MBA and Beyond

I'm ashamed to admit that it took me this long to realize the importance of extracurricular involvement. For example, during my undergraduate days, all that was on my mind was to graduate and get out into the real world so I could conquer it. Sometimes the overwhelming embarrassment of my sophomoric naivete is more than I can bear. The point is, that throughout my undergraduate days and even so far as a few short years ago, I had the ego-centric attitude that I could do everything myself. The old me would say, "Stay out of my way. I have no time for extracurricular involvement because I'm out to conquer the world." What I didn't realize then was that no one conquers the world by him/herself. It is done with the assistance and support of those around you.

I have finally figured that out. So, instead of the paradigm that other people are simply in my way, I have engaged in a paradigm shift that allows me to view those around me as resources for mutual benefit. I also came to the conclusion that I don't have as many resources/mentors/professional peers as I would like. Therefore, the impetus behind this whole entry is that I am putting myself out there more and more and getting involved in more professional associations.

Forgive me. For some of you out there, this concept is so obvious that my entry may seem inane. However, for those that are sitting by the sidelines with blinders like I used to do, you may want to consider getting involved in more professional and even community associations.

I'll end this entry with the recollection of my most recent association meeting this past Thursday. Earlier this year, I joined the Urban Land Institute (ULI) www.uli.org, which is a huge organization dedicated toward leadership and education in the real estate and land development industry. I was subsequently invited to be involved in their Young Leaders Partnership Forum which is a group within ULI that is by application only and groups young leaders with a moderator/mentor in order to have a forum in which to discuss contemporary real estate issues and experiences. I was lucky enough to be chosen for one of their groups. In the past, I wouldn't have put myself out there but this time it felt good. I wanted to be a part of something bigger than myself. Well, this past Thursday we had our first meet and greet at a local restaurant. Prior to the meet and greet, we were given the list of those in our group. To put things in perspective, I am in a group with 2 vice presidents, an attorney, an owner of an architectural firm, and other accomplished real estate professionals under the age of 35. Then there's me. I had to ask myself, "What do I bring to this accomplished group of people?" However, I swallowed my reticence and I went in looking forward to meeting my peers. To my complete and utter surprise, I was called out in front of my peers by one of the group's organizers as having a very impressive resume (thanks in no small part to my SMU career counselor). Needless to say, I felt proud. I did manage to keep my big head in check while I mingled and met the other forum members. I can honestly say that this is a fantastic group of young professionals and I am so excited to learn from them and contribute what little I can to their already accomplished list of experiences.

What is the moral of this long winded story, you ask? Get Involved and put yourself out there. In my past life I didn't get involved because I thought I knew it all and I was intimidated by the thought of looking sub standard in the eyes of those more experienced than me. Well, I learned rather quickly that I certainly don't know it all and that you can't conquer the world without the help of those that are more experienced than yourself. Putting ego aside, those are the best people to have on your team. Career education/leadership/networking is much like a sport...the only way to get better is by playing against and being coached by those more experienced than you. Hopefully you'll have that paradigm shift or already have that paradigm which will save you years of learning it the hard way.