Sang Lee’s Post

UPDATE: See conversation below with two alums, Bénédicte and Alice on what it takes to get this level of networking going! Sharing Bénédicte's post this morning as it's so relevant to many of my current and former students looking for their next gig or internship. Those of you who've asked me for advice have heard it from me, it's about WORKING your network. And I do mean WORKING -- it's not about sending a bunch of tentative messages on LinkedIn, but about engaging with specific individuals on specific topics, building a two-way relationship from introduction, to follow-up to long-term sharing -- sound familiar 😉? #jobsearch #creativitymktg #networking

The intern title is your free ticket into all kinds of cool conversations. If you haven't been using it this summer, start now! When I interned with USAA during my master's program, I had a phenomenal senior VP (Adam Holton - the man, the myth, the legend) tell me he hoped I'd spend about half my time completing my projects... And the other half networking and learning about the company and the HR function. That was pretty stunning, and I'm so glad he said it outright to me. I took him at his word, and had upward of 80 one-on-one conversations with people across HR and the business that summer. I think there was a single person I reached out to that I didn't end up talking with, and only because our schedules didn't end up aligning. Everyone else responded relatively quickly and enthusiastically - most enjoyed the chance to talk about themselves and their work. It's flattering to have someone reach out and say "you're a cool person, can we talk?" Of course, a good number of those conversations served dual purposes because they provided context and insight for my projects... But there were plenty that happened based solely on my own interests and curiosity. Now, mine is definitely an extreme example - I don't think I've heard from anyone else that an SVP told them to spend 50% of their internship time networking. And to be clear - this can NOT happen at the expense of quality in your projects! My #1, very simple rule for creating a great career is to focus on building great relationships AND doing great work. If you miss on either one, you're likely to peak earlier than you'd prefer. But the majority of good companies and leaders I've come across expect their interns to be proactive in learning and connecting across the business - And if they see that you've done that... As long as your work is also up to snuff... You'll be WAY more likely to get a return offer. Definitely more likely than someone who did a good job on their projects but sat in a cubicle all day, only really interacted with their immediate team, and felt bored half the summer because they didn't have enough to do. Even if you haven't had a leader explicitly say you should be networking like crazy internally, if nobody is stopping you, don't hesitate another second! Reach out to someone cool at your company today. #careerdevelopment #networking #internships #interntips #relationshipbuilding

Happy new week, everyone! Let's kickstart this week with a positive mindset. Starting your week on a good note can significantly impact your overall productivity and mood. Today being the last day of the month, there are mixed feelings. it might stem from not achieving your goals yet don't let that disrupt your thoughts. Know this today, as long as you are alive those goals will definitely be achieved. It's only time will tell. I am Amara, your multitalented virtual Assistant. My skills in communication, problem-solving, and attention to detail allow me to provide exceptional customer service and support. Additionally, my ability to efficiently manage data and conduct thorough research can help streamline processes and uncover valuable insights. A beautiful Monday to us and a prosperous week ahead ❣️ How was your weekend? #newweek #monday #positivevibes #lastdayofthemonth #customersupport #customercare #dataentry #projectmanagement #virtualassistant #remotejobs #opentointernships

“Hey Paul, what was the best part of these Minnesota Talent Leaders events for you?” Easy, the people. Yes, the content was A+ and I learned a lot. (re)Connecting with people was the best part. For some, I had not seen them in a year, five years and in one case eleven years. For real, eleven years. For others it was finally saying hello in person for the first time. No, LinkedIn and Facebook are not enough. Because of the events I am aware of a few recruiter contractor roles being filled, candidate leads being shared, an internship filled, and an Airbnb reservation made. Yes, one attendee has a cabin that another attendee has booked for a week in August. It’s good to see these people again. #TalentMN #RecruiterLife

🚫 Attention Internship Seekers: No Open Positions Available at This Time 🚫 To all the talented interns out there seeking referrals, I hope this message finds you well. As an employee at Expedia Group, I am frequently approached by individuals like yourselves who are eager to secure internships and advance their careers. While I appreciate your enthusiasm and determination, I must clarify that at this moment, our company does not have any open intern positions. I understand how disheartening this news might be, especially when you're actively seeking opportunities to gain valuable experience and contribute to a dynamic workplace like ours. However, it's essential to acknowledge the current circumstances and manage expectations accordingly. I encourage you to keep exploring other avenues and opportunities that align with your interests and career goals. Whether it's through networking, online resources, or other companies with available intern positions, persistence and resilience are key to achieving your objectives. While I'm unable to provide a referral for an intern position at Expedia Group at this time, I'm more than happy to offer guidance or assistance in other ways, such as sharing insights about the industry, providing resume feedback, or connecting you with relevant professionals in your field. Please feel free to reach out if you have any questions or if there's anything else I can assist you with. Wishing you the best of luck in your internship search and future endeavors.

A year ago, I made a bold decision to delete all my social media accounts. At first, it felt daunting – I worried about losing connections, missing out on trends, and not documenting my life. But looking back, this decision was transformative and invaluable. Without the constant distractions and comparisons from social media, I found myself with more time to reflect on my true passions and goals. This period of introspection led me to a profound realization: my dream is to pursue a career in hospitality. Why hospitality? Because it's a field where I can make genuine connections, create memorable experiences for others, and continuously learn and grow. Working in hospitality aligns perfectly with my desire to contribute positively to people's lives and make a tangible difference. Deleting social media allowed me to: ➤Dive deeper into my coursework and excel in my studies. ➤Develop essential skills and gain practical knowledge through internships. ➤Fully embrace new experiences and opportunities in the hospitality industry. ➤Confirm that I can travel and experience life without social media. Currently, I’m in Hawaii, participating in a Work and Travel program and working as a dining host. These experiences solidified my passion for hospitality and gave me a clearer vision of my future. I realized that my ultimate goal is to own a bed and breakfast, a place where I can bring joy to travelers and create a welcoming, homely environment. I'm grateful for the clarity and focus I've gained over the past year. If you're feeling overwhelmed or uncertain about your path, consider taking a step back from social media. It might just help you discover your true calling. #CareerJourney #HospitalityIndustry #PersonalGrowth #LifeWithoutSocialMedia #FindingYourPassion

Gartner's interns were asked to describe Gartner’s culture in one word. They shared many different words from engaging to enriching, however, one word came up over and over again: supportive. See why they chose this particular word to describe Gartner's culture. #LifeAtGartner #Internship

As I complete a year in this corporate world as a full time employee. 💯 Here's all the things I have learned during my journey. Some sweet and bitter truths! • You will definitely make friends here but that doesn't mean they'll let you get their promotion. • Corporate is not only related to work but also finding yourself during the journey. You can change your career field anytime you want. • Experience >>>> Degree. • Work life balance + Growth [Both financially and mentally] is a great combo. • Don't let social media fool you thinking that you are not doing enough. You are and trust me one year is Nothing when it comes to experience. PS: I have been working from past 3 years but no one counts internships as an experience. What are some things you've learnt during your journey? #oneyearanniversary #corporate #corporatejourney #Socialmedia #socialmediagrowth #content #linkedin #linkedincreator #creatormode

Gartner's interns were asked to describe Gartner’s culture in one word. They shared many different words from engaging to enriching, however, one word came up over and over again: supportive. See why they chose this particular word to describe Gartner's culture. #LifeAtGartner #Internship

Gartner's interns were asked to describe Gartner’s culture in one word. They shared many different words from engaging to enriching, however, one word came up over and over again: supportive. See why they chose this particular word to describe Gartner's culture. #LifeAtGartner #Internship