Why Is My Story So Important?
Miller, N., Miller, S., & Allar, I. (2024). Life after college: Presenting yourself to the workforce.
Prepare
Prior to beginning work on this discussion forum, review
- Chapter 1 of the Life After College: Presenting Yourself to the Workforce textbook
Miller, N., Miller, S., & Allar, I. (2024). Life after college: Presenting yourself to the workforce.
Work When and Where you WantLinks to an external site.
- Crafting and Communicating Your Value Through Your Story interactive. This interactive has a transcript Download transcript.
For this discussion, you may provide a written response or craft a video response using the record/upload media feature discussion forum.
Take some time to consider your personal and professional journey. Write down key experiences, challenges, achievements, and lessons learned. Consider how these elements have shaped who you are today.
In less than 250 words or in a video response (2 minutes or less):
- Explain why you think it is important to share your personal story with potential employers.
- Describe how sharing your story can help you stand out in a competitive job market.
- Share what elements of your story you believe are most compelling and why.
- Summarize how you can use your story to demonstrate your skills, values, and fit for a particular role or organization.
EDU499 Crafting and Communicating Your Value Through Your Story
TRANSCRIPT FOR INTERACTIVE LEARNING MODULE
Screen 1: Objective
This interactive is designed to help you explain your unique story and understand how it
accentuates your value proposition in the workforce.
You’ll learn how to highlight your distinctive qualities, experiences and story into conversations
with potential employers.
Screen 2: Conversation on ePortfolio
John and Charlene discuss how to outline and present one’s story through ePortfolio.
[The screen displays 2 slides with two characters John and Charlene]
Select the arrow buttons to explore more. Once finished, select the next button.
Slide 1:
John: Hi, Charlene. Let me tell you how to stand out in the education field. You must start by
outlining your story and presenting it through your ePortfolio.
Charlene: That sounds great, John! I'm excited to learn how to showcase my skills and
experiences in a way that highlights my strengths.
Slide 2:
John: This week, we'll discuss identifying, capturing, and communicating your accomplishments
so you can demonstrate value to potential employers.
Charlene: I like the sound of that! I need all the help I can get sharing my story so it makes
sense in an interview.
Screen 3: How to Articulate Your Story
Follow these steps to highlight your qualities and experiences.
[The screen displays 6 tabs- select each tab for more information]
Select each tab to learn more.
Step 1: Understand the Importance of Your Story
Objective: Recognize that a clear and compelling personal story is essential to set yourself apart
in the job market. Here are some steps to achieve this:
• Consult a professional mentor to determine how they used their personal story in their career.
• Reflect on how your personal story enhances your value proposition to potential employers.
Step 2: Identify Key Elements of Your Story
Objective: Identify the distinctive qualities, experiences, and strengths that comprise your story.
Here are some steps to do this:
• List key events, challenges, achievements, and lessons that shaped your professional identity.
• Share your list with a peer or small group for feedback on what is most compelling and relevant to your career goals.
Step 3: Craft Your Value Proposition Statement
Objective: Summarize your unique story into a concise statement that highlights your value to
employers. Here are some steps:
• Use your list to draft a value proposition statement that connects your personal experiences to employers' needs.
• Review examples of value propositions to draft your own.
• Share your draft value proposition with peers and mentors for constructive feedback.
Step 4: Integrate Your Story Into Professional Conversations
Objective: Learn how to weave your story into conversations with potential employers. Follow
these steps to prepare:
• Practice mock interviews where you introduce your personal story and value proposition.
• Create scripts with keywords to help you transition from discussing your experiences to highlighting your value proposition.
Step 5: Reflect and Refine
Objective: Improve your personal narrative and value proposition based on feedback and
reflection. Here are some tips:
• Journal what you learned from practicing your narrative, how you felt, and how you will refine your story.
• Revise and record a short video or audio clip where you practice incorporating your story into a professional conversation
Step 6: Apply Your Learning in Real-World Situations
Objective: Use your personal story to show your value proposition in real-life professional
contexts. Follow these steps:
• Attend a networking event, job fair, or interview to introduce your value proposition in a real-life situation.
• Reflect on your experience. Then, repeat Step 5.
Screen 4: Summary
By following this tool, you'll articulate your unique story, highlight the qualities and experiences that set you apart, and integrate your narrative into conversations with potential employers.