The Alpha Kappa Psi Lambda Nu Chapter will be saying goodbye to a lot of dedicated Brothers that are graduating in May. Before they get ready to leave, however, they are more than willing to share their take-aways from their four years at American University.
President Andrew Lam and Brother Kelsey Lee compared their progress through college, assessing what was a turning point and which of their choices showed initiative. Their presentation, supported by Faculty Brother Wim Taylor’s perspective of what employers look for, was a fresh, eye-opening take on what it means to take full advantage of your college years (to a reasonable degree).
Few people can be expected to go into college knowing without a doubt where they will be four years later. It is important, however, to look at what you have been doing, how did you focus and balance, and what will motivate you.

What does the timeline of your college years look like?

What should the timeline of your college years look like?

Based on Brother Lam and Brother Lee’s combined experiences, it became obvious how important it was to take chances. Even rushing Alpha Kappa Psi was a chance. “I went to AKPsi Rush for free food,” Brother Lee admitted, saying that her friends had convinced her to attend the events which led to all of her involvement in the organization.
Equally important is to be continually pursuing interests. Brother Lam talked about how, out of curiosity, he shifted his focus from accounting (his major) while abroad. He called it his “big exploratory period.” And working in the music industry, something which really interested him, was a great experience in the end, although he did not pursue it.

Faculty Brother Wim Taylor summed up these experiences throughout one’s college years in terms of how far you can see forward. The stages are based on the career path that you assume for yourself.It is important to build relationships, admit your failures, set achievable goals, and (as Brother Lam advised) to stay true to yourself when seeking a direction to follow.
The relationship-building aspect is about connecting and establishing relationships (not just contacts). A relationship is different in that you are invested in it, and there is some “give and take,” where you are “giving” them something to make them invested in you.

Look at Things From the Employer’s Perspective

Based on the Kogod Center for Career Development data collected about perspective employees, the top attributes that employees look for included many soft skills, some of which may even surprise you. Did you know that a sense of humor, agreeableness, and tactfulness were so sought after?
When it gets down to it, according to Taylor, all of the interview questions thrown at you are really only three questions:

• Can you do the job?
• Do we want you to do the job?
• Are you a good fit?

The right answers can be established by demonstrating effort and character. Of course, that’s much easier said than done!
These were only a couple of the insights that were shared through this event, focusing on the strategies and initiatives that our own Brothers took and what Wim Taylor has observed in his work with AU students.

For more on relationship-building and networking, Faculty Brother Wim Taylor suggests the following books:

• Never Eat Alone by Keith Ferrazzi
• Mindset: The New Psychology of Success by Carol Dweck

Make sure to add them to your reading list! A different perspective never hurts.