Did you ever wonder how to climb the corporate ladder? The College of Undergraduate Studies reached out to some of Florida’s most influential women to share with students how they’ve risen to the ranks of the most powerful, connected leaders in Florida.
They shared their insights at the Hispanic Businesswomen Leadership Roundtable, part of the College of Undergraduate Studies Lecture Series that kicked off during Hispanic Heritage Month. The Oct. 8 event was sponsored by Univision Orlando.
“Our distinguished guests and panelists know what it takes to meet career challenges, to become leaders and to thrive in an increasingly competitive work world,” said Dr. Elizabeth A. Dooley, provost and vice president of Academic Affairs, in introducing the panelists for the event. “We thank them for sharing their experiences so others may emerge as leaders.”
The panelists were Angela Alban, president and CEO, SIMETRI; Evelyn Costa Andrade, vice president, Human Resources, Quick Weight Loss Centers; Lillian Garcia, executive vice president and chief human resources officer, Tupperware Brands; and Marisol Romany, director, diversity and minority business development, Orlando Health. Cynthia Montalvo, anchor of Desperate Orlando, moderated the event. Here’s highlights from their advice:
Define what success looks like for you
Everyone’s definition of success is different. For some it might be getting an executive role and for others it might be making impact on their community. Remember, there’s no wrong answer. Define your purpose, and always stay true to yourself.
Be intentional when creating your plan
Think about what you want your career to look like in the five or 10 years. Your vision for your future is important because you need to determine the education and skills you need to be successful.
Keep in mind that your career won’t follow a linear path. Make choices that will get you to your end goal. Sometimes, making a lateral move is the right choice. Being open to moving to new companies and cities. You’ll acquire new skills and have experiences that will open opportunities for promotion.
Consider setbacks as opportunities to grow
Look for opportunities for professional and personal growth in every situation, including when facing obstacles and setbacks. Use negatives as motivators to bring out your best and flip the script for success.
Always keep learning
Learning doesn’t end when you graduate. Look at people in positions you aspire to and determine the degrees, certifications and experience you may need. In addition to attending graduate school, seek out advice from people in your chosen field, and take advantage of online resources.
To learn more, visit the lecture series website.
