3 words: Attitude, Differentiation and Growth.

A few weeks ago I attended a conference at University of Castilla La Mancha to speak about professional development in an International Environment, so I thought it would be a good idea to share some relevant aspects on this post.

One of my favourite things about going back to Uni is the chance to interact with current students in their last year, before they graduate in Business Management, and realise how old I have become when they speak to me using the term "Señor" (Sr).

During my talk, we all “travelled” from my last year as student, the decision of leaving my country, how to boost your chances to obtain a scholarship or even two!, how to get ready for your first “proper job” and finally I spoke about the professional development within a fund manager firm. The below key aspects were ephave had a relevant influence in my life:

• Your attitude determines your altitude: a positive attitude is a way of responding to life in manner that allows us to accept and face challenges, contradictions or obstacles. The right attitude enables us to make a positive impact and even to help to influence other people´s attitude.

• Be different by adding extra value: being different is not synonymous of being weird or rare, front my point of view we can outstand by thinking out of the box. I described when I had to decide the theme of my dissertation project, while making up my mind I chose an area which could add an extra value in any organization and I became the first student in my faculty to develop it in a different language. This small decision made me outstand from my class and let me study about something which has added value to my career.

• Challenge yourself, “if it doesn´t challenge you, it won´t change you”: nowadays we can find practically everywhere quotes such as: “come out of your comfort area”, “never give up...” There are many ways to apply these aspects in our life, but what I tried to show them was the importance of facing new situations, experiences with the purpose of growing and developing ourselves.