|
We have all felt the effects of the financial crisis in one way or another.
Perhaps you have lost a job or know someone who has. Or maybe your retirement
account has devalued, requiring you to work longer than anticipated. You may be
considering switching jobs—or even career fields—if your industry was hit
particularly hard. Yet, even in a fluctuating economic climate, creative new
career opportunities are always available.
High Anxiety
The classic stages of grief and loss were first introduced by Elisabeth
Kubler-Ross (1969) as a progression through the emotions of denial, anger,
bargaining, depression, and acceptance. While many are familiar with this model,
few may realize that any significant personal change can also trigger these
stages. The core belief underlying each one is that we are powerless to change
our situation. But truly, the one constant in life is change. We do have power
over how we respond. Accepting this fact can be a passage to a new beginning!
Opportunity Knocks
At some point in life everyone must meet a difficult challenge. The important
thing is to get honest—reassess the reality in front of you. Be positive. How
can you creatively adapt to this new reality? What resources do you have in your
family, school, workplace, or community? What have you learned? Are there things
you could do differently to strengthen your skills or value in the marketplace?
Are there similar jobs where you can utilize your skill sets and experience?
Retooling Your Future
Here’s the good news: business skills such as financial management,
marketing, innovative problem solving, or project management are always in
demand—especially now! Business intelligence is needed in all
sectors—government, private industry, non-profit, and educational
arenas—domestically and internationally. The Smith School is a professional
community network to which you belong, offering a variety of resources to help
you develop a creative, strategic career plan. You can work through self
assessments, update your resume, search new job opportunities, and design your
next career project. The Office of Career Management is continually working on
new initiatives, ongoing workshops and events, coaching, online forums, and
employer recruiting on campus.
Be your own agent of change, and turn this moment into a great new
opportunity! Contact the Smith Office of Career Management with inquiries and
suggestions regarding alumni career resources at 301-405-9978, or
pthibodeau@rhsmith.umd.edu, or
visit the OCM Web site at
www.rhsmith.umd.edu/career/alumni.
|
