Considering the differentiators discussed in the chapter, what tactics have you used to differentiate yourself as a graduate student in this program? Have you used some of the methods mentioned in the text? And if so, which ones? Have you used others? Discuss the success you’ve had to date differentiating yourself.
As a graduate student, I have differentiated myself based on “Special Knowledge”. One of the best parts of this Masters program is that I’ve been working in the HR field for 15 years, so almost every lesson includes components that I can relate to based on my experience. This isn’t to say that I already know all of this information…quite the opposite. I’ve found that I can usually apply these concepts to experiences that I’ve had professionally throughout the past 15 years. It’s been a really great experience for me to do this, because it allows me to reflect on how I’ve responded to certain things at work and challenge myself on how I might respond differently in the future now that these concepts have come more into focus. “…When you know better…you do better…” – Maya Angelou.
Consider any new ideas that reading the text has given you for future implementation. Are there things you can use to differentiate yourself even more now? Is it important to even worry about differentiation as a graduate student?
I really liked reading about “Differentiation Based on Your People”. When I had my interview this past week with Steven Morgan he was mentioning that a big differentiator of his firm was his team. He mentioned that all of the consultants that work for him are specialized in Organizational Psychology and are accredited. This is something that his firm promotes to potential clients, so that they can trust that they are dealing with experts in the field. I thought this was interesting because when you have your own firm, it’s not just YOU that you have to be concerned with…it’s the whole team.
I believe that there is value in differentiating yourself as a grad student, because I believe that everyone who is in your network – friend, family, colleague, peer student, etc. is a potential client in the future.