Karren Brady’s advice on going on a work trip aboard by yourself
APPRENTICE star and West Ham United vice-chair Karren Brady answers your careers questions.
Here she gives a reader advice whose anxious about going on an international work trip by themselves.
Q) I work for a research company that often sends people to conferences to learn about specific areas and then present the information back.
My boss has asked me to go to one in Berlin, and while I’m excited in some ways, I’m worried in others.
I’ll be going on my own and won’t know anyone. I’m not good at networking, and I’m worried about how I’ll cope, both socially and from a work point of view.
I’ve only ever been abroad with my family or husband, plus I’m already freaking out about having to present to the whole company when I get back. Help!
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Toni, via email
A) Stop overthinking the negatives and focus on the positives! Your company trusts you to represent it, so show the same faith in yourself.
Preparation will help ease your mind on some of these worries.
Identify specific goals for the conference, both professionally and personally.
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This may include networking with a certain number of people or learning about particular topics.
Compile a list of subjects that people in the office will want to know, so you have a clear set of objectives.
Familiarise yourself with the conference schedule, and decide which speakers will match these goals.
Many conferences have online platforms or social media groups, where attendees can connect beforehand.
Remember, many others will be there alone and open to meeting people.
Once you’re home, take time to reflect. What went well? What could you improve next time?
Then practise your presentation until you feel confident.
Be open about the fact that this was your first research trip, as it will help your colleagues relate to you.
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Above all, embrace the opportunity to learn and grow.
- Got a careers question for Karren? Email [email protected].