THE  CAREER  ISSUE  

   

Vol.  2  /Iss.  2    

7.23.12  

 

 

 AS  I  SAT  DOWN  TO  WRITE  THIS  LETTER  TO  YOU  I  FOUND  MY  THOUGHTS  WERE  SCATTERED   AND   VARIED.   THERE’S   JUST   SO   MUCH   TO   TALK   ABOUT.   SO   I  THOUGHT  I’D  CONDENSE  MY  THOUGHTS  INTO  A  LIST  INSTEAD:        VOTE  –  ITS  YOUR  RIGHT,  DUTY  AND  OPPORTUNITY.  OCCUPY  THE  VOTE    TAKE  NOTICE  –  OUR  CITY,  COMMUNITY  AND  NATION  IS  SHIFITING    ADVOCATE  –  BE  THE  CHANGE,  BE  THE  VOICE,  BE  A  RESOURCE    CHALLENGE  –  YOURSELF,  YOUR  PEERS  AND  YOUR  HATERS    COLLABORATE  –  TAKE  ADVANTAGE  OF  THE  RESOURCES  AROUND  YOU    RISE  –  TAKE  THAT  NEXT  STEP  IN  YOUR  CAREER,  DREAM  AND  CALLING    JOIN  –  TAKE  PART  IN  THE  MOVEMENT      BE  ENCOURAGED  AND  ENJOY  THE  ISSUE!      GOD  BLESS,  VIRGINIA  A.  CUMBERBATCH    AAULYP  PRESIDENT    CHECK   OUT   PRESIDENT   CUMBERBATCH’S  THOUGHTS  ON   THE   INTERSECTION  OF   FAITH  AND   PHILANTHROPY   IN   THIS   MONTH’S  GIVINGCITYAUSTIN  MAGAZINE  (P.40).      

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BEYOND  OUR  BORDERS  A  World  Perspective  of  Community  Through  Ayiti,  Haiti  

It  is  self  evident  that  we  are  all  citizens  of  

the  world.      The  challenge  is  to  be  an  

engaged  world  citizen,  aware  of  and  

interested  in  the  cultures,  economies,  

and  politics  of  our  ever  increasingly  

interdependent  and  interactive  societies.  

I  was  born  and  raised  in  New  York  City,  

went  to  school  in  Manhattan,  the  Bronx,  

Massachusetts  and  travelled/moved  a  lot  

in  between.  My  travels  have  taken  me  to  

a  lot  of  different  places  –  4  of  7  continents  and  16  countries  –  which  is  not  too  shabby  for  a  

self-­‐proclaimed  City  kid.  I  think  I  have  seen  a  lot  and  learned  a  lot  about  the  human  capacity  

for  survival,  how  the  rich  like  to  do  it  and  how  the  poor  seem  to  manage  it.  

Many  of  us,  indeed  you  and  I,  have  privileged  access  to  real  time  news  and  information  

(anything  from  our  computers).  It  becomes  more  apparent  that  our  consciousness  of  what  

we  do  with  this  intelligence  must  become  trained  to  separate  what  should  resonate  

opposed  to  the  rest  (which  can  be  interesting  but  is  largely  desensitizing  in  the  grand  

scheme).  Though  we  cannot  all  pick  up  and  travel  to  the  corners  of  the  globe  that  peak  our  

interests,  we  certainly  can  all  care  and  actively  contribute  to  those  places  even  when  not  

physically  present.      

 

I  went  to  Haiti  to  explore  the  proposition  that  some  of  the  more  intractable  problems  in  the  

world  would  be  well  addressed  by  entrepreneurial  businesses.      This  was  a  remarkable  time  

for  me,  working  alongside  an  energetic  team  of  people  for  La  Mabouya  

Fondacion,  a  Haitian  development  organization.    I  conducted  socio-­‐economic  research,  

helped  write  business  plans,  and  engaged  in  fundraising  and  partnership  development  for  a  

large  community  trash  collection  and  sanitation  center  in  Jacmel.    

 

 By  Kiel    

Bonhomme  

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Until  traveling  to  Haiti  I  had  not  worked  with  or  for  the  people  I’d  so  often  and  closely  

“analyzed”  along  my  travels,  which  means  I  probably  haven’t  actually  known  much  about  

anything.  Being  able  to  live  a  provincial  lifestyle  with  Haitians  who  make  a  living  on  the  land  

was  an  amazing  experience  and  a  presented  a  very  rare  insight  into  a  country  that  is  largely  

understood  through  the  international  media’s  coverage  of  Port  au  Prince.    

 

When  the  mainstream  media  rhythmically  bludgeons  us  with  stories  to  the  tune  of  

“disaster,”  “death,”  “destruction,”  “disappointment”  as  is  the  case  with  Haiti  since  2010,  we  

young  people  are  quick  to  change  

the  channel,  open  or  close  a  

browser  window.  I  think  we  have  all  

experienced  the  moment  when  we  

cannot  handle  the  breadth  of  the  

world’s  distressing  issues.  The  

thoughts  roll  out…  “How  can  anyone  

really  help  the    

hurt  millions?  “The  cause  seems  

noble,  but  is  that  enough  reason  to  

break  out  the  plastic  this  time?”  

“Every  solution  will  be  temporary  –  

Syrian  people  will  keep  dying,  Kony  won’t  really  be  caught,  Israel  &  Palestine’s  conflict  is  

just  the  way  it  is,  Haiti  is  doomed.”  Larger,  financially    

 

powered  groups  take  on  the  issues  while  we  ponder,  and  they  subsequently  reward  us  with  

a  transitory  “good  Samaritan”  sensation  after  processing  our  transaction.  “The  money  is  

headed  toward  X,  where  my  chosen  group  will  use  it  to  do  right!  Or  not…or  I  really  won’t  

know  because  I  did  what  I  could,  and  what  more  can  you  ask  of  me?”    

 

Truly,  not  much  more.  Of  course  traditional  aid,  in  the  form  of  donations  from  governments,  

companies,  and  individuals,  has  saved  countless  lives  and  continues  to  play  an  important  

role  in  addressing  these  issues  in  Port-­‐au-­‐Prince,  and  across  the  country.  The  social  

campaigns  run  via  Twitter  and  Facebook  support  these  messages  well,  and  the  

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 reported  outcomes  are  favorable.  Publicize  your  cause  a  couple  times  on  your  FB  account  

and  you’ve  done  your  bit.  Not  quite.  

 

The  underlying  problems  of  the  world  will  not  be  addressed  by  people  of  all  cultures  

twittering  in  140  characters,  nor  by  updating  a  Facebook  status  -­‐  no  matter  how  persuasive  

the  presentation  or  clever  the  line.  The  next  step  the  world  citizen  can  and  must  take  is  

directly  inspiring  their  spheres  of  influence,  whether  it’s  their  fami  ly,  friends,  team,  co-­‐

workers  business  or  community.  Social  media  is  one  channel  of  expression,  but  the  

traditional  tete-­‐a-­‐tete  conversation  cannot  be  understated.  The  Internet  has  in  many  ways  

made  the  reach  of  global  aid  more  pervasive,  but  has  drained  many  of  us  of  our  drive  to  get  

out  and  lend  a  non-­‐digital  hand  where  we  can.  More  importantly  it’s  desensitized  us  to  the  

call  to  action  –  instead  we  believe  our  “awareness”  our  dedication  to  being  informed  via  

twitter  and  news  blogs  exempts  us  from  the  actual  work  and  contribution.  And  yet  the  

awareness  part  is  half  the  battle.  Raising  awareness  starts  with  one  person.  Whenever  the  

opportunity  arises,  engage  those  who  are  connected  to  the  issues  to  trade  perspectives  and  

build  a  composite  of  thoughts,  feelings  and  information.  But  in  order  to  become  engaged  

citizens,  we  have  to  internalize  everything,  allow  yourself  to  be  affected.    

 

In  a  country  wherein  the  populace  gets  by  on  relatively  little  daily  money,  creativity  

flourishes  not  simply  because  the  people  are  talented,  but  because  often  it  is  necessary  to  be  

inventive  with  limited  resources  in  order  to  solve  problems  quickly.  It  is  extremely  

important  to  know  the  mental  state  of  the  country  and  people  you  aim  to  help,  and  as  a  new  

friend  told  me  one  night,  “Haiti  will  change  you  before  you  change  it.”    

 

The  world’s  issues  can  in  part  be  mitigated  by  the  capacity  to  listen  to  others  in  their  native  

language,  to  reciprocate  meaningfully,  respectfully,  and  fluidly.  Furthermore  we  must  all  

feel  activated  and  dynamic  in  our  approach  to  supplying  aid.  During  my  time  outside  of  

Jacmel  Haiti  I  worked  alongside  provincial  Haitian  men  and  women,  young  and  old  who  

adamantly  stated  their  desire  to  work.  These  people  do  not  spend  their  time  treasure  

hunting  for  handouts,  they  roar  for  a  hand  up.    

 

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For  more  articles  on  Kiel’s  work  in  and  

perspectives  on  Haiti  go  to  

Ayitipapperi.wordpress.com  

Kiel  is  a  City  kid  (as  in  THE  City,  New  York  

City),  a  skillful  soccer  player  and  attended  

Williams  College  with  President  

Cumberbatch.  

 Photos  courtesy  of  Kiel  Bonhomme  

 

 

 

WHAT’S  HAPPENING    POLITICAL  TICKER  SUMMER EDITION

Although  the  Presidential  Election  is  on  everyone’s  mind,  the  AAULYPs  want  to  make  sure  we  all  stay  in-­the-­know  on  the  local  and  state  political  current.  Local  lobbyist  and  YP  A.J.  Bingham  breaks  it  down  for  you.  

The    Texas  political  landscape  became  somewhat  clearer  following  the  state  Democratic  and  Republican  primaries  on  Tuesday,  May  29.    As  some  may  recall,  party  primary  dates  were  originally  set  for  March  6,  however  ongoing  litigation  in  federal  court  over  the  2011  legislatively  approved  redistricting  maps  kept  the  date  in  flux.      

 With  A.J.    

Bingham  

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 Additionally,  what  maps  would  ultimately  be  approved  caused  several  incumbents  to  reverse  previously  announced  retirements.    Acting  at  the  behest  of  a  federal  judge,  state  party  leaders  submitted  information  on  timelines  and  schedules  needed  for  political  conventions  so  the  judges  could  make  a  decision  on  the  primary  election  date,  which  ultimately  was  finalized  as  May  29.    At  the  state  House  and  Senate  race  level,  there  was  an  unprecedented  number  of  incumbents  not  seeking  re-­‐election,  with  thirty  members  deciding  not  to  return  in  the  House  and  four  in  the  Senate.    Of  legislators  not  seeking  re-­‐election  there  were  several  key  members  lost,  notably  concerning  education.        As  some  may  recall,  party  primary  dates  were  originally  set  for  March  6,  however  ongoing  litigation  in  federal  court  over  the  2011  legislatively  approved  redistricting  maps  kept  the  date  in  flux.        At  the  state  House  and  Senate  race  level,  there  was  an  unprecedented  number  of  incumbents  not  seeking  re-­‐election,  with  thirty  members  deciding  not  to  return  in  the  House  and  four  in  the  Senate.    Of  legislators  not  seeking  re-­‐election  there  were  several  key  members  lost,  notably  concerning  education.        In  the  House  this  included  Reps.  Scott  Hochberg  (D-­‐Houston),  Vice-­‐Chair  of  the  House  Public  Education  Committee,  and  Joaquin  Castro  (D-­‐San  Antonio),  Chair  of  the  House  Higher  Education  Committee.    And  in  the  Senate,  Sen.  Florence  Shapiro  (R-­‐Plano),  Chair  of  the  Senate  Education  Committee.    Additionally,  Sen.  Steve  Ogden  (R-­‐Bryan),  Chair  of  the  Senate  Finance  Committee,  retired.      Notably,  the  primaries  also  saw  Rep.  Rob  Eissler  (R-­‐The  Woodlands),  Chair  of  the  House  Public  Education  Committee,  defeated  by  Tea  party-­‐backed  challenger,  Steve  Toth.    In  all,  17  House  members  are  facing  runoffs  in  July,  with  17  newcomers  winning  outright  because  of  no  opposition  on  the  November  ballot.          One  senate  race  to  watch  in  the  November  elections  will  be  between  Sen.  Wendy  Davis  (D-­‐Fort  Worth)  and  challenger  state  Rep.  Mark  Shelton  (R-­‐Fort  Worth).    Sen.  Davis,  running  for  her  second-­‐term  has  been  viewed  as  a  GOP  target  due  to  her  districts  heavy  Republican  concentration.    As  one  of  12  Democrats  comprising  the  31  member  Senate,  her  seat  is  seen  as  key  to  maintaining  a  Democrat  voting  block  (it  takes  a  two-­‐thirds  majority  to  vote  on  measures  in  the   Senate).    

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At  the  federal  level,  Democratic  Congressman  Lloyd  Doggett  defeated  his  two  primary  opponents  for  the  newly  drawn,  CD-­‐35,  with  73.22%  of  the  vote.    The  nine-­‐term  congressman  sought  re-­‐election  after  his  former  district  was  redrawn  to  favor  Republicans.    He  will  face  Republican  Susan  Narvaiz  in  the  general  elections  on  Tuesday,  November  6.    In  the  GOP  primary  battle  to  replace  retiring  Texas  U.S.  Sen.  Kay  Bailey  Hutchison,  Lt.  Gov.  David  Dewhurst  and  Tea  party-­‐supported  former  state  Solicitor  General  Ted  Cruz  will  face  a  runoff  election  on  Tuesday,  July  31.    While  Lt.  Gov.  Dewhurst  had  been  considered  the  front-­‐runner  since  declaring  his  candidacy,  Mr.  Cruz  was  able  to  garner  34.23%  of  the  vote  to  his  44.60%,  forcing  a  runoff  between  the  two.    Former  Dallas  Mayor  and  candidate  Tom  Leppert  took  13.33%  of  the  vote.  And  then  there  is  still  of  course  a  Presidential  election.  GOP  contender  Mitt  Romney  officially  secured  the  Republican  presidential  nomination  with  68.98%  of  the  vote.  Texas  Congressman  Ron  Paul  took  11.94%  of  the  vote.  President  Barack  Obama  received  88.21%  of  the  Democratic  primary  vote.    Again,  KEY  VOTING  DATES  are  as  follows:  Runoff  elections  for  both  parties  will  be  on  Tuesday,  July  31,  and  the  general  election  will  be  on  Tuesday,  November  6.

A.J.  is  a  lobbyist  in  Austin  and  one  of  Austin  Monthly’s  2012  Bachelors.  Check  out  the  issue  styled  by  YP  Board  member  Graham  Cumberbatch  this  month.    

Summer  Reading  Thoughts,  Insights  &  Hot  Topics    

Politics  at  work  http://www.theroot.com/views/romney-­‐s-­‐naacp-­‐speech-­‐was-­‐almost-­‐good  http://www.theroot.com/blogs/voting-­‐rights/vice-­‐president-­‐biden-­‐fires-­‐naacp?wpisrc=root_lightbox  http://www.theroot.com/views/browner-­‐america-­‐cornell-­‐belcher?wpisrc=root_lightbox    Candid  culture    http://www.theroot.com/views/4-­‐questions-­‐justin-­‐simien  http://www.theroot.com/buzz/dear-­‐hbo-­‐make-­‐new-­‐series?wpisrc=root_more_news    Austin  past  or  present?    http://www.statesman.com/specialreports/content/specialreports/citiesofideas/genx/1207intromask.html    http://www.statesman.com/news/local/census-­‐data-­‐depict-­‐sweeping-­‐change-­‐in-­‐east-­‐austin-­‐1409892.html  http://www.statesman.com/opinion/austin-­‐has-­‐taken-­‐great-­‐leap-­‐backward-­‐in-­‐racial-­‐2401413.html  

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CAREER  CORNER      

 

 

This  summer's  edition  of  The  Young  Prophet  is  focused  on  career  development.    We've  scoured  the  internet  and  found  articles  that  you'll  find  insightful  whether  you're  comfortable  and  content  in  your  current  position  or  looking  to  the  climb  the  corporate  ladder  or  expand  your  professional  opportunities.    Additionally,  we  spent  some  quality  time  with  Austin  business  leader  and  entrepreneur  Edward  Kargbo.      While  the  national  job  market  continues  to  struggle  with  the  most  recent  unemployment  rate  reported  at  8.8%,  Austin's  job  market  has  remained  resilient  reporting  only  5.5%  unemployment.    And  as  we  learned  from  Edward  there's  no  better  way  to  invite  opportunity  than  to  be  prepared  and  positive.    If  you  find  the  information  in  this  edition  useful  or  have  valuable  career  advice  to  offer  to  other  YP's  I  encourage  you  to  get  involved  in  our  Career  Development  Committee.  Our  next  meeting  will  be  Thursday  July  26th  at  7  p.m.  at  the  Four  Seasons.  For  more  information  or  to  get  more  connected  to  the  professional  development  work  we  are  doing  contact  me  at  careers.aaulyp@gmail.com.    Verick  Cornett  AAULYP  Professional  Development  Chair    Verick  works  in  finance,  is  training  for  a  triatholon  and  wants  you  to  join  him  on  the  PD  committee.    

 With  YP    

Professional  Development  Committee  

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YP  Faces    Interview  with  Austin  Entrepreneur    EDWARD  KARGBO    Achieving  successful  career  growth  is  a  challenge  that  many  young  professionals  in  the  working  environment  face  today.  Determining  what  steps  to  take  to  advance  professionally  and  which  career  opportunities  to  pursue  are  often  difficult.  We  met  with  Edward  Kargbo,  a  young  professional  in  the  Austin  community  to  illustrate  how  he  developed  professionally  and  to  share  his  perspective  on  what  key  factors  enabled  him  to  achieve  early  career  success.   Currently,  Edward  is  the  President  of  Greater  Austin  Transportation  Company  (GATC)  which  sells  services  to  Independent  Contractor  Taxi-­‐Cab  drivers  and  maintains  the  Yellow  Cab  brand  in  Austin,  Texas.  He  currently  serves  on  the  Board  of  Directors  for  the  Greater  Austin  Chamber  of  Commerce  and  is  the  former  President  of  the  Austin  Young  Chamber  of  Commerce.  Edward  is  also  an  entrepreneur  and  is  a  partner  in  two  startup  companies:  TKO  Swim  School,  a  school  that  provides  swimming  lessons  to  youth  in  the  Austin  community  and  ICG  Group,  LLC  (www.iChooseGolf.com),  an  online  fantasy  golf  sports  gaming  venture.  Edward  is  a  2012  finalist  for  the  Austin  Under  40  Award  in  the  Business  and  Entrepreneurship  category. YP:  During  undergraduate,  what  did  you  study?    EK:  I  primarily  studied  History,  dabbled  in  Philosophy  and  participated  in  a  summer  Business  Management  Program  at  Wake  Forest  University  in  North  Carolina.      

YP:  How  did  you  get  your  first  job?  How  did  your  education  influence  your  first  position?    EK:  It  was  a  combination  of  entrepreneurism,  volunteer  work  and  networking.  I  began  playing  professional  indoor  arena  football  in  Austin  Texas  and  then  started  a  youth  sports  program  called  Exposure  Sports.  While  working  with  youth,  I  began  networking  with  

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 Interviewed    

By  Priscilla    Suggs  

 

families  and  the  community.  And  while  coaching  a  youth  team,  I  met  a  venture  capitalist,  the  president  of  the  Greater  Houston  Transportation  Company  (GHTC)  who  exposed  me  to  a  new  opportunity.      My  Education,  Family  background  and  personality  made  the  opportunity  I  received  a  perfect  fit.        YP:  How  did  your  early  level  positions  contribute  to  your  professional  development?    EK:  I  wasn’t  afraid  to  fail,  took  on  responsibility  and  always  worked  with  people;  I  was  always  coaching  and  being  coached,  teaching  and  being  taught.  Studying  Business  Management  helped  develop  my  business  sense  and  having  parents  that  drove  cabs  while  they  were  working  towards  their  MBA  introduced  me  and  exposed  me  to  the  industry.  I  went  through  a  management  development  program  when  I  first  started  working  for  the  GHTC  which  helped  me  to  learn  about  the  company  and  understand  company  operations.    

   YP:    As  an  entry  level  employee,  how  did  you  distinguish  yourself  as  someone  capable  of  assuming  increased  responsibility?    EK:  I  was  willing  to  take  on  challenges  others  might  not  be  willing  to  and  I  was  willing  to  be  held  accountable  for  my  work.    I  made  the  sacrifices  to  put  in  the  time  necessary  to  be  successful;  time  is  our  most  valuable  asset  and  we  have  to  manage  it  accordingly.    

   I  worked  on  a  large  project  where  our  company  adopted  a  middle  school  in  HISD  that  provided  after  school  programs.  I  helped  build  the  program  from  scratch  and  organized  different  activities  such  as  tutoring  sessions  and  exposed  the  youth  to  higher  education  through  field  trips  

and  college  visits.  The  program  was  a  success  and  it  demonstrated  my  leadership  capabilities.  I  also  successfully  operated  the  shuttle  division  in  our  company  and  expanded  operations  and  established  a  limousine  line.  

   YP:    How  did  you  transition  from  an  entry  level  position  to  management  position?    EK:  After  establishing  that  I  could  be  successful  in  all  challenges  that  I  was  presented,  the  transition  was  pretty  quick.  Essentially,  9  months  into  the  management  development  program,  my  work  stood  out  enough  that  when  opportunities  came  up  I  was  the  person  the  Board  of  Directors  considered  unanimously  and  immediately.  I  was  offered  to  serve  as  the  General  Manager  for  the  Greater  Austin  Transportation  Authority  and  once  the  president  retired,  it  was  unanimously  decided  that  I  fill  the  position.          YP:  What  are  key  characteristics  of  successful  managers?  How  did  you  develop  your  managerial  style?    EK:  Successful  managers  are  always  looking  to  improve  things,  they’re  good  at  communicating  (listening  and  explaining),  and  they  motivate/inspire  people.    My  “style”  was  developed  over  20  years  of  participating  in  team  sports  by  being  a  teammate  and  being  coached.  I  also  developed  my  style  through  lots  of  reading  -­‐the  more  you  know  the  better  you  can  relate  to  people.  Bell  Hooks,  Nikki  Giovanni,  Maya  Angelou  are  all  authors  that  helped  me  gain  a  better  understanding  on  how  to  relate  to  people.        YP:  What  sparked  your  interest  to  become  an  entrepreneur?  What  has  your  experience  as  an  entrepreneur  been  like?        EK:  I  believe  a  part  of  the  American  dream  is  controlling  your  own  destiny  

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and  in  addition  to  that  I  believe  if  you  learn  and  understand  how  to  help  yourself  you  can  teach  and  assist  others  better.        YP:    How  has  being  a  black  professional  in  Austin,  TX  influenced  your  professional  experience?      EK:    I’m  fortunate  to  be  in  Austin  at  a  time  of  such  great  development  and  my  experience  as  a  minority  is  that  I  get  to  contribute  my  voice  and  services  from  a  unique  perspective.  Austin  has  been  a  very  welcoming  city,  and  I’ve  engaged  myself  by  getting  involved  with  different  organizations  and  letting  my  voice  be  heard.        YP:  How  would  you  describe  your  social  experience  here  in  Austin?      EK:  Austin  has  become  my  home.    The  people  are  youthful,  vibrant,  engaging  and  interesting.    I’ve  never  had  a  problem  making  friends  and  I  find  so  many  great  people  and  personalities  to  connect  with  in  this  town.      YP:  In  terms  of  your  philanthropic  efforts,  what  charitable  activities  do  you  

actively  support  in  the  Austin  community?  How  do  you  believe  your  efforts  have  impacted  the  community?      EK:  I  actively  participate  in  Austin  Young  Chamber  of  Commerce,  Big  Brother,  Big  Sister  (BBBS),  The  Seton  Fund  –The  Fifty,  The  Young  Men’s  Business  League  (YMBL)  of  Austin  and  Sunshine  Camps.  My  wife  and  I  have  actively  served  as  couple  mentors  for  several  years  in  Austin  with  the  BBBS.  As  apart  of  The  Fifty,  I  advocate  for  the  improvement  of  Brackenridge  Medical  Center  and  the  growth  of  academic  medicine  while  engaging  others  in  the  community  to  do  the  same.  And  for  several  years,  I  have  participated  with  the  YMBL  of  Austin  and  we  host  sunshine  camps  which  fundraise  for  under  privileged  youth.    

   Participating  on  the  Founding  Board  for  the  Austin  Young  Chamber  of  Commerce  has  been  one  of  the  most  rewarding  experiences  of  my  philanthropic  efforts.  Working  with  like-­‐minded  professionals  to  help  establish  the  organization  and  taking  responsibility  to  get  things  done  has  been  a  rewarding  experience  and  had  a  significant  impact  on  the  community.      

 

What  Recruiters  Look  At  During  The  6  Seconds  They  Spend  On  Your  Resume    Although  we  may  never  know  why  we  didn't  get  chosen  for  a  job  interview,  a  recent  study  is  shedding  some  light  on  recruiters'  decision-­‐making  behavior.  According  to  TheLadders  research,  recruiters  spend  an  average  of  "six  seconds  before  they  make  the  initial  'fit  or  no  fit'  decision"  on  candidates.    The  study  used  a  scientific  technique  called  “eye  tracking”  on  30  professional  recruiters  and  examined  their  eye  movements  during  a  10-­‐week  period  to  "record  and  analyze  where  and  how  long  someone  focuses  when  digesting  a  piece  of  information  or  completing  a  task."      

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 From    Business  Insider  

 

In  the  short  time  that  they  spend  with  your  resume,  the  study  showed  recruiters  will  look  at  your  name,  current  title  and  company,  current  position  start  and  end  dates,  previous  title  and  company,  previous  position  start  and  end  dates,  and  education.    The  two  resumes  below  include  a  heat  map  of  recruiters'  eye  movements.  The  one  on  the  right  was  looked  at  more  thoroughly  than  the  one  of  the  left  because  of  its  clear  and  concise  format:    With  such  critical  time  constraints,  you  should  make  it  easier  for  recruiters  to  find  pertinent  information  by  creating  a  resume  with  a  clear  visual  hierarchy  and  don't  include  distracting  visuals  since  "such  visual  elements  reduced  recruiters’  analytical  capability  and  hampered  decision-­‐making"  and  kept  them  from  "locating  the  most  relevant  information,  like  skills  and  experience."    Resume  Hot  spots  |  Where  Recruiters  look  the  most                                                                

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Reinvent  Your  Career  by  Writing  Your  Own  Narrative    A  topsy-­‐turvy  world  like  the  one  in  which  we  live  offers  us  tremendous  opportunities.  But  to  tap  them,  we  must  remove  the  barriers  within  ourselves.    The  crucial  barriers  are  the  ways  we  compartmentalize  our  experiences  —  keeping  them  uniquely  bound  to  one  kind  of  job  or  career.  Avoid  such  compartmentalization.  Break  open  those  compartments  and  mix  all  of  your  experiences,  knowledge,  and  skills  into  the  precise  blend  that  makes  a  new  you.    Not  long  ago,  I  had  a  respected  executive  recruiter  tell  me  I  needed  to  "climb  in  a  box"  —  drastically  narrow  what  kind  of  work  I  was  seeking  to  do  in  a  new  career  move  in  order  to  get  potential  employers  to  fit  me  into  one  of  the  boxes  they  needed  to  fill.  In  effect,  he  was  telling  me  that  my  various  experiences,  skills,  and  career  narratives  were  mutually  exclusive.  I  think  that  he  was  giving  me  dangerously  wrong  advice.  Isn't  real  innovation  supposed  to  blow  through  thresholds  to  create  something  of  new  value?    I've  made  two  major  career  moves  in  the  span  of  four  years.  I  left  journalism  to  work  with  a  Big  Pharma  CEO  as  his  counselor  for  strategic  affairs  and  then  transitioned  to  doing  industry  analysis  and  thought  leadership.  In  those  instances  in  particular  and  throughout  my  life  the  consistent  surprise  was  how  I  could  draw  on  

different  skills  and  experiences  to  reinvent  myself  and  create  the  optimal  mix  much  like  musicians  use  sound  mixing  boards  to  create  the  best  sound.  (My  first  pursuit  as  a  young  man  was  to  be  a  rock  musician.)    A  mixing  board  is  a  large,  imposing  console  with  hundreds  of  dials  and  sliding  faders  to  control  volume.  They  are  arranged  in  columns  that  control  each  instrument.  A  band  playing  music,  whether  live  or  recorded,  uses  a  mixing  board  to  blend  in  the  precise  tone  and  volume  of  each  instrument,  including  voices,  to  make  a  complete  sound.  When  mixed  well,  the  music  sound  is  transformed  into  something  bigger  and  better  than  the  sum  of  the  individual  instruments  and  voices.      To  use  this  as  a  template  for  personal  innovation,  visualize  each  of  your  experiences  and  skills  in  life  as  an  instrument  controlled  on  a  sound  mixing  board.  What  if  this  experience  were  "louder"  and  this  skill  were  "quieter"?  What  kinds  of  old  experiences  from  divergent  things  could  be  used  in  new  ways  to  change  the  overall  "sound"  of  you?    Here  are  two  simple  examples  of  past  experiences  I've  "mixed"  higher  to  innovate  me.  I  worked  at  a  wastewater  treatment  plant  (the  sewer  plant,  we  called  it)  as  a  summer  job  way  back.  One  day  a  pony-­‐tailed  veteran  named  Fred  gave  me  some  

 By  

Christopher  Bowe  

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advice:  "If  they  ask  if  you  can  drive  the  bulldozer,  you  drive  the  bulldozer."  I  brought  this  experience  much  higher  into  my  focus  when  going  to  Big  Pharma  to  work  for  the  CEO.  Without  it,  I  might  never  have  even  positioned  myself  for  the  role.  Another  singular  example  is  with  performing  skills.  Previously  my  career  roles  meant  that  I  was  in  maximum  listening  mode.  Although  I  had  them,  stagecraft-­‐performing  skills  were  virtually  muted  for  decades  in  my  mix  until  recently.  Mixing  these  

higher  has  helped  me  to  be  comfortable  taking  a  new  tack  in  being  on  stage  more,  presenting  analytical  ideas  and  thought  leadership.  The  permutations  of  building  a  new  innovative  mix  of  you  are  nearly  endless.  In  a  real-­‐time  career,  as  in  live  music,  a  mix  does  not  stay  static.  Different  parts  of  different  songs  require  changes  in  feeling,  tone,  and  volume.  Similarly,  one  should  always  be  prepared  to  tweak  the  "volumes"  of  what  makes  you  valuable  to  your  audience  at  the  time.  

Are  You  A  Kobe  Or  A  Durant?    

LeBron   James   may   have   won   the   league  MVP   award   for   this   year   but   it’s   the   two  players   that   challenged   him   for   the   title  this   season   whose   stark   differences  caught   my   attention.     With   Kobe   Bryant  and   Kevin   Durant,   no   one   argues   their  skill   level,   work   ethic,   or   desire   to   win  championships.   What   does   get   debated,  are   topics   of   selfish   vs   selfless,   team   vs  individual,   and  what   it   takes   from   a   star  player  to  win  championships.    With..personal   branding,   you   should  make  the  most  out  of  the  time  when  the  spotlight  is  on  you.  Kobe  takes  this  form  of  self-­‐marketing  to  an  extreme.  All  teams  in  the  NBA  know  that  99%  of  the  time  he  will   be   taking   the   game’s   last   shot,  especially   in  high-­‐pressure   situations.  He  is   also   the  one  who  basks   in   the   glory  of  his  accomplishments  even  if  his  team  did  not  fare  as  well.    Durant,   on   the   other   hand,   is   almost   too  nice,  too  unselfish.  His  overt  team      

mentality  is  illustrated  by  one  of  his  most  recent  quotes  in  the  Thunder  Rumblings  –    “I   trust   my   teammates,   no   matter   if   they  miss   20   shots   in   a   row”.   He   also   has  admitted  that  at  times  he  may  have  made  the   wrong   decision   in   the   name   of  unselfishness.   Being   that   it   is   now   the  playoffs,   a   different   approach   may   be  worth   considering.     To   compare   it   to   an  office  situation,  while  you  may  be  the  only  person   in   your   position,   your   actions  

From  Personality  

Branding  Blogs  

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contribute   to   the   goals   on   the   entire  department  or  company.  Are  you  the  one  that   feels   it’s  more   important   to   take   the  necessary   steps   to   make   sure   you   as   an  individual   stand   out?   Or   do   you   feel   the  best  way  to  have  your  impact  emphasized  is   by   calling   attention   to   the  accomplishments  of  others  on  your  team?  

 Perhaps   perfection   is   somewhere   in  the  middle  for  you,  Kobe,  and  Durant.  Kobe  is  nearing  the  end  of  his  prime  and,  frankly,  might  not  have  many   “MVP   talk”  seasons   left.   That   is   unless   he   adopts  Durant’s   attribute   of   having   a   team  mindset   with   passing   more  

and   giving   credit   where   credit   is   due.    Many   have   noted   that   the   way   Durant  operates  can  only  take  him  so  far.  That  is  unless   he   adopts   Kobe’s   attribute   of  stepping   firmly   into   the   spotlight   as   the  

leader,  and  takes  the  shots  he  should  have  been  taking  all  along.  So,  are  you  a  Kobe  or  a   Durant?   Do   you   know   the   necessary  changes   needed   to   help   you   achieve   your  own  “MVP”  dreams?  

Get More From Your Summer Fridays  

 The  summer  is  finally  here!    For  a  few  lucky  ducks,  it  also  signifies  the  first  of  a  weekly  phenomenon:  the  summer  Friday.  Whether  you're  getting  a  half  or  a  whole  day  off,  or  nothing  (but  scrambling  to  leave  before  the  sun  goes  down)  we've  got  some  tips  to  help  you  get  out  of  the  office  and  onto  the  beach  a  little  faster.  1.  Frontload  your  week  The  assignments  you're  dreading  are  the  ones  most  dangerous  to  your  beach  time.  Identify  what  you're  most  likely  to  procrastinate,  and  put  it  at  the  top  of  your  to-­‐do  list.    Save  easy,  administrative  stuff  for  Friday  mornings.  If  you  don't  get  to  it,  it  won't  be  the  end  of  the  world—and  you  can  daydream  about  the  beach  while  you  sort  those  files.        2.  Automate  the  personal  stuff  You'll  likely  be  working  a  few  extra  hours  the  rest  of  the  week,  which  means  longer  nights  and  less  time  for  chores  at  home.  Resist  the  urge  to  let  this  stuff  bleed  into  your  Fridays.    Instead,  get  proactive  and  plan  to  deal  with  little  nuisances  ahead  of  time—order  your  groceries  online,  do  drop  off  service  your  laundry,  set  auto-­‐pay  for  your  bills,  and  draft  an  "out  of  the  office"  message  so  you  won't  have  to  guiltily  respond  to  every  email  that  comes  in  after  3pm  on  Friday.    3.  Time  Yourself  Using  your  office  closing  time  as  a  deadline,  draft  a  to-­‐do  list,  and  make  a  rough  estimate  on  how  long  each  item  should  take.  Then  start  

the  clock.  Whether  you  use  the  alarm  on  your  phone  or  a  playlist  that  lasts  about  the  length  of  working  time  you  need,  stick  to  your  limit  for  each  task.  Then,  give  yourself  a  5  minutes  grace  period,  and  move  on.    4.  Plan  ahead  Summer  is  definitely  the  season  of  spontaneity,  so  don't  let  poor  planning  hold  you  back.  Stock  your  desk  with  the  following:  Toothbrush,  sunscreen,  swimsuit,  flip  flops,  toiletries,  and  a  casual  change  of  clothes.  Pack  it  all  in  a  ready-­‐for-­‐the-­‐beach  bag  and  you'll  be  ready  at  a  moment's  notice  for  weekend  fun.  Even  if  there's  no  time  to  stop  home  first.    5.  Say  yes—or-­-­no  more  often  Sometimes,  by  the  end  of  the  week,  we're  too  burned  out  to  even  use  summer  Fridays.  Use  your  judgment  here.  Should  you  give  yourself  the  push  to  do  something  social,  or  is  your  time  better  spent  at  home  with  a  margarita?  It's  really  up  to  you.  Just  keep  in  mind  that  summer  is  short,  and  half-­‐day  Fridays  are  a  brief  opportunity.  Take  complete  advantage  of  them.  And  have  fun!

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From  The  Vault    

 

BULLETIN   EVENTS  

Leadership Empowerment Institute Conference  July 27 | 8 am – 5 pm http://www.austinblackmba.org/ The Leadership Empowerment Institute (LEI) conference, presented by the Austin Chapter of the National Black MBA Association, is scheduled for Friday, July 27, 2012, from 8 AM until 5 PM CST at the AT&T Executive Education and Conference Center! This extraordinary full-day conference will inspire and motivate today’s up and coming business leaders through its conference theme: “The Power of Presence and Sharing the Vision for Leadership.” August General Body Meeting | Occupy the Vote August 13 | 6:30 – 8 pm Join us for a look at the issues from experts from each side. Then learn how to become deputized to help make sure everyone is equipped to vote this November. 2012 NCNW Women of Color Business Workshop August 25 | 9 am – 3 pm http://www.ncnwaustin.org/ Back to School BBQ August 18 | Afternoon For more info and to volunteer | community.aaulyp@gmail.com Join the AAULYPs for our annual Back to School BBQ. We’ll bring the delicious food and entertainment, you bring back to school supplies for child ren and families in need. Let’s impact by making sure Austin students are fully prepared to excel and achieve.  YP Fundraiser September 11 | Applebees More info | fundraising.aaulyp@gmail.com Stay tuned for details Whitney M. Young Conference October 14-16 | Atlanta, GA More info | president.aaulyp@gmail.com | http://www.nulyp.net/ Not going to the national conference next week? Join the AAULYP Board and YPs from across the country as we build our leadership skills, learn more about the movement and engage in 3 days of amazing activities and festivities.

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3   4  

5   6  

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8  

1,  2  :  Summer  community  outreach  with  Texas  Ramp  Project;  3,  4:  Juneteeth  

celebration  

5:  YP  Summer  Social  with  CCAACC  CEO  Natalie  Cofield;  6,7  GivingCity  Giver’s  Ball;  8  Summer  community  service  

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MEMBERS  MONTH  Celebrating  You  All  Month  Long  

   |  OUR  MISSION  |  To  impact  our  generation,  empower  communities  and  change  lives      |  OUR  GOALS  |  Be  a  platform  for  philanthropy    Be  a  resource  for  professional  development  Address  the  needs  of  our  community    Be  a  social  conduit      |  OUR  METRICS  |  1,000  +  hrs  of  community  service    100  +  students  impacted    12  +  programs    15  +  events      |  OUR  EXPANSION  |  7  +  Members  305  +  Likes  130  +  Followers    275  +  engaged  YPs    Thanks  for  your  support.  Join  the  movement  and  take  advantage  of  our  discounted  membership  through  July  31.  Purchase  your  annual  membership  here:  http://aaulypmembership-­‐eorgf.eventbrite.com/  

   

         

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