Day 33
Reflect back upon the internship setting, what public participation techniques other than the classic small group dynamics what you engaged in and with what degree of success? [FGD]
I engaged in the collaboration and execution of networking with CEO’s on a personal basis. At a roundtable held in Rockefeller Plaza in New York City, I was given the opportunity to interact as an actual attendee and collaborator of the roundtable instead of an assistant and intern to the organization. As a start, I was introduced to the speaker of the roundtable Michael. Michael, engaged with me on a personal level and was intrigued at how someone so young can be doing such a good job, based on Joshes remarks, in an organization. Before this roundtable, some members had already met me. Structurally, a roundtable would start with the facilitator, Josh, introducing the topic, Guest Speaker, and the topic; proceeding, were introductions by attendees and then the topic discussion. Normally I would not introduce myself in the event; however, a new member at the event asked why I did not introduce myself. Josh did not anticipate or imagine that such a question would arise. It was clear josh felt slightly uncomfortable because he did not know what I would say or how I would respond. I knew immediately this was a chance to impress not only my boss but the room of Executive board members that had high expectations. I did not disappoint. I proceeded to introduce myself. “HI, my name is Ivan Santos. I am an intern for Josh this summer working in the Helm Society as a management intern. I am a Berea College student. Berea is a small school consisting of 1600 students. At the college, I work as the Assistant Student Director for the Campus Activities Board. My job requires me to do a lot of marketing and managing. Some of the stuff I have to do is make and promote events at the school, make sure that the events venue takes place in an appropriate way, and ensure feedback from students to assess the impact of the Campus Activities Board. ” Without delay Michael states “You should find more opportunities to speak. You’re incredible, A great speaker!” Josh responded, “Ivan excels at everything he does. He is a tech wizard in my office. When something is down he fixes it immediately.” Immediately, I felt a paradigm shift in the attitude in which the CEOs of the roundtable viewed me. I was no longer an intern more than I was a peer. I guess it is safe to say, I had a tremendous impact as far as public interaction with CEOs go.
I learned this when I attended the CEO Roundtable on Tuesday July 14, 2015. At 45 Rockefeller Plaza 20th floor.
This learning matters exponentially because of the learning that I gained from the experience. Being able to be seen as an equal to a CEO changes the mood and tone in which one is approached.
In light of this learning, I have realized that I enjoy public speaking to a point that I have considered becoming a facilitator to events such as roundtables as a career option. Communicating and being in control of a discussion is something that intrigues a lot.