Conquer Your Career with These 5 Words of Wisdom

Each year, Target travels around the country to attend diversity recruitment conferences to support outstanding talent and seek out the leaders of tomorrow. Thousands of MBA students and professionals shut their textbooks, leave their desks behind and attend these annual events to encourage their peers, listen to inspiring speakers and foster their intellectual and career growth.

Below, a few words of wisdom we’ve picked up from some of the most influential MBA conferences.

1. LEARN FROM YOUR FAILURES 
Out of 200 venture capitalists and investors, only four believed in Christy Haubegger – founder of Latina magazine – and her idea for a bilingual magazine. Four people said yes, 196 said no. Every one of those no’s taught her the importance of persistence and the inevitability of failure. But calculated risks and failure will be a part of your success story. Christy was the engaging keynote speaker at this year’s National Society of Hispanic MBA (NSHMBA) Scholarship Luncheon, where she applauded the contributions and progress of the Hispanic community.  One in particular was Target Board of Director Solomon “Sol” Trujillo, who was honored with the first-ever Brillante Award for Excellence: Founder’s Circle for his remarkable career and influences to the advancement of Hispanics in the U.S.

2. BE BOLD
Whether you tend to be shy or the life of the party, it’s okay to be bold in the workplace. Make a statement and demand attention (in a good way, of course!).  No stranger to standing in the spotlight, comedian Margaret Cho and Broadway superstar Wilson Cruz gave inspiring speeches, about the importance of being proud and earning respect, to more than 2,500 LGBT MBA students and professionals at this year’s Out & Equal Workplace Summit.

3. COMMUNITY IS KEY
Forming positive relationships with colleagues and coworkers will increase productivity at the workplace and encourage inclusive office environments. The National Black MBA Association (NBMBAA) understands the importance of personal connections and the sense of community in the workplace. At the vivacious 2011 NBMBAA conference, Target team members enjoyed engaging with hundreds of students and professionals.

4. LIFE AT THE OFFICE WON’T ALWAYS BE FAIR
It’s not always going to be smooth sailing on the job, so accept that now. But that’s just the way it is, says Christy Haubegger. “You have to work a little harder, show up early and defy the stereotypes. It’s not fair – but deal with it!”

5. MAKE TIME FOR YOURSELF
The crowd at the Reaching Out MBA (ROMBA) Conference was filled with hardworking, passionate and dedicated professionals. You don’t get ahead in business without making sacrifices in your own life, but it’s important to give yourself a break every now and then so you can be the best version of yourself. Hundreds of conference-goers relaxed at Target’s evening charity party – the go-to event of the week!

Source: A Bullseye View