Developing Your Professional Identity

Rossier Masters Programs Office

Julie Tieu USC Career Center careers.usc.edu

Agenda
Defining Your Professional Identity Practical Considerations Self-Assessment Practice!

Defining Your Professional Identity

Your Own Perception of Your Professional Identity
Strengths Personal Qualities/Characteristics Values Interests Goals

Your Reputation: How Others View You as a Professional

Impact on potential job opportunities

Practical Considerations
Networking
Craft an elevator pitch that introduces your professional identity.
Helps you become memorable

Navigating Your Job Search

Finding Your Fit (companies & positions & your goals)

Interview Questions
Tell me about yourself. Why are you interested in this position/our organization? What can you contribute to our department? What are your strengths and weaknesses?

Self Assessment-Skills
Planning Observing Decision-Making Counsel Mentor Interview Write Research Act as Liaison Read for Information Initiate Change Strategize Budget Proofread Entertain Conceptualize Teach/Train Generate Ideas Motivate Mediate Analyze Test Design Negotiate Work With Numbers Innovate/Invent Public Speaking

Self Assessment-Career Values

Precision Exercise Competence Work on challenging problems Independence Work-Life Balance Variety Practicality Community Helping Society Creativity Location Influencing People High Earnings Power & Authority Fast Pace Working Under Pressure Friendships Diversity Intellectual Status Moral Fulfillment Recognition Fun Helping Others Tradition Stability Family Profit Physical Challenge

Creating Your Elevator Pitch

Elevator Pitch Defined
Brief introduction of who you are, your background, and where youre heading If applicable, highlight a commonality (interest, mutual friend, goals, etc) ~ 1 minute
Highlights your professional identity Helps you stand out and be memorable Should kick start a conversation & build a new connection Be creative Take time to craft and practice (but dont recite) Be personable and connect with the person youre speaking with Check your nonverbal cues
Firm handshake Eye contact Attire Enthusiasm

Intended Outcome

Tips

Questions?
Julie Tieu jtieu@usc.edu USC Career Center Student Union 110 careers.usc.edu