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Join Michelle Zohlman as she breaks down three components of 21st Century skills: learning skills, literacy skills, and life skills. She covers the importance of networking, continuously updating your resume, and more.
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So let's get it kicked off
with our first speaker.
0:04
She is a dear colleague of mine.
0:06
She works here at Treehouse as
a training program manager.
0:09
In less fancy terms,
she's responsible for all things equity,
0:13
diversity, and inclusion,
as well as 21st century development work.
0:18
She is an inclusive warrior and
inclusion warrior,
0:23
I like the color, and
just an overall outstanding person.
0:27
Please welcome, Michelle Zohlman.
0:32
>> Hello, hopefully,
y'all can see and hear me.
0:35
I wanna make sure we're doing that.
0:39
All right, how are y'all doing?
0:40
Welcome to day four of
the Treehouse Festival.
0:44
I am so excited to be here today to
talk to you about 21st century skills.
0:46
We have such a small amount of time,
so I'm gonna try to squeeze as much
0:53
information as possible out of these
25 minutes we have together today.
0:57
So to start off,
as Toni said, I'm Michelle.
1:02
I'm the training program
manager here at Treehouse.
1:07
I'm responsible for equity, diversity,
1:10
and inclusion,
as well as 21st century skills education.
1:12
And basically, what that just means is
that I get to focus on these areas for
1:16
employees at the company.
1:22
But also, creating content for
users like you.
1:24
I, personally,
don't like to call myself an expert but
1:27
rather someone that likes to
learn on these topics nonstop.
1:30
I think it's a privilege to talk to you
about it, and get to do it for a living.
1:34
So with that, my pronouns are she/her.
1:40
That just means that's how
I like to be referred to.
1:44
If you're new to pronouns,
no worries at all,
1:46
we all are at different starting lines.
1:50
I'm gonna do my shameless plug for
a moment, and
1:52
in a few weeks I'll have a video,
Intro to Gender and Sexuality,
1:55
coming out that's gonna focus also on
pronouns so you can learn about them.
1:59
So be sure to check that out.
2:03
Also, anyone that knows me
knows that I am a cat lady.
2:05
So here's me living my best life
when my babies aren't going ace.
2:10
Who knows?
2:13
They may make a celebrity
appearance today, if we're lucky.
2:16
They love the spotlight.
2:20
Right now, they're swarming me
on the back end of this camera.
2:21
So maybe they're a little shy right now.
2:24
With that though,
I identify as a white woman.
2:25
And that's important for
me doing the launch here,
2:29
because I understand that
I have blind spots, and
2:32
privileges that I may overlook
when I'm talking about content.
2:35
With that being said,
I'm a lifelong learner.
2:38
So please, make use of that chat
that you have on your screen or
2:41
the Slack channel to contribute
your perspective, your ideas,
2:45
your experiences, so
we can all keep learning from one another.
2:49
I'm excited to be chatting with y'all
really to be combining this essential
2:52
education with tech because 21st century
skills tend to be missing from that.
2:57
And so
let's get started to talk about that.
3:02
So what are 21st century skills?
3:08
Let's make sure that we're all on the same
page before we jump into some of them.
3:10
21st century skills are also called soft
skills or 21st century career skills.
3:15
They're all the same,
they all mean the same thing.
3:21
Same but just different words.
3:24
[LAUGH] And these skills are groupings
of skills that have been defined as
3:27
important skill sets that employers
may look for in positions, or
3:31
skills that they want you to
develop over time in your role.
3:36
They're skills that will
help you in your career and
3:40
even in your personal life with things,
with compromised communication, and so on.
3:42
Keep in mind, though, it doesn't mean
you need to know all these skills.
3:47
There are so many, and
they can be overwhelming.
3:52
And you don't necessarily have to
be an expert in every single one.
3:54
Some of these skills may be more essential
at different parts in your career.
3:58
Similar to some of you here,
I am a newbie to tech.
4:02
So some of the skills that I've used
in previous positions have transferred
4:07
to my current role here at Treehouse,
such as public speaking as I'm doing that.
4:11
But I'm working more on the tech side
of things since part of my job is
4:16
in the studio and
doing some of these Treehouse lives.
4:20
So I'm learning some of those literacy
skills of this tech dynamic, and
4:24
bringing in that public speaking in tech.
4:28
So we kinda go through different motions,
you may not stick with one skill forever.
4:31
With that, 21st century skills are
typically broken into three categories,
4:39
which are your learning skills,
your literacy skills, and life skills.
4:43
Your learning skills include
subtopics on critical thinking,
4:48
creativity, collaboration, communication.
4:52
And then, you have your literacy skills,
which include information,
4:56
media literacy, and technology literacy.
5:00
Having literacy skills include knowing
how to use the most up-to-date tools,
5:03
and knowing which tools to use
to make the best decisions.
5:08
This can be you going through
Treehouse and learning how to code,
5:12
learning how to fix bonds, or build apps.
5:16
And then, we have life skills.
5:18
And that encompasses your leadership,
flexibility, taking initiative, and
5:21
social skills in those subgroups.
5:25
As you can see, there are many skills that
fall under just these three subcategories,
5:27
and then they can branch out of it.
5:32
And we could talk about these for
hours, which we don't have today.
5:34
But I encourage you, if you're interested
in learning more beyond what we speak
5:39
about, let's just do some googling,
and read the numerous blogs that
5:43
break them down further, and
hear those different perspectives on them.
5:47
Now, companies not only want you to
have the skills to do your job, but
5:51
they also want you to have 21st century
skills developed, and awareness of them.
5:55
It's a way for you to be competitive and
successful in your roles.
6:00
And today, I'm gonna talk briefly about
some of those learning and life skills.
6:04
Networking is one of those life skills
that can help you when you're looking for
6:13
a job, and while you're in the job.
6:17
Networking allows you to make connections
with new folks, to maintain connections,
6:18
and gives you the chance to potentially
seek out someone who could be a coach or
6:24
mentor for you as you're navigating a new
field or reinventing yourself again.
6:28
With that, networking has changed in
the industry with technology advancements.
6:33
21st century, right?
6:39
But also now with COVID, it's going to
continue to look different for a while.
6:40
But quite honestly, I think it's not
ever gonna be the same networking.
6:45
It's gonna start to change a bit,
permanently.
6:49
Here's the thing about networking, though.
6:53
We usually think of it
as an extrovert's gain.
6:56
It is not.
6:59
As someone that considers themselves
an introvert, and trust me,
7:01
I'm pretty damn awkward,
say, with networking.
7:05
I can tell you that you can network
successfully and be an introvert.
7:08
It all just takes practice,
whether we're introverted or extroverted.
7:13
Let's talk about some ways how.
7:17
Making use of that LinkedIn.
7:20
You don't need to be face to face at all,
7:22
which is nice when we're still a bit
anxious about that in-person interaction.
7:24
I've reached out to people
I've never met in person.
7:29
Just this week, I've connected with
some of you, and our speakers,
7:33
that I've never actually met.
7:37
And that's just such a simple and
easy way.
7:39
But we can take it a step further.
7:42
The thing is, that a lot of people just
hit that request button to connect.
7:44
I'm guilty of it.
7:49
I've done it before when I've been
nervous, or not know what else to do.
7:50
But we wanna make use of that space where
you can add a note, to write something.
7:54
Almost every time I've written something
to someone and added a little note,
7:59
they've responded to me.
8:04
I'll write something to someone who I know
is impressive or admire in the field, and
8:05
share how I appreciate what
they post maybe on LinkedIn, or
8:10
something that I've seen them speak about,
or maybe write a blog on.
8:13
I aim to add a personal element,
8:17
and stick out maybe in a sea of
requests that this person may have.
8:19
I've connected with folks who
I've seen speak at webinars or
8:26
conferences that we're at now,
and past ones.
8:30
And will write to them, thanking them for
8:33
what they did at the conference
in sharing their knowledge, and
8:35
maybe something specific I took
away that resonated with me.
8:39
By adding that note, it opens the door for
you to start a convo with someone, or
8:42
just simply connect and
leave a good impression.
8:47
All the while, not having the pressure
of being in the moment to respond.
8:50
Because that's when it can get a little
nerve wracking, let's be honest.
8:55
Additionally, it makes it personal,
while being low-risk networking.
8:58
So that's a simple way to kind of get
started and get your feet in the water.
9:02
But also, while we're in quarantine and
can't really go out and maybe go to these
9:07
different gatherings and meetups,
it's a simple way to start connecting.
9:11
So let's talk some conferences or
in some online gatherings.
9:17
With COVID, conferences and
9:20
these online gatherings have been
pushed online and tends to be free.
9:22
You gotta take advantage of that.
9:27
There's been conferences that I
would have never been able to go to,
9:30
or maybe couldn't afford and be able
to go to all five of them in one year.
9:33
And you wanna take advantage of that.
9:37
Even if you're unsure about the content or
maybe you think you're not ready for that
9:39
level of content yet, it's still a chance
for you to hear and meet some people.
9:43
I've been to a few so far that
have offered networking as part of
9:48
the schedule,
like we're kind of doing here.
9:51
This is a bit more in-person,
which I'll admit isn't nerve wracking.
9:54
I myself the first time I went into
my first online conference, and
9:58
had that going on was like,
crap, [LAUGH] like that.
10:02
I'm not ready to my camera ready,
I'm not ready for it, my goodness.
10:05
But to prepare yourself this is where
you can craft your elevator pitch or
10:09
more an introduction.
10:14
And come up with a few comments or
10:16
questions to ask them based on the amount
of time that you have to connect.
10:18
I typically do a version of this of what
I did when I introduced myself earlier.
10:23
With some trial and errors,
10:29
I've learned to lean into my
awkwardness that I naturally have.
10:30
In addition in Sylvania, and so
what I like to call my authentic weakness.
10:34
I want to show myself to
people not just what I do, but
10:39
who I am beyond my job title,
beyond where I work.
10:43
That's what I found has worked for me.
10:47
For example, I'll say, I am Michelle,
my pronouns are she her.
10:51
I'm responsible for CDI at my company.
10:55
I'm located in Portland, but
10:59
I've moved around a bit from the northeast
to the Rocky Mountains, and now I'm here.
11:00
What about you?
11:05
I use that as a conversation
starter because typically,
11:07
it'll go into a chat about travel.
11:10
And it's something in a topic that I
know that I'm comfortable talking about.
11:12
So it makes me less nervous and
more at ease.
11:18
It is not scientific one bit, but the
equation that has worked for me is intro.
11:23
So my introduction was,
what I do plus something about me, and
11:28
then I pass it over to them.
11:33
It will take some practice, but
11:35
start playing around with what feels
comfortable and authentic for you.
11:37
Don't let those hiccups in
networking keep you from practicing.
11:41
I've found what I'm not trying to fit
into this box of what society, and
11:44
this idea of what networking
is supposed to be.
11:49
When I ignore that, and really just
try to do me and show up who I am.
11:52
I've actually made more authentic
connections with the right people that
11:57
have lasted than just that standard,
like, hi, how are you?
12:01
Here's my business card sort of thing.
12:04
I encourage you to practice this in
the networking sessions later on with one
12:07
another when you have those three
minutes to practice a little bit of
12:11
an elevator pitch.
12:15
All right, moving on to communication.
12:19
When networking or in your role,
12:23
communication is essential to relationship
building and being effective.
12:25
It's one of those learning skills
that we wanna practice out a bit.
12:29
The first thing we need to understand is
that communication isn't the same across
12:35
all platforms.
12:39
Which seems obvious, but
when we put it into action, and
12:40
we're in the motions of life,
we tend to overlook that.
12:44
We show differently in those spaces of
the various types of communication.
12:48
We may even speak or
12:52
write differently in those areas
whether we're aware of that or not.
12:54
I know the way I email is usually
a bit more formal than when I'm
12:59
messaging my team on slack.
13:03
With email, you should always be aware
of your relationship with the person
13:05
you're emailing with.
13:09
If it's someone you're doing business
with, or barely know, you may want
13:10
to try to be a bit more formal in
a way that feels comfortable to you.
13:15
With that, I'm not saying you
can't bring your personality, but
13:19
maybe they don't know your humor for
example.
13:23
You might check your fully on
being sarcastic or making a joke.
13:26
If they don't know you, and
you put that in writing,
13:29
they may not hear your tone, or
your voice as they're reading it.
13:33
Whereas, if I'm emailing
someone I've worked with a lot,
13:38
and we've maybe been chatting all day.
13:41
I'll joke to them, hi, so
and so, it's me again.
13:43
But because we know each other
that lands well, and they're
13:46
maybe not thinking I'm being annoying or
saying, why is she saying that.
13:50
Now for video calls, this is where
you can be more conversational.
13:54
You're not waiting for
someone to reply back.
13:59
If you're comfortable have your screen on,
so people can see you.
14:02
It helps getting that face
to face interaction of it.
14:06
Being on camera also allows
folks to see your reactions.
14:10
So, if I'm smiling, and saying something
funny, you'll pick up on those
14:13
cues that I'm joking around
where it may not come off and
14:18
that my writing if you
don't know my humor.
14:22
Videos also have so many unique
features for you to get to know others
14:24
online with breakout rooms,
polls, backgrounds, and etc.
14:29
So you can also use those to help keep
the conversation going when maybe
14:33
feels a little bit stiff or
uncomfortable, it can be a helpful guide.
14:38
With that in mind, take the time
you need to not be on camera.
14:43
I will go off camera if I got
to take care of something, or
14:47
just need a moment to gather myself.
14:51
Well, I just really can't focus and
stare at a screen,
14:53
because we all get screens to take right
and being online all day right now.
14:57
These past few months,
I previously reported to Ryan,
15:02
our CEO that you may have seen at
the Treehouse Festival already,
15:05
when we started working together and
had our one on ones on Zoom.
15:09
I make sure we knew each other before
making jokes as I tend to be sarcastic,
15:12
and I have some self-deprecating humor.
15:17
And I wanted to be mindful of
how my interaction is with Lam,
15:20
as we got to know each other because
if I made myself deprecating joke,
15:23
he may have been like, whoa,
where did that come from?
15:27
But now as we built that relationship,
15:31
I'll send him those things all the time,
but you wanna be mindful of that.
15:33
Now, let's talk about those DMs.
15:38
Usually your job will have some
way of communicating instantly,
15:41
whether it's Google, Chat,
Slack, or some other platform.
15:46
Of course, each company has their own
values and policies around conduct for
15:50
those, but typically this is
where you can play a bit more.
15:55
And depending on what I'm sending,
I'll add an emojis and gifts
15:59
to accompany that my message to maybe
bring some life to that message a bit.
16:04
Overall, you want to spend time to
reflect on your communication style.
16:09
This will help you understand how
to tweak it with a group of people,
16:14
and how you might need to
edit when sending a message.
16:18
This isn't to censor you, but to find
the best way to get your point across and
16:21
interact effectively.
16:26
Also, you'll hear me constantly say,
do what makes you feel comfortable and
16:28
be as authentic as you can.
16:32
I'm a broken record on that.
16:34
There's a difference between changing
your communication styles, so
16:36
you can feel comfortable and effective
in the words you're saying versus
16:40
changing communication because
you have to in order to be heard
16:44
Let's check some resumes now.
16:55
I've seen some of you asking
questions about them.
16:57
And I know we also have a chat
going on in the Slack channel.
17:00
So, be sure to join that
to get folks feedback.
17:03
But we don't have enough time to
necessarily cover all things resumes
17:06
today.
17:11
I want to give some quick tips so that
we're able to maybe get you started a bit.
17:11
So when you're searching for a job,
17:18
you need a polished resume to
showcase those 21st century skills.
17:20
We know that, as you network and have
those strong communication with folks,
17:24
you might hear about those jobs and
opportunities.
17:29
Maybe you're actively looking,
maybe you're not.
17:32
But, you never know when something
might become available that piques your
17:36
interest.
17:41
That is why you should always be updating
your resume whether you're searching for
17:42
a job or not.
17:47
And I get it, that can feel tedious.
17:48
I have a job, and
now I gotta update my resume too.
17:51
I did my resume, so I could get the job.
17:55
I promise you, it's worth it.
17:58
I promise it's worth taking that extra
time even if you're thinking you're going
18:00
to stay in your job for years and years.
18:04
When it comes time for applying for a new
role again, you're going to be sitting in
18:06
front of your computer trying to remember
all the amazing work you did in that year,
18:10
two, five years, whatever it was in that
role that you're getting ready to leave.
18:15
I promise that if you
didn't keep it updated,
18:19
you're going to forget some of that work.
18:21
And that has happened to me,
I've learned the hard way.
18:23
So, I want to help you not
learn the hard way, too.
18:26
So, what you can do is just
quickly jot down on your resume,
18:30
what you did or what you've been doing.
18:35
It doesn't have to be perfectly set so
you can remember when you come back to it.
18:39
I try to update my resume
every few months, I'm guilty,
18:44
sometimes I forget about it.
18:48
But, so next time I do update my resume
though, I may just quickly go on, okay,
18:50
what am I've been working on?
18:54
I have my Treehouse video on gender and
sexuality, okay, I write gender and
18:56
sexuality video, as part of my list.
19:00
And then, maybe I'll also write
presented at Treehouse Festival.
19:03
That's it, just simple into the point,
that's not for
19:07
my final resume that's so
when I come back to it.
19:11
When I do decide to apply for a job,
instead of racking my brain trying
19:14
to remember everything I've
done my time at Treehouse,
19:19
I can I will spend my energy in making
the description itself stronger.
19:23
Instead of sitting there and
getting stressed out about,
19:27
I can't remember what I did,
I can focus my energy elsewhere.
19:31
Now, let's talk about what it should look
like when you're going back to what you
19:35
jotted down where you need to
rewrite some of those descriptions.
19:40
Looking at your description
under each position,
19:43
you'll want to remove any job duties as
well replace them with accomplishments.
19:47
These are much more powerful.
19:52
Recruiters and
hiring managers tend to know what your job
19:54
duties are based on your
title a majority of the time.
19:58
So listing them out can be
a real waste of real estate.
20:02
You're not adding any value by
stating the obvious on your resume.
20:06
We want to show them what you did, we
don't want to show them, sorry for that.
20:10
We don't want to show them what you did,
but instead, what you do or
20:15
didn't well in that position.
20:20
I've been up saying something about
your job title that seems obvious,
20:22
isn't really telling them about you
in the 21st century skills you have.
20:27
So let's talk about what
that accomplishment is.
20:32
Anytime you made, save, or achieve
something, maybe more money was made.
20:36
Or you saved time or effort by creating
a new policy, creating a new system.
20:42
Maybe you exceeded a goal that was set for
the company or for your team.
20:50
Maybe you created something,
you created a new app you created,
20:54
a new group at your company,
whatever it is, and so on.
20:59
Grant talked about this a bit
yesterday how he showed collaboration,
21:03
time management, and
communication through his non tech jobs.
21:07
And that's essentially how you
can take those previous roles you
21:11
may have had in not in tech and
transfer them.
21:16
To show like, hey,
I may not have been in tech but
21:19
all these skills I have can be
applied to tech real easily.
21:22
Remember, I said that I didn't come
from the tech world, I'm a tech new too.
21:26
So when I came working for Treehouse,
I had to really sit down and
21:31
intentionally think about what skills
am I bringing from my previous
21:35
jobs that can be applied and
showcase that.
21:40
Lastly, I cannot emphasize this enough,
21:43
but I want you to think of your
resume as a piece of real estate.
21:45
When you choose to put something on there,
think about how valuable it is.
21:48
Listing every single thing you've
done in your job may not be a good
21:52
use of that real estate,
a page fills up quickly as you make edits.
21:57
Think about if it's something
that will sell you or
22:02
if it's something that you can share later
on or expand on your LinkedIn profile.
22:05
This is tricky to do ourselves and
really does take practice.
22:10
I still have to go back and
get in the zone and
22:13
take breaks from looking at my resumes and
also getting other folks input.
22:16
There's so
much work we can do with resumes, so
22:21
hopefully these tips can get you started.
22:25
So with that, I want y'all to feel
free to add me on LinkedIn and
22:30
put that into practice of adding that
note with me or other speakers and so on.
22:35
But it's really just getting ourselves
comfortable with a new norm.
22:40
I think I have a few minutes so I'm
actually gonna take a look at my screen to
22:45
see if there's the questions that
the lovely Kaylee is sending me.
22:49
All right, so we have, how do you start
the conversation when you're breaking into
22:55
tech was an untraditional background and
no degree?
22:59
So, start just talking to people why are
you interested in working at that company?
23:02
And share those interests, and saying hey,
I'm thinking about getting into this
23:08
field and saw that you've been
working in it for so long.
23:13
I think a lot of the times we tend
to overthink our interactions of it
23:16
because we want it to be so perfect.
23:21
And I can't stress enough
sometimes just being authentic and
23:24
not trying to butter
someone off necessarily.
23:27
But to just say like, hey, I'm trying
to learn about this and I'm new to it.
23:30
Can I talk with you and share some tips?
23:35
Maybe they don't have time to meet,
23:38
ask if you can just send over
some questions and so on.
23:40
And just starting out that conversation
with people and just keeping in contact
23:43
with them saying like, hey,
I'm trying to make the transition to that.
23:48
Can you give me any advice?
23:53
Would you mind taking a look
at my resume and so on?
23:54
And then just by starting to have
connections with people on those LinkedIn,
23:58
even if you're maybe you're
not talking to them regularly,
24:01
you've not connected with them, and
they're probably sharing job postings.
24:04
And when they're sharing those,,
you can comment on them,
24:07
you can maybe message them for
more questions and so on.
24:10
It's really just getting your foot in
the door for those first conversations.
24:13
All right, I'll take one more.
24:18
How do you handle rejections?
24:21
Or have you commonly let
the person know that you're no
24:22
longer interested in
talking with them further?
24:25
[LAUGH] Well, let me first say,
24:28
I actually didn't get my first
job when I applied to Treehouse.
24:30
So, I have experienced
rejection firsthand.
24:34
And honestly, I was super bummed
clearly cuz I kept trying to work here.
24:38
But with that, with handling rejections,
if you still want to work there,
24:43
thank them.
24:47
And ask if you can still stay
connected and say, hey, if there's
24:47
anything else that ever pops up,
please keep me in mind, I love working.
24:51
I would love to work here.
24:56
Just going through the interview
process alone has shown me that I wanna
24:58
work here even more.
25:02
And then also if you don't get it,
you can also ask for feedback and
25:04
ask if they can share that.
25:08
To be quite honest, some with HR policies
can't always share all those that
25:09
information, but you can always ask for
any feedback or to keep you in mind.
25:14
Now, if you are no longer interested
in talking with them further,
25:18
you can only say something along the lines
of saying, I so appreciate getting to know
25:22
your company or getting to know you, but
at this time, I'm not seeing us as a fit.
25:28
And I'm gonna probably focus my efforts
a little bit differently, but thank you so
25:33
much for taking the time.
25:38
I wanna make sure that you
find the right applicant.
25:39
And that may not just
be me at the time and
25:42
I don't want you to spend
your efforts on me.
25:44
But it's kind of showing them like, hey,
I care about your time as well too.
25:47
In different iterations of that can work.
25:51
So we're out of time here, but
I wanna say thank you so much for
25:55
taking the time to chat with me.
25:59
I'm gonna try and
pop into the chats later.
26:01
I'll try to answer some
things on LinkedIn if I can.
26:03
But also, I wanna just say if you wanna be
added to our talent pipeline, start and
26:06
start that networking by emailing us and
26:10
you can be added to our
talent pipeline of Treehouse.
26:13
And I'll have one of our colleagues
drop down this email in there.
26:16
It's hr@teamtreehouse.com.
26:19
And thank you all so much.
26:22
I'll talk to y'all soon.
26:24
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