Spring Break
ECU alumna returns to talk about success
Gregory T. Hedgepeth II
Issue date: 4/7/09 Section: News
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The ECU College of Technology plans for this to be the first in a series of lectures aimed at leading and succeeding in the careers of its students.
Allen, a former computer science major, led off the lecture by giving some of her educational background.
She graduated from ECU in 1981 and then went on to further her education at the University of Phoenix and Harvard Business School. She also participated in thousands of hours of IBM technical and leadership courses.
"Education is an essential beginning for a successful leader," said Allen. "Work experience integrated with education leads to early success."
She says the most important part of her learning process was the co-op at the ECU Department of Navy, because it allowed her to meet and network with people who were critical in boosting her career.
Allen's most intensive part of the lecture was what she referred to as "the five points of wisdom," including believing in yourself, believing in growth through challenge, believing in ongoing education and learning, believing in what you're doing and believing in change.
She concluded that it was important to be confident and ready to lead as well as having a dream or vision of where you want to go.
"Sometimes it means doing what no one else is willing to do," Allen said. "Get out of your comfort zone and seek to learn something from every opportunity."
She suggests having a passion for learning and making it a lifelong endeavor. This is the only way to keep your skills current, she said.
"Work hard, put in the hours and make the sacrifices," she said. "Successful leaders embrace, drive and thrive on change! Be an enabler of new ideas … and be the agent of the change that you desire."
Darren Jacobs, a freshman psychology major, plans to apply all of these ideals to his college career.
"I'm so grateful for this lecture because it puts a lot of things in perspective for me," said Jacobs. "Success is more than just being lucky. It takes hard work and taking advantage of the right opportunities."
Alisa Morris, a high school senior and hopeful future ECU student, shared the same sentiments.
"She really opened my eyes," she said. "If I can be half as successful as her, I'll be happy."
Allen concluded by saying that success is an attitude, an opportunity is always knocking and that there is value in networking.
She also said that even though her lecture was about success, no one gets to where they are without some bumps in the road.
"You can't be afraid to fail, but don't continue to rehash those failures," Allen said. "Look at them as learning opportunities."
This writer may be contacted at news@theeastcarolinian.com.
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