Speaker Guidelines

I. Empowerment/ Mentorship:

The importance of having a positive mentor in young peoples lives is vital.  This support allows one to commit and drive toward completing his or her dreams in life.  It demonstrates a belief in the value of the individual and shows that each person matters to a society.  As a whole, it unites us and brings growth to the individual and the community.  As a mentor, that person recognizes someone else’s potential to change the world around them for the better.  That empowerment holds the key to one’s future and can certainly lead to a successful life.

Points to focus on regarding Empowerment/ Mentorship:

  • Importance of having a positive mentor in ones life
  • Explain how even the small things in life/ small conversations could have the most weight.  (The saying, “It’s the little things that count”)
  • Who was your personal mentor (describe him/her)
  • How did he/she help change your life to help you to be where you are today
  • Describe how you put their advice and encouragement into action
  • Explain how you became a mentor to others and how others could do the same
  • Add any other thoughts, comments, or concerns

 

II. Career Preparation:

If one is prepared in the present to lead the future when it comes then that ability will help one stand out within societies crowd.  It is very important to be exposed to all different experiences and situations in order to make the right and informed choices later in life, especially about careers.  Thinking of what to do for the rest of your life is a big decision.  It holds a lot of weight in the aspect that it will shape your life.  Lifestyles, paychecks, values, and beliefs could all center around a career.  Having career preparation will not only open a young persons mind to new knowledge, but help them to hopefully achieve a successful and fulfilling life.

Points to focus on regarding Career Preparation:

  • The importance of being exposed to many different occupations
  • Keeping an open mind while exploring ones options
  • Attend information and seminar sessions with speakers of certain occupations
  • Engage in volunteer, job shadowing, and internship opportunities
  • Build relationships with people.  Anyone could hold that single opportunity that could change your life! (Conferences theme)
  • Could stress the importance of networking
  • Explain your own personal career preparations
  • Read and ask questions
  • Explain what you do today could affect you in the future
  • Add any thoughts, comments, concerns

 

III. Identity Development:

To become a “well-rounded individual,” one of the first phases is to learn and accept ones identity.  This development is not easy; it is a process, which one may go through all their life.  Although, young people have the support and ability to learn, analyze, evaluate, and identify their individuality.  This may be one of the most important aspects of being a successful person.  If you can carryout what your strengths are and improve your weaknesses that could bring you to a peak standing in life.

Points to focus on regarding Identity Development:

  • The process/experience you personally went through to identity yourself
  • Identify ones strengths/ weaknesses
  • Everyone is unique and has the ability to change the condition around them for the better by their identity
  • Experience many different situations and understand the meaning of it
  • Development is a process that includes time; be patient, it will come
  • Seek for help if necessary; there is a support system for everyone
  •  Additional information

 

IV.   Social Change:

As a society, we are all connected and interactive with each other.  The base of social change is the change in the human thought process.  To move forward in a positive direction, society must have people who see the potential in growth and exercise that belief.  Everyone has the ability to achieve this goal and with the help of leaders and mentors, this can be accomplished.

Points to focus on regarding Social Change:

  • Personal references to how you helped change a group of people or society (your help as a mentor)
  • How “Every little bit helps a society”
  • The quote “How One Man Can Change The World” fits well into this section
  • Today’s cultures and structures are included
  • One’s career could help social change (Career Preparation could be referred to)
  • To not be afraid to be rejected; go out and stand your ground
  • Additional Information  

 

V. Networking:

One of the most important aspects of creating and growing a successful career is one’s ability to network themselves.  It is a critical part of continuing individual and communal growth.  Networking is a connected group of people that collectively work or share in a similar field to grow and expand their company, association, or product.  It relates to any field and could be a major or minor part of it.  Networking is all about reaching out to others in a positive and professional manner.  Correct and mature communication is necessary to accomplish the plan one may have in mind. Once there is a stable network, continuing to build upon that relationship and reaching beyond could certainly lead to a single opportunity that could change one’s life forever. 

Points to focus on regarding Networking:

  • Importance of networking inside and outside of one’s specific field
  • Correct and appropriate communication (mannerisms)
  • Resources available to professionally network with others
  • Create a stable path and grow upon that; be patient, yet persistent   
  • Networking is a two-way street
  • Honest and trustworthy
  • Don’t always take the path with the least resistance; everything deserves a good try (Conference’s Theme)
  • Talk about personal networking experiences
  • Any mistakes made during networking that students should be aware about (positive criticism)
  • Final thoughts, comments, and concerns