Go Ahead and Brag!

By Caitlin Moore

We all know that actions speak louder than words, but don’t write off the power of words just yet. You can showcase your talents in any situation without coming across as overly boastful. Never forget: You are your biggest advocate, so don’t sell yourself short! Here’s how to put your best foot forward during an interview, with a new group, with your professors and in your personal relationships.

Interview

Your resume and references don’t speak for themselves. Anyone can look good on paper, but to land a job or internship you have to be your own advocate. Show  your value by relaying your talents, accomplishments, passions and aspirations. If you’ve been a part of a successful team effort, make sure to give those you’ve worked with credit as you highlight what you’ve brought to the table.

New Group

Connecting with new people can be nerve-wracking, but you can alleviate some of the stress by sharing your interests and what you’re good at. Let’s say you just joined a sorority and you’re interested in creating a committee to help your school go green. During a conversation, bring up the prize-winning energy-efficient project you worked on last year. By sharing this information you’ll earn the respect of the group and let them know what you have to offer.

Professors

Your relationships with your professors can have an impact on your future. Maybe you’re taking a history class with a professor you admire and want her to know how passionate you are about this subject. Either in private or during a class discussion, reference a book you’ve read or a workshop you’ve taken that ties into the topic being discussed. By communicating your experience, you are allowing the professor to know the real you, which will prove to be beneficial when it comes time for her to write your reference for graduate school or potential job opportunities.

Personal Life

In order to maintain healthy relationships—be it with a significant other or a friend—it’s important that they hear about your wins, as you want to hear about theirs.  By sharing your accomplishments they will not only know you better, but be more able to support your future efforts. For example, if a paper you’ve written has just been selected to be published in a prestigious magazine, let them know how excited you are, and plan a way to celebrate.