Navigating the AI Wave: A Personal Journey through Higher Education, Tech, and the Transformative Power of Artificial Intelligence

 

WHERE SHALL WE START

Embarking on a professional journey that traverses the ivory towers of higher education to the bustling tech hubs of Silicon Valley has been a profound experience. My transition has been marked by the transformative force of artificial intelligence (AI), a wave that is not only reshaping the landscape of technology but also poised to revolutionize the very fabric of higher education. As I reflect on this personal odyssey, I recognize the symbiotic relationship between these two worlds, where AI is not just a technological advancement, but a dynamic force set to redefine the nature of work and learning. In this exploration, I delve into the profound impact of AI in higher education, drawing insights from my experiences in both academia and the tech industry.

THE PROMISE OF AI IN HIGHER EDUCATION

The integration of artificial intelligence in higher education holds the promise of a paradigm shift, redefining the way we teach, learn, and administrate. My journey from the academic realm to the tech industry has allowed me to witness firsthand the transformative power of AI in enhancing educational experiences and administrative efficiency.

Personalized Teaching and Prompt Feedback

The heart of AI in education lies in its ability to create personalized learning experiences that cater to individual student needs. Adaptive learning algorithms analyze student performance, identifying strengths and weaknesses, and dynamically adjusting instructional content. This not only fosters a more inclusive learning environment but also provides prompt feedback, allowing students to track their progress and address challenges in real time.

In my experience in higher education, this personalized approach has the potential to unlock each student's unique learning style. It goes beyond a one-size-fits-all model, acknowledging that students have diverse needs and learning paces. As educators, we can leverage AI to tailor content delivery, ensuring that students receive the support they need precisely when they need it.

Automation of Administrative Tasks

Administrative tasks have long been a significant aspect of higher education, often requiring considerable time and effort. AI presents a transformative solution by automating routine tasks, such as admissions processes and data analysis. This not only streamlines operations but also frees up valuable time for faculty and administrators to focus on more strategic and impactful aspects of their roles.

My experience transitioning to the tech industry emphasized the efficiency gains brought about by AI-driven automation. Tasks that were once time-consuming and resource-intensive can now be accomplished with speed and precision. This shift allows educational institutions to redirect resources towards enhancing the overall quality of education, investing in faculty development, and enriching the student experience.

Developing New Skills in the Age of AI

The impending AI revolution in education necessitates a paradigm shift in the skills students need to thrive in the workforce. As someone who transitioned from academia to the tech industry, I understand the importance of equipping students with the skills necessary to navigate this new educational landscape effectively.

Educator's Role in Skill Development

To prepare for this AI-driven reality, educators must themselves master a new skill set relevant to AI and, in turn, impart these skills to their students. My journey underscores the necessity of staying abreast of technological advancements, continuously updating skills, and fostering a culture of lifelong learning.

Educators play a pivotal role in guiding students toward mastering skills such as effective prompt engineering. Crafting questions that extract valuable insights from AI platforms becomes a critical skill in an era where interaction with intelligent technologies is becoming increasingly prevalent. This skill not only empowers students to leverage AI for their benefit but also positions them as adept navigators of the evolving digital landscape.

Leveraging Learning Experience Platforms (LXPs)

Learning Experience Platforms (LXPs) are emerging as essential tools in the AI-driven education landscape. These platforms leverage adaptive learning and AI processes to detect when students face challenges with the material and customize courses accordingly. Higher education institutions, drawing from my experiences in both academia and the tech industry, can harness LXPs to facilitate a seamless collaboration between faculty and AI, ensuring a more effective and personalized learning experience.

My transition to the tech industry highlighted the importance of leveraging technology for enhanced learning experiences. LXPs provide a dynamic platform where educators can integrate AI seamlessly into their teaching methodologies. The ability to detect and address students' learning challenges in real-time not only improves academic outcomes but also enhances the overall educational experience.

COLLABORATION, NOT CONFRONTATION

The future of higher education lies in collaboration, not confrontation, with AI. As AI increasingly becomes an integral part of the educational journey, schools must adopt a proactive approach. My journey from higher education to the tech world has emphasized the need for educators to view AI as an ally rather than an adversary.

Fostering Collaboration

Higher education institutions can facilitate this collaboration by supporting faculty as they navigate the challenges of working hand-in-hand with AI models. Seminars, workshops, and ongoing training programs can bridge the knowledge gap, empowering educators to incorporate AI seamlessly into their teaching methodologies.

My experiences underscore the importance of fostering a culture where educators feel supported in their collaboration with AI. Understanding the intricacies of AI models, learning to interpret the insights they provide, and effectively integrating them into the curriculum require ongoing training and support. Institutions can play a vital role in creating spaces for collaboration, ensuring that faculty members have the resources and knowledge needed to harness the full potential of AI in education.

Making AI Collaboration a Success

As AI becomes an inherent part of the educational ecosystem, it is essential for higher education institutions to provide robust support systems for faculty. This involves not only technical training but also addressing the ethical considerations and privacy concerns associated with AI in education.

My journey has illuminated the need for a comprehensive approach to AI integration, one that goes beyond technical training. Educators must navigate the ethical considerations of using AI, ensuring that its implementation aligns with principles of responsible and ethical use. Institutions can provide guidance on navigating privacy concerns, creating a framework that ensures the responsible and secure utilization of student data within AI-driven educational systems.

THE TRANSFORMATIVE JOURNEY CONTINUES

In conclusion, the journey from academia to the tech world has provided a unique perspective on the transformative impact of AI in higher education. As we stand on the precipice of an AI-driven era, it is clear that faculty, administrators, and students must adapt to a new educational landscape. AI is not just here to stay; it is an integral part of the future of education.

The collaboration between humans and intelligent technologies is inevitable, and higher education institutions must not only embrace this new challenge but also proactively support their faculty in navigating this transformative wave. By doing so, institutions can ensure that the alliance between educators and AI models is not only successful but also aligned with the principles of responsible, ethical, and student-centric use. The transformative journey continues, and the future of education is intricately woven with the dynamic tapestry of artificial intelligence. As we navigate this wave, let us remember that the collaboration between human intellect and artificial intelligence has the potential to reshape education, making it more personalized, efficient, and responsive to the needs of the learners of tomorrow.

Repentance and Restoration one year later…a journey and not a destination

Well, where do I start…this is a very difficult topic, and to begin it is difficult because there are so many things that contributed to it. Let’s just start with where I am now. I am in a state of disappointment regarding some things that transpired one year ago. I am disappointed in myself. I let many people down, and I lost a lot in the process. That says a lot in and of itself, but I can continue. I regret my decisions, and I have asked all who I have come in contact with for forgiveness. Many have been very gracious. Some have elected to not do so, which I am fine with, which was an issue prior to all of this happening, but I have learned how to reconcile those situations. More than anything, I continue to forgive myself for all that has transpired, which is the toughest part of this journey.

I returned to Alabama three years ago to work at my alma mater. It was the place where I completed three degrees, where I met many lifelong friends, where I grew into adulthood, and where I was able to be a part of some special teams in football which granted many experiences and skills that have benefitted me. I have deeper roots to the University than many people, so it meant a lot to me to be there. However, my primary reason for returning was to be closer to my mother whose health was failing. As an only child, I felt compelled to be closer as I could not convince her to move closer to me in Oklahoma. Regardless, when the position came up for the vice president of student life, it seemed like the reasonable next step in my career. I had a great job at the Oklahoma Department of Human Services, and I was excited about the opportunity to continue in that capacity to assist people in a different way than I had earlier in my career. I considered it to be the place where I would spend the remainder of my career, until things happened with my mother’s health decline. Returning to Alabama was a career shift, but it was a necessity to get closer to home and my mother. Some qualified the opportunity as my dream job. That had not been the case because I understood the complexities of it as I had watched from afar as others had been eaten alive by the role. I swore that I never would look at this particular role at Alabama or any similar institution…especially Alabama. I also had other career aspirations at that time, so it was not my “dream job”. It was a great opportunity at a place that I loved dearly that was 680 miles closer to my hometown than I was before taking the job. It made sense. However, I will always say that it is one of the toughest jobs of its kind in the country due to the complexities of the culture. That is not being critical. It’s a reality.

To this day, I am extremely generous to all who made the opportunity available, and I continue to be appreciative to have been able to serve the university in that capacity. There are things that I wished could have been done differently, but it is what it is. Those things were not deal breakers then, and they are not now. This is not about that.

This is about dealing with hurt and unresolved trauma which was complicated by new stressors. It is not about any excuse. It is my reality, and it is my truth. Many have their opinions, and I respect that, but I hope that as you are reading this, you understand that it is my truth. I am writing this because I am hopeful that those who are hurting and have unresolved issues and trauma will follow a different path than I followed.

I have written much about the positives of growing up where I did in Sweet Water, AL. I had so many mentors and friends who helped me to become the person that I am today. I don’t mention the challenges that I had to include physical, verbal, and sexual abuse. It is not important where or who was responsible as it is water under the bridge (control what you can control, right), but it left scars. There were certain family disconnects that created challenges throughout my life. My grandmother was my rock and provided me with significant support and guidance as I grew up. My mother provided me with ample opportunities, and her influence is the reason that I worked in education for so many years, but our relationship was very unstable. She did what she could with what she had. However, many who knew her knew that she could be a tough customer to deal with. She was complex. I just had to deal with it as her son. We both had “our ways” as my grandmother used to say. I needed to be back closer to her as her health declined because that is what I was supposed to do, but it complicated my life in ways that I had forgotten during my 20 years in Oklahoma. Many old and unresolved issues resurfaced, and I realized that it caused me to react in negative ways. I ignored it. I am not blaming her, as I should have responded in different ways. I didn’t.

“Coming home” was supposed to be great for me also in terms of returning to my alma mater. I was excited about the prospect. The ability to walk across the campus that contributed to the person that I am was so exhilarating as I thought about being back in Tuscaloosa. The ability to reconnect with the people who mentored me and the ones who I considered to be friends was exciting. The ability to work with the next generation of Capstoners was exciting. Well, I arrived in late March 2020. The world was different, and Tuscaloosa was not immune to this new reality. The pandemic was just starting, and the ability to reconnect and become a part of the community that I loved so dearly was not a reality. I came back under very different circumstances. These circumstances were not ideal by any means. The job that I mentioned was one of the toughest in the country was further complicated by the coronavirus. No longer was I going to be the person who contributed to a positive college experience for students, but I became a primary face for students and parents as the barrier to enjoying their college experience. I was the one who shut down all of the social events. I was the one who was going to ruin their freshmen year…someone else’s senior year. I was the one who was going to “destroy long standing traditions”. A counter group’s argument was that I was the one who was not doing enough to protect them. I was the devil to many. Instead of the welcome home that I expected, I was viewed by many as a pariah. That was very difficult as I expected it to be so much more.

Fast forward as I sat in my “class” that I was supposed to complete to be exonerated for my crime per my lawyer, I looked around the room at the other men who were there for the same reason. They were broken and downcast for the most part. There was remorse there. We were together for four hours, and there was little conversation, but I have been around many people in many situations, and I am able to read a room. As we were browbeaten with commentary from individuals with very clear agendas who presented to us on that day, I was disappointed that more was not done to deal with the brokenness that existed in that room. I saw a movie recently that had one line where a woman says to a man, “You have a hole in your heart.” She went on to say that she saw it when she first met him, and she felt that she could fix it. After much time, she threw up her hands in frustration and gave up. She realized that she could not fix it. Maybe no one could, but the one person who possibly could was that young man. The men in the room that I engaged with had holes in their hearts. They had issues that were unresolved from some segment of their lives. Those holes were different sizes, but they caused these men to constantly search for something to fill it. Temporary fulfillment created more frustration, and it led to a continued journey in search of something to fill the void that existed in their hearts. I related to them because I had that hole…I possibly still have it.

The last year has been spent talking to counselors, talking to pastors, mentors, fraternity brothers, many friends/family, and former teammates/A-Club members. I have learned much about myself, and I have forgiven myself for many of my past mistakes. However, there is a lot that I have carried through the years. Acceptance is something that I have chased because of that hole. I achieved much, but it was never enough because I still had to satisfy more people. I pushed myself hard, and it led to significant undue stress and an unwillingness to be content. I sought perfection in so many ways just to gain that acceptance. There were things that I legitimately engaged in and enjoyed, but there were also things that were driven by this relentless desire to please others. I did well in many ways in helping others, and that was not vanity. It is who I am. I desired to make a difference for students and others in my community. However, in doing this work and striving toward perfection, I was not dealing with issues that I had lived with for years. When that happens, you engage in a slow fall. You cannot fully help others, if you do not help yourself. You fall into situations that you thought you would never be in. If you don’t deal with these issues, you will forever make that hole bigger in your heart, and you hurt those that you really care about.

I cannot emphasize my faith enough in all of this. God has granted me Grace in so many situations, in spite of myself. It was hard moving here and not being connected to a church family. We had a great church family in Oklahoma, and we looked forward to connecting here upon our arrival, but churches were shut down for months when we arrived. It was impossible to create a connection and to sustain our faith. It was also hard to stay connected with our friends and church in Oklahoma because of the distance. I felt more and more removed from God during this time. It was frustrating, and I believe that many experienced this disconnect even when they were a part of a church because of the pandemic. There was no one to embrace us when we arrived. I…we needed that. We have finally found a church family, and it has been good to rebuild our relationship with God first. I cannot say enough about the support that our pastors and Sunday School class have provided to us over the past year. It has been a blessing.

I was reading a passage about King David this morning. It reminded me that this man of God who is recognized as being a man after God’s own heart had failed on many levels. In Psalm 51, we find David walking through various steps of repentance and restoration after failing to follow God’s standards for righteous living. That scripture and his example have resonated significantly with me over the past year. I have asked for forgiveness on many levels, and I have asked for reconnection with God. Finally, I have asked Him to allow me to live a life that follows the paths that He desires for us. At the end of the day, I feel that I have regained my past connection with Him, and I know what needs to be done to stay on that path. I have found my source and strength, and I have reclaimed the relationship that has carried me through so much. I am so thankful to Him for His Grace and Mercy.

Why am I sharing this? Well, I am hopeful that someone will read this, and seek the assistance that they need to deal with past traumas. I have seen too many people who have resorted to other scenarios (some very tragic) because of the traumas that they have experienced and have failed to deal with. I want to encourage you to talk to someone who can help you — a counselor, a pastor, any professional who can help you deal with these challenges. In the “midst of my storm”, I was fearful of asking for help. I didn’t have enough time. I was too prideful to ask for help. I was too embarrassed to ask for help. I write this post not because I lost a great career opportunity, but because I almost lost so much more. I will have to work a very long time to recover the trust and faith that people had in me. That creates even more insecurity in me than I had before, so that is why I am writing this to encourage you to not end up in this situation. You don’t have to wait 50 years and experience significant hurt before you can experience peace. It is not over. I am a work in progress, but at least I am working through it in a way that is not hurting anyone else. I implore you to understand that life can be better if you get to know yourself better and deal with these situations in a positive manner. I wish you well on your journey. May God bless you.

 

Leading change in difficult environments

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“You appear dangerous to people when you question their values, beliefs, or habits of a lifetime. You place yourself on the line when you tell people what they need to hear rather than what they want to hear. Although you may see with clarity and passion a promising future of progress and gain, people will see with equal passion the losses you are asking them to sustain.”
― Martin Linsky, Leadership on the Line: Staying Alive Through the Dangers of Leading

 

It's been almost 15 years since I first read this book.  It is one of the handful of books that I continually go back to when I think about leadership situations and leadership dilemmas.  I hope that you will be able to read it at some point.

Now more than ever, I believe that this quote stands out to me in so many ways.  It symbolizes experiences that I have had through the years, and I was too naïve to realize it.  I wanted to change the world.  I wanted to leave the proverbial woodpile higher than I found it.  I was asleep to the games that were being played behind the scenes that were completely counter to my desire to “make the world a better place”.  It was sometimes just simple malice and desire for me to fail.  On the other hand, it was simply that I was not seeing the reality of the values, beliefs, mores, habits, etc. of those around me that were so engrained in “traditions” that complicated my ability to lead change.  Regardless of the intent, the result is the same, people will dig their heels in and adamantly oppose your “great idea” unless you are able to help them understand that they are not losing anything in the process.  It’s not personal, or it should not be.  It is a difficult waltz, but I have been able to be successful in doing it.  Also, I have failed miserably at it.  I want to share some strategies for navigating these struggles regardless of the outcome.

First, understand why you are doing what you are doing and walk back from there.  During a recent job search, I came across the values of one company.  One of their principles focused on the desire to focus on the customer at all times.  This one should be the intent of every organization that seeks to serve or offer products to customers.  However, we sometimes miss the mark.  Are we truly obsessed with how those we serve are doing?  Are we focused on numbers, the competition, the bottom line, or are we truly committed to earning the trust of those that we should be serving?  You need to ask yourself this one each day.  You must understand why you do what you do and demonstrate the passion that you had the first day of work each day thereafter.  That mindset should always be your True North (a topic for another day, if you have not heard of it).  If you have this down, all other things will fall into place.  Now that you have your internal bearings in place, let’s focus on the external, specifically the topic at hand – opposing constituents. 

One of the more difficult things that I was challenged with through my career was confronting difficult situations, especially when it came to people in roles of authority.  Due to my upbringing, you did not question authority…for any reason.  That is unfortunate that my worldview was framed in that way because there are ways to do it in a respectful manner which was the underlying reason why I was not allowed to question authority.  It was just a little extreme.  This strategy applies to working with peers and other constituents.  Here are four strategies for making that happen.

1.    You must engage in “courageous conversations” that have the potential to change things.  As a young professional, I missed so many opportunities to communicate with my colleagues as I attempted to commit to the notion of improving outcomes for those that we were serving.  No matter how great your idea may be, collaboration is almost always needed to achieve the change that you desire to achieve.  I avoided it like the plague early in my career because I didn’t want to create problems or conflict.  Also, there was the fear of questioning those who were in authority.  These fears caused me to operate unilaterally too often, and sometimes we arrived at the goal (and sometimes we didn’t), but it took a while because hypothetically speaking, rather than going from Sweet Water, AL, to Tuscaloosa directly (a mere 96 mile drive), I ended up having to go to Tampa, San Francisco, San Antonio, and so many other destinations rather than just making the direct path to the goal. That analogy gives you a sense of what happens when you don’t deal with situations directly.  You don’t get the right people engaged to move the situation forward. A good friend used to refer to these as courageous conversations because it took courage to confront the elephant in the room.  You are not being disrespectful.  You are engaging in collaboration and the early stages of planning and implementation.  This is not about you, but it is about us and those that we serve.

2.    “You can catch more flies with honey than you do with vinegar.”  Once you have gotten yourself together and you are ready to have that conversation with the other individual/group, it is important that you approach it in such a manner that is respectful and amenable.  There is a reason that in terms of diplomacy, diplomats start off with talks, in most cases, before just sending in the tanks and the military.  Start off with the why which should always begin with that passion for serving and making the experience of those that you serve as positive as possible.  In most cases, all can agree to that foundational goal.  From there, provide your perspective on what you are seeing and present the proposed new direction/idea.  Allowing the other party to share their perspective on where things are, where they think that things should go, and their perspectives on your thoughts and plans are a necessary and important part of this. I would even offer that you allow them to lead with their thoughts on the two former topics just to get the conversation started.  That form of respect goes along way, but it must be sincere.

3.    One thing that irritates me more than anything is when I am speaking to someone, and they are not listening to me.  Either they are busy doing other things while you are talking, or they are thinking about how to respond to the things that you are attempting to articulate before you even finish.  These mindsets severely inhibit communication and collaboration, right?!?  It demonstrates a lack of sincerity and genuineness.  Well, don’t be that guy/gal.  Don’t be so focused on knowing all the answers or digging in your heels on your position that you are unable to listen to new ideas and concepts.  Obviously, you can’t control others, but you can control yourself.  Listen intently, be respectful of what is being said, and more than anything, gain a sense of the sensitive topics.  Understand what the other party is feeling like they are “losing” in this scenario because that is the potential deal breaker.  Even ask them what they would need to be able to move forward considering their perception of losing something in this process.  You probably should not use the term “lose”, but you should focus on acknowledging their feelings and concerns in a sincere manner. Note that this negotiation is something that is not instantaneous in most cases.  It takes time.  Stay at the table, continue to be respectful, and more than anything, keep the lines of communication open.

4.    Remember that this is bigger than you, which takes you back to the customer obsession mindset.  Make sure that you remember why you do what you do and that you remind yourself and others of that goal throughout the conversation.  In most cases, most can agree to this common goal.  This keeps you all on the same page as you maneuver through difficult conversations, planning, and the implementation of change. 

Many of you have engaged in this and have been successful in doing so.  Some of you are new/young professionals, where you have not had an opportunity to engage in situations like this. Regardless of your situation or the context, the principles are the same.  You all are in this space to make a difference.  You must embrace the variables as a team to successfully move the needle in a positive direction.  These thoughts are not the end all be all, but I hope that they offer some healthy guidelines for moving forward.  Finally, I wish you well as you engage in these courageous conversations in “dangerous situations” where people may feel threatened because you are challenging their ideas, beliefs, values, and mores.  Leadership is dangerous, and as Heifetz and Linsky state in their book, there are ways to navigate these difficult waters and be successful.

Things To Focus on When Working as An Administrator

If you are working as an administrator, then you will have to focus on all the important things that will help you achieve the best outcome. Make sure that you are focusing on every single detail that will allow you to get the best outcome. There are various important things that you need to focus on so you can come up with a great solution. By paying close attention to the details that matter the most, you will be able to come up with a great solution.

 

Make sure to go through all the important factors that will help you improve your career opportunities as an administrator. It is the right way to proceed so you can come up with a great solution. Here, we are going to discuss all the important details that you will have to keep in mind so you can manage things in the perfect way. Let’s have a look at how you can make things easier and better for yourself.

 

Focus on communication

 

The first thing that you will have to do is to focus on communication. If you are not paying close attention to your communication skills, then you will end up facing a lot of problems. It is the perfect way to proceed so you can avoid all the issues that you are facing. If you are not paying close attention to your communication skills, then you will be able to achieve the best results. Make sure to go through all the important things that will allow you to become a better administrator.

 

Focus on teamwork

 

It is important for you to focus on teamwork. If you are not focusing on teamwork, then you won’t be able to come up with a great solution. It is the right way to proceed so you can manage things in the perfect way. Make sure to go through the details that will allow you to achieve the best outcome. It is the right way to proceed so you can avoid all the problems that you are facing.

 

Time management

 

One of the most important things that you will have to keep in mind is time management. If you are not managing time properly, then you will end up facing a lot of problems. It is the perfect way to proceed so you can avoid all the problems that you are facing.

Ways To Build Good Organizational Skills

If you are working in an organization, then you will have to focus on learning all those things that will help you in your job. Make sure that you are focusing on the details that will allow you to get the best outcome. There are various important things that you need to keep in mind so you can come up with a great solution. It is the right way to proceed so you can avoid all the issues that you are facing. If you are not focusing on building excellent organizational skills, then you will end up facing a lot of problems.

 

It is the right way to proceed so you can manage things in the perfect way. Make sure to focus on the details that will help you achieve the best results. Here, we are going to discuss all the important things that you need to keep in mind so you can manage things in the right way. Let’s have a look at how you can build excellent organizational skills.

 

Identify your goals

 

First of all, you will have to focus on identifying your goals. If you are not able to identify your goals, then you will end up facing a lot of problems. It is the perfect way to proceed so you can manage things in the right way. Make sure to focus on the details that will allow you to achieve the best results. It is the perfect way to proceed so you can make things easier and better for yourself. Make sure to identify your goals to achieve the best outcome.

 

Create a clean workspace

 

The next thing that you will have to do is to create a clean workspace. If you are not focusing on creating a clean workspace, then you will end up facing a lot of problems. It is the right way to proceed so you can manage things in the right way. Make sure to focus on creating a clean workspace so you don’t have to face any problems later on.

 

Maintaining excellent communication

 

The next thing that you should focus on is communication. If you are not focusing on maintaining excellent communication, then you will end up facing a lot of problems. It is the right way to proceed so you can manage things in the perfect way. These are the things that you should focus on so you can maintain excellent communication.

How To Become A Strategy Manager?

Strategy managers examine business strategy and goals to uncover growth prospects and establish where the company's strategy is functioning and where it could be improved. They may be in charge of one or more departments to make policy, resource allocation, and budgetary decisions easier.

Strategy managers frequently collaborate with a company's management teams, executives, and department heads to create successful plans aimed at long-term growth. Here are some steps you can take if you want to become a strategy manager:

Getting a degree:

Education is the first step in becoming a strategy manager. However, most business jobs necessitate at least a bachelor's degree, with some requiring even more advanced degrees. 

You have considerable flexibility in whatever bachelor's degree you pursue, but consider majoring in finance, economics, business administration, or management. This will allow you to get the necessary skills and experience for a future career as a strategy manager.

Getting the Relevant Experience:

It's beneficial to have some early work experience after earning your bachelor's degree. This can assist you in honing your talents and beginning to implement the strategy on a modest scale.

Determine the causality of some of your implemented procedures by evaluating the effectiveness of your methods. You'll have the experience needed to lead teams and drive results when you're ready to expand and execute the same functions for larger firms.

Getting experience can also help you improve your CV by providing measurable achievements that you can discuss with potential employers.

Get Certifications:

Certifications, while optional, are a terrific way to improve your resume and get the attention of potential employers. Examine job advertisements to discover if any certifications are required for open strategy management roles.

This might assist you in determining which courses are the most popular. In addition, there are strategy management-specific credentials available, or you can pursue additional certifications in risk analysis, business management, or change management.

Updating your resume:

Incorporate your education, professional experience, talents, and certifications into your resume. This shows hiring managers that you're a seasoned industry specialist capable of assisting organizations in achieving their objectives.

Make an effort to provide as many quantitative points as possible. Your previous work experience will come in handy here. Include instances of beneficial consequences from the modifications you've made if you have them. The more numerical data you can add to your resume, the better. Employers can see the impacts of your tactics and visualize the impact you'd have on their business with quantitative inclusions.

Important Skills of Strategy Consultant

Strategy consulting is a management consulting in which strategy consultants advise firms in several industries on crucial business decisions that affect profitability and operations using extensive industry knowledge.

Strategy consultants can operate at the top levels of an organization in any business, in both the public and commercial sectors, to tackle various problems. When it comes to very significant business tasks, professional strategy consultants often have time to deliver a degree of competence that in-house teams do not.

Strategy consultants have the potential to make a significant difference in organizations, and they must possess a diverse skill set to assist organizations in achieving their goals and objectives. To be effective, a strategy consultant needs to develop the following skills:

Problem Solving:

Because they perform extensive research and collect data in order to come up with answers to an organization's problems, these consultants must have great problem-solving skills.

Strategy consultants must give their clients the correct solution so that they may get accurate and successful results.

Creative Thinking:

Each challenge a client faces is unique to their company's demands and objectives. A strategy consultant thinks creatively to come up with new and fresh solutions to fulfill the demands of their clients because not every problem has the same solution. Strategy consultants work with a large number of people and must learn to engage with them effectively by honing their interpersonal skills.

Communication:

Strategy consultants must spend time with their customers, ask questions, spend time with their teams, and communicate with a variety of personnel in diverse roles.

They must next create proposals and give presentations about their ideas based on the observations and conclusions they reach. To help their clients comprehend what they want to achieve, they must be effective communicators, both verbally and writing.

Time Management:

Many of these professionals' strategic goals are subject to severe timeframes. Therefore, they organize their work for each client so that they make the best use of their time to complete each stage of the project efficiently and on schedule.

Flexibility:

Strategy consultants frequently work with numerous customers at once, and some are obliged to be on call at all times to fulfill a range of demands. They frequently drive from one customer to the next and work on ad hoc schedules according to the client's needs. To fulfill the needs of clients, a strategy consultant must be adaptable.