Chief Strategy Officer, Diana Morales Barbosa, Teaches Students How To Take The Initiative To Enter Our New World Of Work

This Tuesday, March 23rd, Diana Morales Barbosa, joined BOLD to talk to students about her role as Chief Strategy Officer for a full-service global media agency, Initiative, as well as her advice for students to break into this “new world of work”. Now more than ever, employers are looking for highly committed candidates that are ready to take on any challenge. After a difficult year, students will be entering an unprecedented job market that has created a demand for adaptability. 

A true expert in her field, Diana, has worked in the media industry for thirteen years, starting as a research analyst for Initiative in 2007. This experience has given her the necessary knowledge to know the ins and outs of the job market and teach students about the three initiatives they can take to break into the workforce. These are the borderless behavior, knowledge junkie approach, and high commitment initiatives. 

Starting with the borderless behavior initiative, Diana, talked to students about the various places she has lived throughout her career.  Born and raised in Barranquilla, Colombia, Diana always knew she wanted to live in a city setting. She moved to Bogota, Colombia to study Journalism and then went to Madrid to pursue an internship. Diana then got the opportunity to study a winter quarter in New York University in New York City, later making a move to Sao-Paulo Brazil, and finally Miami, where she currently resides. “The borderless card can show your future employers that you are open to exploring new cities, this opens doors if you are open to having an international experience,” said Diana. 

Moving into the knowledge junkie approach, Diana talked to students about her never-ending journey to keep on learning. With three university degrees and 40+ online certifications, Diana, told students about the importance of knowing different areas when it comes to entering the job market. “The knowledge junkie approach is proof that you are open to train yourself in as many areas as possible because right now it is important to have an opinion about different topics,” said Diana. 

She also shared some information to consider if students want to take this approach: 

  • Companies are no longer looking for experts but rather people who have a general knowledge of everything.
  •  New jobs are created due to new behaviors staying on top of the new trends is crucial. 
  •  There is a direct correlation between degrees and promotions. 

“We are living in a time when we do not have a real certainty of our tomorrow, however, when you are part of something you need to prove that you are all in because that is the way that you can show your passion,” said Diana when talking about the high commitment approach. As an example of her committed nature, Diana talked about her career trajectory working in the media world for 13 years under 3 different companies. “When you prove that you are committed to your company you can create a win-win relationship,” said Diana. She urged students to ask themselves if they are in a place where they can develop their commitment or consider a different career path. 

Diana concluded her presentation by encouraging members to use her advice when making the difficult decisions that come with entering the workforce for the first time. “Do the exercises to identify which initiative to take, when you take the initiative you are starting the next chapter of your life,” said Diana. 

Click here to connect with Diana!

BOLD is a student-run strategic communications agency at Florida International University. Click here to learn more.

Written by: Alejandra Chahine, Director of Public Relations