"LO QUE NADIE TE CONTÓ DEL MUNDO LABORAL (y cómo brillar en él)"

Welcome to the 19th Business Experience Exchange

Introduction and Purpose

• The event is a significant opportunity for students, faculty authorities, and teaching colleagues to engage in business experience exchange.

• It aims to provide a reflective space for analyzing and critically evaluating best business practices in the country.

Importance of Practical Knowledge

• Students are encouraged to pay close attention as they will hear from an alumna discussing often overlooked topics in the classroom. The focus is on real-world insights into the job market.

• Emphasis is placed on being emotionally, mentally, and tactically prepared for the workforce beyond just holding a degree.

Understanding the Job Market

Key Insights on Career Success

• Graduates must recognize that while a diploma opens doors, it’s their attitude, mindset, and soft skills that will determine their success in maintaining employment.

• Daily performance evaluations occur in workplaces; employees must continuously prove their value or risk losing their positions.

Speaker Introduction

• Erika Agüero Puente, an accomplished alumna with over 15 years of experience in human management and organizational transformation, is introduced as the speaker for the evening. She has worked with notable companies like FedEx Perú and Grupo National.

• Continuous learning is emphasized; even after formal education ends, professionals should keep studying throughout their careers.

Erika's Personal Journey

Early Career Experiences

• Erika shares her background studying Industrial Relations since 1995 and working part-time during her studies to gain practical experience despite financial challenges early on. Her first job paid only transportation subsidies but was invaluable for learning opportunities.

Defining Success in Business

Career Insights and Employment Trends

Importance of Continuous Learning

• The speaker emphasizes the significance of acquiring new knowledge, suggesting that adaptability is crucial in various fields.

Job Market Expectations

• A notable 60% of companies require mathematical or technical skills even for junior positions, highlighting the competitive nature of job applications.

• Despite concerns about immediate employment post-university, statistics show that 90% of graduates find jobs within a year.

Youth Employment Opportunities

• Companies are increasingly creating internship programs aimed at recent graduates to attract young talent early in their careers.

• The speaker stresses that having a university degree serves as an entry ticket into the job market but does not guarantee success; proactive efforts are necessary.

First Job Realities

• The first job is often not ideal; it serves as a training ground rather than a dream position.

• Attitude and resilience are critical traits for navigating early career challenges, as initial roles may involve mundane tasks.

Personal Development Through Work Experience

• The speaker shares personal anecdotes about their first job experience, emphasizing the importance of hard work and perseverance despite difficulties.

• Key soft skills such as resilience and self-motivation are essential for long-term success and cannot be taught in traditional educational settings.

Interview Insights

• During interviews, understanding candidates' hobbies can reveal their ability to manage stress and maintain life balance.

• Passion drives motivation; interviewers should look for candidates who have demonstrated success in any form, indicating a desire to achieve more.

Competitive Spirit in Professional Settings

First Job Insights

The Role of First Jobs

• The first job does not define your destiny; rather, it builds your skills and resilience.

Competition in the Workforce

• Today's competition is not just among peers but includes artificial intelligence (AI), which is increasingly integrated into various jobs.

• AI tools are utilized for tasks like resume screening, emphasizing the importance of using relevant keywords to get noticed by employers.

Understanding Business Language

• To enhance employability, candidates should learn to speak the language of their industry, such as including specific terms related to business or negotiations in their resumes.

Performance Metrics Over Effort

Shift from Academic Evaluation to Business Impact

• In the workplace, performance is measured by key performance indicators (KPIs) and results rather than effort or presentation quality.

• Employers focus on return on investment (ROI), assessing how training or activities contribute to company profits.

Importance of Measurable Impact

• Companies evaluate everything quantitatively; thus, employees must understand that impact matters more than effort alone.

Resilience and Adaptability in Career Development

Navigating Workplace Challenges

• The job market presents invisible obstacles such as informal work environments and gender gaps. Resilience and creativity are essential for overcoming these challenges.

Persistence in Job Applications

• Candidates may face multiple rejections; persistence is crucial. Visualizing goals and taking small steps towards them can help maintain motivation.

Gaining Experience Creatively

Alternative Paths to Build Skills

• Experience isn't solely gained through traditional employment; creative initiatives like digital portfolios or volunteer work can provide valuable skills.

Leveraging Personal Projects for Employment Opportunities

• Engaging in personal projects or volunteering can enhance employability more than formal education alone.

Networking Essentials

Building Professional Connections Early

Networking and Career Development Insights

The Essence of Networking

• Networking is not merely about making friends; it’s about being useful to others. LinkedIn is highlighted as the primary platform for professional placement.

• Generating informative, illustrative, and practical content on LinkedIn can attract potential employers, emphasizing that individuals must market their own skills and potential.

Importance of References in Job Placement

• Seven out of ten job vacancies are filled through references, which should come from those who appreciate your work rather than just acquaintances.

• The focus should be on how you can help others instead of what you can gain from them, aligning with the marketing principle of creating demand.

Understanding Job Market Dynamics

• The modern job landscape is volatile; young professionals may change jobs every two to three years as they seek new learning opportunities.

• Companies value diverse experiences and knowledge from various fields, allowing for unexpected career paths (e.g., engineers in marketing).

Embracing Change and Opportunities

• Volatility in the job market offers freedom to reinvent oneself; if one path doesn’t work out, another can be pursued.

• The labor market is full of opportunities; success comes from taking initiative rather than waiting for a dream job.

Key Attitudes for Success

• A proactive attitude focused on learning, contributing, and growing will lead to success in any position.

• Students studying administration or related fields need practical experience managing people, which cannot solely be learned in classrooms.

Practical Tips for Job Seekers

• Create a concise resume highlighting competencies and achievements. Include social activities or awards that demonstrate skills.

• If lacking work experience, emphasize how you can contribute to the company’s success. Research companies thoroughly before applying.

Job Search Strategies and Emotional Intelligence

Effective Job Application Techniques

• The speaker shares a personal experience of connecting with HR representatives to send resumes directly, emphasizing the importance of proactive communication in job applications.

• Despite facing rejections, the speaker encourages persistence and resilience, advising listeners not to feel embarrassed or discouraged during their job search.

Importance of Emotional Intelligence

• The speaker references psychologist Daniel Goleman, stating that professional success is influenced 80% by emotional intelligence and only 20% by IQ.

• Emphasizing the need for emotional regulation in stressful work environments, the speaker highlights how managing stress effectively is crucial for workplace success.

Team Dynamics and Workplace Reality

• The analogy of a football team illustrates that workplaces are competitive environments where only the best performers thrive; family dynamics do not apply in professional settings.

• The speaker stresses that while companies may claim to be like families, they prioritize performance over personal relationships.

Communication Skills in Professional Settings

• Listeners are advised to maintain clarity and brevity in written communications, promoting positivity as a means to enhance interpersonal relations at work.

• Acknowledging that poor emotional management can lead to negative perceptions from superiors, the speaker underscores the importance of being an approachable leader who fosters growth through shared knowledge.

Leadership Insights

• Future leaders must understand all processes within their teams to effectively guide others; leadership requires both knowledge and empathy.