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No matter where you are in your career,
you can be sure that you will need to deal with change. Will
you be reactive or proactive in the process? Here are some
pointers for embracing change to achieve long-term career
success.
Define Goals “Inside-Out”
Carefully consider what activities you
most enjoy. What values do you embrace and how can you
balance these between your life and your career?
Self-assessments can help you work through these questions.
Explore and Evaluate Options
Don’t get stuck in a box framed by past
job descriptions. There may be a variety of career options
that will appreciate your “transferable” knowledge. Identify
the project areas and companies that most interest you.
Research Web sites, and check out the jobs being posted.
“Interview” people working in the types of jobs you would
like, so you can better understand expectations and
potential trade-offs.
Network Both Online and in Person
Identify career fairs, professional
conferences, committees, or projects that relate to your
interests and goals. Ask questions. Watch, listen, learn—and
contribute. Transforming acquaintances to advocates should
be your goal.
Use “Stepping Stones” to Reach Your
Goals
You can create your professional
profile over time. Identify what you may need to “add” to
your resume to align with contemporary expectations for your
targeted field or job type. Look for projects in your
company, community or new job opportunities. Accomplish
“deliverables” that will prove your capability and become
part of your new professional profile, to exhibit value to
your next employer.
Redesign Your Resume
While resumes summarize education and
work history, commit to focusing on your future. Tailor
your resume to the job or company you are targeting, and
present yourself in their language. Articulate the
measurable value that your future employer seeks in a
candidate. For each job you have held, write relevant
accomplishment statements, being sure to add any new
projects you are working on.
Apply Toward Your Goals
Nothing ventured, nothing gained. Make
a list of companies whose missions and project areas align
with your interests. Write or talk to people in your network
who may work for these companies. Keep your goals in mind,
but understand this may be a “stepping stone.” Submit your
“new resume.”
Negotiate Win/Wins
Whether you are interviewing for a new
job, starting a new project to build your profile, or
beginning your own business, you will find yourself
“negotiating” your situation, relationships and environment.
Keep your goals in mind, but see where you can also support
the goals of your peers, organization and community. This
principle will bring shared benefits, build relationships
and support achievements that you can continue to build upon
throughout your career. |
