Since at my mentorship I can only shadow, often times I have to sit around and watch while my mentor writes emails or does simpler tasks. Because of this, I have tried to acquire some materials in my field of interest that I could study while my mentor has to do these less interesting tasks. For example, I have a packet on one of the projects that we are currently working on that I refer back to or study when there is not anything new for me to observe. Additionally, I bring a notebook and a pen to my mentorship everyday in order to take notes on things that I want to commit to memory, as I believe it is important to use every opportunity to learn.
Another major point that the article discussed was networking. Since I am right in the middle of the Community Development department of a rapidly developing suburban city, I can experience firsthand the different elements that come together to create such a setting. For example, this past Thursday I had the opportunity to meet and talk with a team from a private developer that was proposing a site plan for a lot in the city. Additionally, I had met with the City Administrator the week prior. Just having the ability to meet and talk to people in my field of interest allows me to have the upper hand against my peers as I go through schooling and get ready to enter the "real world". I believe that education is only part of the equation when it comes to employability; the other key component is networking and making yourself known. The article also touched upon building a portfolio, which I think I will start doing this year to get a step ahead as I attempt to network.
Yasamin, 9/9
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