WEST Wisdom Blog

Building Community, Resilience, and Impact

Posted by Rosie Torcivia on Jul 24, 2020 3:22:51 PM

How do you build an effective community?

WEST began in 2000 intending to create a supportive environment for women in the fields of science and technology. The community has been growing over the past 20 years into an even more influential group impacting women every day. The goal for this year is to build a strong community of resilient women making a positive impact on the world.

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Topics: Leadership, Career, Community, Resilience, Network, Women in STEM, Networking, Annual Theme, Upcoming Events, Connect, Making a Difference, Career Path, Developing Your Skills, Engage, Impact, Career Development, Diversity, #WESTevent, #WESTorg, Webinar

Effective feedback isn't a fix: It's food, not medicine

Posted by Diana K. Anderson on Feb 11, 2020 7:15:00 AM

Feedback shouldn’t feel like being called to the principal’s office

Regardless of whether it’s positive or negative, both the giver and receiver of feedback find the exchange awkward at best. No matter how stellar your year was, many of us approach our reviews somewhere on the going-to-the-the-principal’s-office spectrum ranging from Ferris Bueller to Bart Simpson. 

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Topics: Leadership, Communication, Coaching, Management, Developing Your Skills, Insight, Engage, Feedback, Career Development, #WESTevent, Be Fearless, Be Brave

Uncertain to Unstoppable: How to Conquer Your Next Networking Event

Posted by WEST Volunteer on Aug 15, 2018 9:00:00 AM

Networking events are often a daunting necessity for many professionals. You don’t want to go, but you know you have to. Attending networking events is crucial in today’s professional world. Here are a few things to keep in mind when networking:

  • Have a Goal
  • Do Your Homework
  • Dress to Impress
  • Bring Copies of Your Resume and Business Cards
  • Listen First, Absorb, and Then Contribute
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Topics: Events, Women, Tech, Science, Transitions, Career, Communication, Community, Women in STEM, Networking, Upcoming Events, Professional, Biotech, Interactive, Connect, Developing Your Skills, Confidence, Engage, Career Development, Own It, Listen

Develop Presence to Better Connect, Inspire, and Influence Others at All Levels

Posted by WEST Board Member on Jul 27, 2018 2:32:46 PM

In today’s increasingly competitive workplace and market, it’s no longer sufficient to get by with a strong resume and cover letter. In order to succeed in your field, you must act on your strengths, diligently build connections/community, and seek recognition in order to set yourself apart.

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Topics: Events, Women, Tech, Science, Transitions, Career, Communication, Community, Life, Cambridge, Inspire, Women in STEM, Networking, You, Upcoming Events, Professional, Presence, Biotech, Resources, Interactive, Connect, Influence, Developing Your Skills, Engage, Career Development, Own It, Empowerment

It Takes a Village to Build a Career

Posted by WEST Board Member on Jul 25, 2018 2:02:24 PM

Have you ever heard the old adage, “It takes a village to raise a child?” Well it doesn’t stop there. It also takes a “village” to build a career. Your career.

There is a Chinese term, Guan Xi, which translates to “the Chinese form of networking that is built up from family, village and clan kinship. In Chinese business and life in general, the maintenance of face and cordial Guan Xi are prerequisites in ensuring that networks operate smoothly and reliably.”

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Topics: Events, Women, Tech, Science, Transitions, Career, Communication, Community, Life, Cambridge, Women in STEM, Networking, You, Annual Theme, Upcoming Events, Professional, Biotech, Resources, Interactive, Connect, Career Path, Developing Your Skills, Engage, Career Development, Speed Networking, Own It, Empowerment

How to Present Technical Information so People Will Understand, Care, and Remember

Posted by WEST Board Member on Apr 9, 2018 2:38:19 PM

Have you ever sat through a really boring technical presentation? Did you have trouble following the speaker because he or she didn’t explain the “so what” and “why”? Did you have to squint to read a barrage of boring bullet points that the speaker read to you word for word? Did you almost fall asleep or wish you could walk out without being rude?

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Topics: Events, Women, Tech, Science, Career, Communication, Community, Presentation, Women in STEM, Workshop, Networking, Upcoming Events, Professional, Biotech, Connect, Developing Your Skills, Storytelling, Waltham, Engage

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