans from Google.

What was your biggest takeaway from the discussion?

The biggest takeaway from the discussion was that it is ok if your first job out of college is not your dream job. With that being said, in each job you will have the opportunity to learn many new skills and you can grow as an employee. This also helps you to figure out what you want in the future and can set goals for yourself to learn the new skill sets you need to fit your dream role later in your career. Ultimately, every experience, whether it aligns perfectly with your aspirations or not, has the potential to provide meaningful lessons and help refine your professional path.

What was something new you learned?

I learned that Emily's role involves a variety of important skills. These include data analytics, effective communication and storytelling, and organizational planning across different functions. Her ability to utilize these diverse skill sets is key to her success in the role.

What did you find particularly helpful?

I found it helpful for Emily to emphasize that taking calculated risks and viewing everything as a learning process is perfectly okay; even if you experience setbacks or failures along the way. Additionally, her point that you may not immediately know your exact career path was reassuring. Hearing that perspective was helpful because it reinforces that even if your first job out of college is not your dream role, it can still provide meaningful learning experiences. Those experiences can better prepare you to identify your true passions and acquire the necessary skills to pursue your desired future career. The key is maintaining an open and adaptive mindset; understanding that your professional journey may not be linear, but each step, whether successful or not, contributes to your growth and helps you get closer to finding fulfilling work. Emily's insights demonstrated that with the right attitude, even a job that isn't your ultimate goal can become a valuable foundation for your future.

What was something you wish we had more time to discuss?

I wish there was more time for her to discuss how writing plays a significant role within her position. She highlighted the importance of being able to communicate ideas and information clearly and concisely. Even in roles that may not seem directly focused on writing, the ability to express yourself effectively in written form is crucial especially towards a specific audience.