This week we are sharing our second winner of the KNOCK “Buy a Book, Give a Book” contest. We are excited to continue to spread the power of KNOCK and help others creates meaningful career connections with those in their professional network. Our next giveaway winner is Spring 2021 Ampersand Professional, Simon Wang!
Simon is a motivated student and young professional who is currently on his gap year, preparing for his upcoming semester at Ithaca College. Simon shared that taking a gap year was a major step forward in his career development, as he has been able to gain invaluable professional experience and has learned about networking, job applications, interviewing, and resumes. While Simon has many ambitions for his future career, he ultimately wants to become a respected leader that makes a positive contribute to the world.
Simon is thrilled to be sharing his copy of KNOCK with his close friend and accountability partner, Nick D. Simon explained that he and Nick often discuss goals about their college plans, personal lives, and career pursuits. We can’t wait for Nick to receive his own copy of KNOCK and continue to make impactful career relationships!
Professional Spotlight Interview with Simon
To celebrate his win, we conducted a short interview with Simon, highlighting some of his career journey and personal advice.
Rebecca: What is one lesson that you have learned along your career journey?
Simon: Communication is key. With the Ampersand Professional program this spring, I worked with 4 companies in 3 months and dealt directly with varying management styles. The ability to clearly communicate and articulate your thoughts, questions, and ideas always correlated positively with a successful experience.
R: What is the best piece of career advice you’ve received or given?
S: A mentor of mine told me earlier this year that “you don’t have to be the smartest person in the room, but you must be the most prepared,” and that’s a principle I now live by.
R: What is your biggest takeaway from KNOCK?
S: KNOCK has introduced the overall idea that networking is NOT simply a method to use or schmooze other people to get into a career or industry. Rather, it is a valuable skill to build fruitful, long-lasting relationships with people you are genuinely interested in connecting with and curious about.
R: What is one resource you turn to for advice, inspiration, or new ideas for your life and career (podcasts, publications, individuals, artists, etc.)?
S: This is a tough question for me because there are so many amazing resources I draw from regularly, but undoubtedly my favorite is Freakanomics. The entire Freakanomics Radio Network of podcasts, as well as Steven Dubner and Steven Levitt’s three books (Freakanomics, Superfreakanomics, and Think Like a Freak), have completely changed the outlook I have on my studies and future career prospects.
R: What is one thing you’ve changed your mind or direction on since you started your career?
S: Early on, I thought that my career and future would be best spent on business and working towards financial independence. However, I’ve come to recognize that my purpose in life must be channeled from something greater than material wealth. This is the lens I use to view my career possibilities and gauge my ambitions. If my “why” for pursuing a job/internship doesn’t align with my values and the person I want to be remembered as then that career or discipline most likely isn’t for me.
R: Where is one place in the world you want to travel to and why?
S: I want to travel to Taiwan with my grandfather. He was born and raised in Taiwan before immigrating to the US to study in college, and I would be grateful to return to my roots with him because he isn’t getting any younger.
R: Anything else you want to share about yourself or your career that others may learn from?
S: Embrace adversity and change with open arms. A year ago I would’ve said you were crazy if you told me I was taking a gap year instead of going to college, but the decision has completely changed the trajectory of my life because I accepted the change in circumstances and took control of my own destiny. I encourage others not to dwell on things outside their control and to approach changes with an open mind, prepared to make the most of any situation.
Order your paper copy of KNOCK today at www.theknockmethod.com/buy to learn about how to develop and maintain long-term, mutually beneficial career connections. Or, order your E-book copy at http://bit.ly/KNOCKeBook. KNOCK is now also available for purchase at Barnes & Noble and Amazon!
