I had dinner recently with a young woman who had been an intern with me during my time working for the U.S. Senate. The student had come from the University of Chicago. She was bright, sharp, and she stood out from the rest of the interns. I saw the potential for her future and did my best to encourage her. I have kept in touch with her by email since her internship ended. I had promised her should she ever need my help in any way, I’d be willing to do whatever I could for her. Joanna moved to New York and we remain connected through emails and social media including LinkedIn and Facebook. This past summer, she asked me if I would be a reference for her for a job she was eager to get. I was more than happy to oblige.
During my early years at the Illinois Woman’s Press Association I had good mentors and met with
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individuals who were willing to share their experiences and advice with me. I never forgot how important their support had been. I never forgot the references and recommendations they had been willing to provide, and in some instances still do for me. They saw the potential in my future long before I did. I’ve always tried to do the same and
have never understood those women in the workplace who have been more combative than nurturing to the next group of young
women building their careers.
Joanna came back to Chicago to visit former professors and friends. She had reached out to me before her trip to set up a meeting - breakfast, lunch or dinner during the weekend she’d be back in Chicago. She wanted to share her experiences at her new job, living in Manhattan, what was next on her horizon and to thank me in
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person for taking the time to assist her. She’s on the right track. I made some suggestions for her to take back to her boss; of course they involved using social media on the project she’s involved in.
So why am I sharing my story of Joanna with you? As members of IWPA we all have the ability to make a connection, lend a hand to a colleague and become a mentor to someone.
Have you made the connection to the Illinois Woman’s Press Association groups on LinkedIn, Facebook or Twitter yet? There is also a group for the National Federation of Press Women on LinkedIn and on Facebook as well. These are the easiest ways to get reconnected with members of both organizations, learn what other members are doing, and discover who you might be able to build a stronger friendship with
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