Week #13 Reflection

 Introduction

This week’s study provided deep insights into the attributes and practices essential for becoming an impactful change-maker. By reviewing résumés and participating in mock interviews, alongside studying readings such as Recognizing and Shaping Opportunities, An Attitude of Gratitude, and Identifying and Exploiting the Right Entrepreneurial Activity...for You, and watching videos like Paths to an Entrepreneurial Career, Avoid the Wrong Job, and Acton Hero: Larry North, I learned to think differently about hiring, professional growth, gratitude, and how we present ourselves. These resources challenged my understanding of how to assess both others and myself in a job context—and in life.

Key Information Learned

One major insight was the importance of storytelling through a résumé. Ramsey’s résumé stood out because of how clearly his three years of sales experience reflected direction and ambition. It reminded me that résumés shouldn’t just list what we’ve done—they should show where we’re going. Hayden’s résumé, meanwhile, highlighted dependability and a team-first mindset, showing growth in delegation and organization. Both applicants demonstrated that the way we talk about our challenges and growth can say a lot about who we are as professionals.

The interviews added even more context. Ramsey spoke confidently and had great answers, but his casual dress and spinning in his chair reminded me that how we present ourselves physically matters just as much as what we say. Hayden came dressed professionally, stayed engaged, and spoke thoughtfully. That balance of professionalism and preparation made him stand out and showed me how important the small details can be.

The video Avoid the Wrong Job emphasized the importance of knowing yourself—your strengths, weaknesses, and passions—before accepting a job. That hit hard, especially as I think about my future. It reminded me that chasing a title or paycheck isn’t worth it if the job doesn’t align with who I am or what I value. Likewise, the video Paths to an Entrepreneurial Career helped me understand that there isn’t just one path to success. It’s more about finding where your interests, skills, and opportunities intersect.

Lessons Learned

This experience made me reflect on how I present myself, both on paper and in person. Am I intentional with how I describe my strengths? Do I carry myself in a way that reflects my values and professionalism? It also pushed me to think more critically about the questions we ask in interviews. I’d now add a question like, “What’s a specific project or accomplishment you're most proud of, and what did you learn from it?” That would help reveal not only their achievements but their thought processes and growth mindset.

From An Attitude of Gratitude, I was reminded how powerful it is to remain grateful—even in challenging circumstances. Gratitude can shift how we view our opportunities, our co-workers, and even our failures. It made me realize that maintaining a grateful mindset helps you stay grounded and positive, even when things don’t go as planned.

Summary

This week reinforced the idea that hiring—and even just preparing to be hired—is more than checking boxes. It’s about self-awareness, growth, gratitude, and intention. Between the résumés, interviews, and course materials, I’ve gained a clearer understanding of what makes someone stand out—and how I can better reflect that in myself moving forward. To become a true change-maker, I need to align who I am with what I do, and lead with both confidence and humility.