Career Girls

Everyone has a story, and stories drive our life choices. I grew up listening to my grandmother’s stories and then fact checking them with other family members to hear their version of the same event. Stories are how we communicate; we relate to one another based on our experiences. If we don’t share similar experiences, we listen and try to place ourselves in the other person’s narrative, building empathy and compassion along the way. 

 

We read books and watch movies to go into a different world to get out of our story and into someone else's, sparking inspiration for the future, gaining confidence or learning a lesson. I found it amazing that two people watching the same movie could have widely different perspectives on the same story. I had an old professor who always said, write what you know. You can only tell your own truth, but you can read, listen and learn from other’s.

 

It took me a long time to understand the importance of storytelling, and my understanding of it now will grow and evolve just like stories themselves. As I go into my last semester of grad school I am realizing that stories are everywhere and that they motivate us. No matter what career you are going into, you will have to be able to connect on a human level. We as humans relate to stories better than we do to hard data and statistics. It’s about creating a bridge that can unite us. 

 

Learning how to tell a compelling story will give you an advantage, especially as you begin your career. You’ll need to be able to stand out in crowd. You can do that by sharing a personal story that connects you to the business or person you're speaking with. Start with your story, and find out what it is that makes you, you. 

 

Our role model Julie Dash gives great advice on what makes a compelling story. Check it out and gain some inspiration for your own story!