In January, I was invited to give a career talk for 100+ students at the University of Greenwich in London. This rewarding moment inspired me to share what I said.

The students were coming from various programs but in particularly Business, Marketing, Banking and Finance, Entrepreneurship and Innovation. The idea was to help the students to prepare their future careers. It was rewarding to share my experience with the new grads. They’ll be our future. These were the key points that I mentioned to the students:

1. My career background. I studied Industrial Engineering for 6 years at the Technological University in Argentina (UTN). Yes, it’s 6 years over there. Or at least it was back in the days. The reason I studied this was because I wanted to have some knowledge of different engineering areas such as chemical, mechanical, electrical, civil and so on. Industrial was a good compromise to be a generalist. It also attracted me the fact that I could be able to optimise complex processes, systems or firms by developing, improving and implementing integrated systems of people, money, knowledge, information, equipment, energy and materials. I heard my university had a partnership with another one in France, so I decided to apply for a scholarship to finish my studies in France. I applied 3 times and didn’t get it. But I never stopped learning from each process and trying one more time. Only on my last application, I got it. In France I did a Business Management specialisation. This is taking us to my 2nd point…

2. My career change. While living and working in France I signed up for my MBA as I wanted to complement my Engineering background with a stronger Financial and Business knowledge. I was facing a very strong competition from local people. I was not French but I learnt. I didn’t have any financial knowledge but I learnt. I was not making any money but I learnt how to. Eventually I moved from Paris to London with very little money but with a strong desire to apply all my hard-educational years. I was ready to learn and adjust one more time. And I knew this would eventually pay off. This is taking us to my 3rd point…

3. My career advice. One of the biggest challenges after University is to face the complex and unknown situations. To be ready to learn how to learn. To understand that learning is perpetual and there is no shortcuts. I faced exactly these challenges but on the other hand, I tried to learn from my mistakes and from my fears. If I can give you some practical take away:

A) During the application process, rather than sending mass resumes and hoping for a response, make careful and targeted applications.

B) In your interviews, use the reverse interview technique. This means, ask thoughtful questions and show a real interest in learning more about the company but never forget your homework. Also use a healthy level of eye contact and express curiosity and passion. Follow the 30/2 rule, meaning to keep your answers between 30 seconds and 2 minutes to cover questions without rushing.

C) Once the interview is over, hope for the best and plan for the worst. If you didn’t get it, learn and try again. Every interview is a chance to improve your skills. If you did get it, then:
>Try to work well with others, the famous team player
>Try to show leadership and problem-solving skills
>Try to be a self-starter, demonstrating an ability to take the initiative and not need constant direction
>Try to be positive and motivate your co-workers

And finally, if there’s just one thing you want to take away from me, then please take: try to learn how to learn.