Guest post by Camille Corales, Graduating Senior at The University of Houston
It’s not every day that students will throw themselves out of their comfort zone, but if you’re ready to dive in–head first into the business world– here are some tips I suggest for making the most out of AMA Houston:
Tip #1: Be Confident
I’m telling you right now, confidence is key. When I first started AMA Houston I was shy, quiet, and definitely too into my shell. I had very little confidence in myself. I mean, would you if it was your first time networking with a huge group of professionals?
When my mentor noticed me sitting alone at every event, she taught me to “fake it till you make it”, or, use what confidence you have to get out there and make a network. Part of your personal branding is really about how you portray yourselves to others, so portray yourself with confidence.
Tip #2: Volunteer at Events or on a Committee
I would have never met these incredible people if I didn’t take the extra step to include myself in the organization. I had been in AMA Houston for less than 6 months, but it seemed like a handful of people already knew my name and which company I worked for. This is important for the future, because your new network can help you out after graduation (or wherever you are in life).
Pro-tip: Recruiters and other professionals, will notice you more, if you attend more events and you can easily do that if you start volunteering for AMA Houston.
Tip #3: Don’t Be Late
This is something I struggled with even before I joined AMA. Tardiness has been a bad habit for me since even before college. If you break this habit now, it will pay off in the future. What I’ve noticed is that when I arrive to events earlier than expected, it gives me time to converse with professionals on a deeper level in a calmer environment. Additionally, it’s easier to find people before the event starts and before they begin forming groups.
Tip #4: Find a Mentor
One of my most rewarding experiences in AMA is being a mentor and mentee at the same time. Trust me when I say this, having a mentor is great. The mentor I’ve had in AMA has helped me with multiple things, such as establishing a strong presidency in the local AMA Chapter at the University of Houston and has even given me advice about life.
Another plus side is that they help you with recommendation letters!
Tip #5: Join a Local Chapter at Your School
I started my journey in AMA Houston through AMA at the University of Houston. This is where I was able to help create a student-ran marketing firm and help increase the branding for AMA UH, where we received one of the top chapter awards across the world. If you happen to join, AMA Houston before a local chapter, it’s not too late. The local chapters are where you can find students, such as yourself, who may not know how to get started with getting involved in a professional organization. The best way to get involved is to involve others.
From a student point of view, AMA Houston has given me more than I ever asked for. It is by far the best decision I have ever made because of the different values it has given me. AMA Houston has helped me grow- out of my timid comfort zone and has pushed me to grow into a young professional.
Camille Corales is a graduating senior at the University of Houston and President of the AMA UH Chapter. Last year, she received the Penny Todd Scholarship, which goes to a local undergraduate marketing student. AMA Houston is proud of Camille and the contributions she has made to our organization.
If you would like to get involved with AMA Houston then volunteer, attend an event or contribute to this blog by emailing us at blog@amahouston.com.