Networking and individuality were the key principles emphasized by Babette Honoré in her speech titled "Action Steps for Surviving in Corporate America" Wednesday night.

"Networking is a great way to meet people and establish connections," the 1978 Marquette alumna said.

Marquette's Multicultural Programs sponsored the speech.

Honoré is the assistant director of market development at Northwestern Mutual, a Milwaukee-based financial services firm specializing in life insurance.

"As a woman and as a woman of color, there are unique opportunities I have had to influence the corporate environment," Honoré said. "Be an individual so people view you first rather than just your race and/or gender."

Honoré said one way to earn credibility is to speak up and engage in discussion during workplace meetings.

"Try to get an agenda before the meeting in order to prepare your thoughts and ideas. Also stay informed with what the company is doing," Honoré said.

She said interpersonal communication is essential to surviving the corporate environment.

"The ability to maintain, establish and succeed in relationships is key," Honoré said.

She encouraged volunteering for assignments that show individual skill and stretch the individual as a worker.

"Find a way through which you can be who you are," she said. "Make sure you maintain who you are and are comfortable with who you are on the inside because that reflects on the outside."

Honoré said observing and learning the unwritten rules of the company is another key aspect for achieving success within that company.

She advised finding multiple mentors who can aid in different areas of the workplace.

"Find advocates who can tell others about you and recommend you for a promotion," Honoré said.

Before entering the corporate world, Honoré said internships are key for networking.

"Internships are a great opportunity to be in the culture of the company, but not really be a part of that culture," she said. "No opportunity is small."

After the speech Honoré said she thought it was important to speak at Marquette because she wanted to give back to the students and the university. She also wanted the chance to demonstrate and share tips for surviving in the corporate environment.

"When I was here, I would have loved to have this sort of opportunity," she said. "Tips about the corporate world were not presented like this."

Natalie Gross, the interim dean for Multicultural Programs thought it was important to bring a female, black role model to campus.

"It was important to bring Babette here to show not only our young women but all our students how to prepare themselves for the workplace," Gross said.

Beverly Woods, a senior in the College of Arts & Sciences, plans on getting her MBA and eventually working in a corporate environment.

"As a graduating senior I wanted to know some of these tips," Woods said. "People go in blind to the business world and this was good because it looked at the tools you can apply and improve on."

Woods thought Honoré's speech was relevant for students in all majors.

"This doesn't just apply to the business world, it applies to all careers in general," Woods said.

This article appeared in The Marquette Tribune on March 31 2005.