"How can I ask for what I want?" With Kate

Kate challenges old myths and shares Top Tips to help you feel more confident, respectful, and empowered when it comes to asking for what you want (or need). 

What is Ivey Career Management?

The Ivey Career Management Podcast shares practical career advice, alumni insights, and expert perspectives to help Ivey students and graduates navigate their careers with confidence.

[Auto-generated transcript. Edits may have been applied for clarity.]
Welcome to the Career Management Podcast at Ivey Business School.

My name is Kate and my pronouns are they/them.

On today's mini episode, I'm giving you permission to ask for what you want and need when it comes to your career.

Asking for what we want and need comes very easily to some people, while for others it can feel challenging or even confrontational.

I want to give you tools to feel more confident, respectful and empowered when it comes to making requests.

Let's start with some myths. Myth number one: "if I ask for something, I'll sound needy."

That's not true. The truth is, everyone has needs and you are the only person who knows what your needs are.

So communicate them.

You can also ensure that you're framing your asks in a respectful and assertive way, rather than using a more demanding or antagonistic approach.

Myth number two: "They'll say no anyways." That's not true.

This assumption can come from fear of rejection, whether it's imagined or based on lived experience.

I get it. No one likes being told "no", but don't let an assumption scare you out of asking when you might actually get a "yes".

Myth number three: "I can only ask for accessibility support in class, not in my internship."

That's also not true. You can request accessibility support during any of your Ivey experiences, including your internship.

We want you to have what you need to be able to do good work.

Here are some top tips to help you ask for what you need. Notice myths like the ones I just mentioned, and fact check them.

When we recognize myths for what they are, they're less likely to become barriers to our success.

Write out the reasons you're making this request. You don't have to share them with anyone.

It just serves to remind you of your motivations and your needs.

If you're not sure of your reasoning, do some research with your peers,

your professional network, Career Management tools like 12Twenty, or chat with a career coach.

Take the perspective of the person you're asking. What questions might they have that you can prepare for?

Imagine what success will look and feel like. Visualizing can help us think more positively and build our confidence.

Ask for 100% of what you want 100% of the time. You won't hear a yes every time, but you'll hear it more often than when you don't ask at all.

If you need a low stakes way of practicing,

connect with a friend or make an appointment with a career coach and we can talk about your needs, or do a mock scenario.

If you don't see an appointment time that works for you with a career coach, get in touch with Career Management and ask if there are other options.

Thank you for listening or watching. If you are interested in connecting with Career Management,

you can book a one on one appointment by visiting the 12Twenty appointments tab online, or visiting our space at room 2235 in the Ivey building.

Take good care.