Looking for that first great career move? You are more qualified than you realize.

Nachman focused on these three primary topics during the workshop.

Amanda Nachman, author of #Qualified: You Are More Impressive Than You Realize, spoke with students from San Diego State University during a virtual workshop on September 9 to share how they can put their early careers into high gear by leveraging their existing experiences, knowledge and passions. The event, which was sponsored by the college’s Career Management Center and the College of Business Council, is part of the Fowler College of Business’s ongoing efforts to support students with personal and professional development opportunities virtually during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Nachman kicked off the Zoom workshop with a statement to students: “You are more qualified than you realize” and asked those students attending to share with her what they wanted to do with their degree.  After discussing the results of an interactive poll, she shared her three-step process to elevate that degree to a prospective employer. Those steps are:

Nachman has delivered numerous presentations, including a TEDx lecture

1. Level up your story

Nachman pointed out that you can’t control the rejections for positions you really wanted, but you can control the feeling of being unqualified. “It’s up to you. You possess what you want to achieve in life,” she said. “Everything you’ve learned up to this point has contributed to your skill set and foundation — and I mean everything.” Next, she advised students to examine their interests, strengths and values (called “the passion equation”) and to share those attributes in Zoom’s chat feature. She highlighted a few examples from the audience to demonstrate how they could weave stories about their attributes into their interviews to better share their qualifications with potential employers.

2. Make courageous connections

Using an example of “making a courageous connection” from her book, Nachman told the story of a high school student who contacted a local professor who was conducting a study on honesty. After expressing her interest in his research, the student was given the opportunity to assist the professor with the project, giving her valuable experience in the field of psychology which she shared on her college applications. Reaching out to people you admire, or who have careers in your field of interest, is a good way to learn invaluable information that can help you succeed Nachman told students. “I dare you to make one courageous connection every day for the next month,” she said. “When you make these courageous connections, you’re getting the blueprint for how they made it happen on their career journey. You can use that blueprint for your own success.” Nachman reminded the audience that to make the best impression when making virtual connections you must dress appropriately, create a suitable space (don’t sit on an unmade bed, for example), and practice online with a friend before going live.

Don't use an unmade bed as the backdrop during an online interview, advised Nachman

3. Build your personal brand

“The brand is a promise of the value you’ll receive,” Nachman shared a quote from Tom Peters from Fast Company. “And the best way to build your personal brand is to share your passions.” She continued by sharing how there are numerous ways to convey your passions such as through listing your experience on LinkedIn, sharing photos on Instagram, building a personal website or through a podcast. “A podcast is a fantastic excuse to make a courageous connection with people you admire in your industry,” she said. “You can ask them for interviews – I did this. I interviewed a ton of career experts and I shared some of their wisdom in my book. You can also share some of your favorite quotes on Instagram.”

As the session began to wrap up, Nachman advised students to volunteer for organizations or groups where the experience can be used to build their personal brand and to add to a resume. “Don’t wait for permission – volunteer,” she said. “Go to Meetup.com today and I guarantee there is a group that is meeting virtually that can help you meet your goals.”

In closing, Nachman encouraged students who take these three steps to pass it on. “Help someone else see how qualified they are for what they want. Just imagine a world where we all feel qualified to go after what we want.”