24 July 2023

Leveraging Credentials in Obvious… and Less Obvious Directions

Questions such as these are sometimes asked by those thinking about future career directions - “What kind of job can I get with my degree”? “What career options does my degree prepare me for”? “Is it possible to find a job not related to my educational background?” Questions like these seem to imply that earning a degree in a particular field of study might limit one’s career options to selections within that field. Let’s dismiss that notion up front by asserting that in most occupational situations such rigid boundaries either don’t exist or are at least not unconditional requirements. In cases where there may be stated preferences for specific educational backgrounds for a given role (e.g., a job announcement for a web designer position might state that the “preferred candidate” will hold a computer science degree), such qualifications are frequently not absolute prerequisites. Although some vocational choices require completion of specific courses of study and attainment of degrees, certifications, etc. (e.g., a registered nursing job typically requires postsecondary nursing education and a state license), we’re largely not constrained by such boundaries when exploring the extensive universe of potential employment situations and career directions.

Obvious Degree-Occupation Links – Recognizable relationships exist between specific educational or training programs, their associated credentials (academic/technical degrees, certificates, etc.- hereafter for simplicity “degrees”) and defined career paths in many situations. Degrees in certain scholarly domains, for example art history, medieval literature, and classics, have familiar associations with traditional academic career tracks such as teaching, research, academic administration, etc. Persons who earn actuarial science degrees typically find work as actuaries (e.g., in insurance companies), graduates of cosmetology programs usually find employment as licensed cosmetologists, and engineering students tend to seek employment as professional engineers (at least initially following graduation). For those who intend to set out on such career paths, the selection of suitable educational programs and identification of appropriate qualifications can be straightforward.

Less Obvious Possibilities - What about less obvious connections between specific degrees and alternative vocational paths, for example “alt-ac” career choices (occupations other than traditional tenure track faculty positions for folks emerging from more academically oriented degree programs)? This question is similar to that regarding the applicability of specific job history and professional experience when one is considering a career change in a significantly new direction; the perspective we offer applies in that situation as well.

Is it possible to find a job outside one’s major or field of study (or outside of one’s experience base) - yes! Does attainment of a degree in a particular field limit one’s career opportunities to roles within that field? Emphatically no! Ask the following folks, all real examples - yoga school entrepreneur (BS Computer Science), Vice President of Research and Development for a biotech startup firm (BA, English and Comparative Literature), Head of Marketing in a software company (BA in Secondary Education), Chief Strategist for a social media consulting agency (BS Biochemistry), professional Chef (BS Finance), or the Events and Operations Specialist for a Neighborhood Improvement District (BS Physics). Numerous examples of non-obvious education-career pairing can be found as well in the ranks of high-profile CEOs, for example Andrea Jung, previous Avon CEO (BA, English Literature), Carly Fiorina, former Hewlett-Packard CEO (BA, Medieval History and Philosophy), Susan Wojcicki, YouTube CEO (BA, History and Literature). Fifteen to twenty physicians, mostly specialists, serve as members of the US Congress at any given time. Indeed, it is quite common for folks to be found happily and successfully trekking along rewarding career paths where the relationships between their academic or technical training and their vocational circumstances are not readily apparent. At an earlier point in their career, some of these folks likely would not have imagined themselves working in their eventual roles and may even have once dismissed any such suggestion as absurd (one contributor to this blog is an example)!

We suggest adopting this perspective– credentials such as academic degrees open doors. Earning a degree in any area of study provides a person with a valuable edge in pursuing a practically limitless range of prospective occupational opportunities. Recognize (as hiring managers do) that first and foremost, a degree represents completion of a rigorous course of intellectual growth and is an important component of a more comprehensive personal development project. A particular degree does not inevitably represent an apprenticeship tied to a specific occupational role, nor is it a one-way street terminating in a limited choice of future career options (although this can be the logical progression where such a route is consistent with one’s personal vision). Yes, earning a degree, particularly an advanced degree, in a specific subject area signifies a creditable level of competency unique to that field, but the credential itself represents a considerable level of accomplishment that demonstrates an individual’s ability to successfully manage the rigors of a complex and challenging program of scholarly development. Reaching the finish line on the long, arduous journey to graduation requires attainment and successful application of critical skills and positive personal attributes that are beneficial, even indispensable, in a wide variety of vocational settings. As a few examples, abstract conceptualization, ability to focus, problem solving, organization, task commitment, discipline, use of resources, and written & verbal communications are skills and abilities that are universally applicable and, accordingly, valued as such.

Now that we’ve hopefully established that degrees and what they represent in terms of development progress help facilitate progression into any number of meaningful livelihood scenarios, whether as a hired employee or a self-directed entrepreneur, we suggest that effectively leveraging such credential(s) and ensuring readiness to seize future opportunities demands emphasis in two important areas: professional fitness (establishing and maintaining a dedicated program of personal and professional development) and career exploration (actively surveilling and exploring the world of occupational opportunities). We briefly introduce these topics below, and in separate installments to follow we will expand on these themes, offering more detailed background information and advice.

Professional fitness Savvy hiring managers for example know that they are well-served to consider applications from people that have diverse backgrounds and experiences, including those with academic degrees that may at first glance be considered non-obvious fits for a given role. Considerable emphasis is typically placed on competencies other than academic subject expertise or specific technical skills - “soft skills” are heavily weighted in hiring decisions (skills related to written communications, presentations/public speaking, teaching/training, and negotiation are just a few). Personal qualities such as enthusiasm, teamwork, volunteer spirit, and flexibility are likewise highly desired attributes. We suggest that these skills and attributes should be deliberately and purposefully developed within a program of continuous improvement. In our next blog post, we will provide advice on establishing, improving, and maintaining a state of professional fitness.

Career Exploration Actively accumulating knowledge and insight about various professions, specific roles/jobs, organizations, institutions, etc. is part of career exploration. Inward discovery and evolving self-awareness are vital complementary foundational elements. In a future post we’ll provide perspective on leveraging knowledge, engaging an open mind, and actively examining opportunities while seeking out desirable waypoints, including situations not currently known or imagined, on the path of a fulfilling career journey.

21 March 2023

Lose a Job, but Gain a Future

“In the midst of every crisis, lies great opportunity.” - Albert Einstein

Maybe you are one of the 40% of employees that has lost your employment through layoffs, business closures, etc. (e.g., 15.4 million layoffs occurred in the U.S in 2022 alone)*. Maybe you anticipate that a loss of your job is possible for one reason or another. Maybe you are represented in the 61% of young adults that experience layoff anxiety*. Maybe you don’t fit any of those categories but will read on anyway (and we think you should!). What follows, written in the second person, is intended as practical advice to a person who has recently experienced a job loss. This advice is also intended to benefit those who are not presently concerned about losing employment but are nevertheless formulating contingency plans. Finally, this information maybe be helpful to those simply interested in exploring different areas of personal development.

The Crisis - In the event of a job loss, it is normal for you to experience negative emotions, which may be intense initially. You may feel disappointed, shocked, angry, sad, ashamed, guilty, alone, or helpless. You may blame yourself, regardless of whether any performance shortcoming on your part led to the termination decision. Your career may represent a significant aspect of your identity, and so you may experience a form of grief. You may suffer anxiety or even panic, for example worrying about the future, having concern about finances, etc. Again, these emotions are normal for someone following a job separation.

First things first. It’s important get a handle on your self-talk to assume and maintain an optimistic mindset as you establish a new path forward. Reaching out to family, friends, or clergy/spiritual advisors can provide important support and consolation. One way or another, things are going to be OK – it’s important to remind yourself of this regularly. You will likely require a period of adjustment - working through the early-stage painful impact of a job loss is a process that will take some time and require a measure of patience.

Although you may be tempted to speak or act defensively, it’s often best to do nothing initially. Caught in a storm of emotions it is easy to burn bridges by saying or doing things that you may regret later. Regardless of the circumstances, it’s best to try to leave an employment situation on good terms. You may prefer to keep your job loss information to yourself - although this can be a natural tendency, it is generally not going to be helpful. By connecting with others, you’ll not only receive reassurance and encouragement, but also benefit from getting the word out that you are available for new opportunities.

The Opportunity! – Understandably it might be hard to see it this way, but losing your job may very well be a blessing in disguise, the very sort of great opportunity Einstein reflected on in the quote above. Once ties are cut with a previous employment situation, an expansive range of possibilities regarding what to do next is presented, recognizing that certain practical considerations, for example securing a necessary source of income, must be taken into account.

Here’s a simple exercise that will likely shift your perspective, improve your outlook, and help get you moving on a positive, constructive path forward. Go to your favorite search engine and enter the following terms “Losing my job was the best thing that ever happened to me”. The numerous search results you will be presented with will include personal stories, advice, helpful links, etc. - you’ll also see that you are in good company. Read into these shared experiences – there is considerable wisdom, both spiritual and practical to be found.

Networking and expanding social contacts can be a valuable area of focus, and finding yourself with additional bandwidth may enable you to get involved in new pastimes. Joining clubs (e.g., book clubs, outdoor clubs, cooking groups, etc.), volunteering, or becoming a member of a service organization can be meaningfully beneficial. Volunteering can be a particularly constructive avenue to pursue, as service to others is often found to be a highly rewarding experience that supports personal growth. “We rise by lifting others.” (Robert Ingersoll).

Having additional available time provides an opportunity to enhance one’s attention to personal wellness. Initiating an exercise activity or dedicating additional focus to an existing program will help improve your confidence and self-esteem; even small steps will provide benefits including enhanced well-being. Practicing meditation and yoga, for example, can help relieve stress and facilitate relaxation.

It will be important to embark on, or continue, an intentional program of professional development to help land on your feet and be ready to seize opportunities. To enhance your self-awareness, consider asking a trusted person to honestly share with you their impressions of your strengths as well as any suggestions for skills and/or behaviors that might represent development opportunities. If you were dismissed for cause, try to objectively assess the reasons you were terminated and chalk the experience up as a life lesson while recognizing areas of improvement that the experience points to.

The suggestions above are intended to help you prepare with confidence and a positive mindset to move forward following loss of a job. Although you may have separated from your employment situation, realize that your next steps can be successfully taking you into an opportunity-rich future that you have the power to create. Godspeed as you embark on your journey!

*www.zipia.com

28 December 2022

Mentoring – Not Necessarily Formal!

“Show me a successful individual, and I’ll show you someone who had real positive influences in his or her life. I don’t care what you do for a living — if you do it well, I’m sure there was someone cheering you on or showing the way. A mentor.” — Denzel Washington

Many established organizations provide formal mentoring arrangements, which are structured talent or career development programs in which a mentor (i.e., teacher or advisor) is paired with a mentee (i.e., a protégé) to assist the latter in their development. Formal mentoring relationships typically involve structure (e.g., regularly scheduled meetings, establishment of development goals, plans for specific development actions, analyses of ongoing problems and challenges, etc.). Formal mentoring programs can be very valuable not only to mentees, but also mentors (who will also typically learn and grow) as well as sponsoring organizations (by enriching the talent pipeline – enhancing staff performance while preparing candidates for future succession).

In lieu of, or in addition to formal mentoring programs, individuals can also benefit greatly through what can be described as informal mentoring – flexible, less structured developmental relationships with one or more people within their network or organization. In an informal mentoring scenario, a prospective mentee can seek or obtain guidance, support, or otherwise benefit from the experience, expertise, or wisdom of someone whose perspective they respect and value, for example:

• When an employee or member of an organization seeks the advice of a more experienced colleague (for example in dealing with a challenging issue or deciding on a career path). Although a person may be naturally reluctant to ask for such advice, it’s useful to know that most prospective mentors are genuinely flattered by such requests and are typically very willing to help!

• When a leader/manager invests not only in an individual’s current performance but also takes a keen interest their development, actively supporting a program of competency building and skills enhancement, and perhaps preparing them for future opportunities.

• When a junior member of an organization carefully observes and learns from individuals who demonstrate proficiency in certain desired competencies (e.g., establishing rapport, fostering teamwork, effectively building relationships, successfully negotiating, calmly managing crises, communicating comfortably and effectively, etc.).

We encourage our fellow travelers to seek out and take advantage of both formal and/or informal mentoring opportunities that can add considerable value to an overall program of development and self-improvement. Happy mentee-ing!

Some trivia -  the word “mentor” comes to us from ancient Greek mythology, specifically Homer’s epic poem The Odyssey. Odysseus, King of Ithaca, and the poem’s hero, entrusts a teacher named Mentor with the care of his son Telemachus as he departs for battle in the Trojan War. The story gets a bit complicated from there, Odysseus is away much longer than expected, meanwhile Athena (Goddess of War) steps in as an effective mentor (disguised as Mentor), and so on - in any case, that’s the derivation of the term.

13 October 2022

Can you talk to your boss?

Consider a management person (the boss) having one-on-one discussions with two separate employees:

Employee A:  “I’d like to talk to you about a promotion” (another version is, “I think I deserve a promotion”)

Employee B:  “I’d really appreciate it if you could provide some feedback on what you feel are my strengths, areas where you think I can improve, and your recommendations for developing applicable skills. I’m interested in enhancing my performance in my current job as well as preparing myself for potential future growth opportunities.”

The Employee A approach is of course making a demand, probably in the absence a firm understanding about how this demand will be viewed by their manager or decision-makers within their organization. This employee may well learn that there exists a gap in between their self-assessment and how higher-ups assess their performance and/or their potential for progression. Employee B is, of course, pursuing a more thoughtful and constructive approach by seeking feedback on areas to improve, looking for help in establishing a suitable development plan, and sending a signal to management that they’d like to further develop and advance (without making unreasonable demands or conveying a sense of entitlement). Employee B is building a foundation for ongoing dialog related to development and progression, whereas employee A may well be setting the stage for a frustrating standoff with management.

For the present - Identify the skills that facilitate successful performance in your current roles and assignment. Abraham Lincoln provided sage advice here: “whatever you are, be a good one.”

If you and/or a person you report to considers that you have room for improvement in certain areas such as business skills, technical skills, or soft skills, you are well served to establish appropriate development goals and to take concrete, deliberate steps to pursue those goals (more to come on this in future posts).  Meanwhile, if you are good at what you do, you can become better. If you’re really good at what you do, you can still continuously strive to improve and to excel. Lady Gaga practiced with a voice coach every day for six months to prepare for her Sound of Music tribute at the 2015 Oscar ceremony. Tiger Woods has consistently trained under multiple golf swing coaches throughout his career. After decades of commercial success, the late Neal Peart completely revised his drumming style and reported significant technical improvement, artistic appreciation, and increased confidence after studying under mentor Freddie Gruber. You get the point - you can always improve!

For the future - Prepare yourself for future growth, both through planned development steps and taking advantage of opportunities both planned and unplanned. Expand and cultivate transferable skills while exploring yourself and the world around you.

Oh yea, good luck with that promotion!

16 September 2022

Why should I care?

Think about the number of times he following words have been said: “I wish someone had told me…”.  Here are some examples representing aspects of personal, financial, and vocation wellness:

“I wish someone had told me…”:

• You don’t “find yourself” in this life, you create yourself

• Life is tough, but you are tougher – no matter what difficulties you face, you will be OK

• No one cares as much as you do about your mistakes or shortcomings

• To be successful, soft skills such as emotional intelligence, communication, and teamwork are just as important as technical job skills

• To take a step in the direction of self-improvement, the right time is not in the future - the right time is now

• Credit card debt is a curse, applying a minimum payment each month is a terrible option

• Saving for retirement when you are young is critical!

There are some folks who would consider themselves firmly established and secure. Their work situation is stable, they can comfortably pay their bills, and their means of income supports their planned future needs. Such folks can afford, for example, to spend a substantial portion of their available time enjoying hobbies and may choose to do so.

For the rest of us, however (and we suggest that this is most of us), a successful and satisfying transition into the future requires both planning and development. What do we see ourselves doing one day? How do we plan to earn a living, and what skills should be developed or enhanced to help ensure this outcome? Exploration of opportunities, establishment of goals, and a solid plan of skills development are key to a bright future. On the financial security front, we need to establish our basic goals and assumptions, then take steps to make sure we stay on track. Do we plan to pursue college or vocational education? Do we plan to purchase a home? What is our monthly budget, and what do we project that will be in the future? Development of a working knowledge of personal finance basics is important to constructively address these questions.

As endorsed in our website’s Introduction page, a holistic program of self-realization should include elements of self-discovery, self-awareness, ongoing refinement of a personal vision, cultivation of a positive mindset, exploring, embracing opportunities, and maintaining a program of self-improvement. Our purpose at realizingyou.net is not to suggest specifically what you should do, but more to raise awareness of the importance of self-fulfillment and personal/professional development. We intend to offer perspective and advice in these areas for your consideration and will endeavor to identify and address a number of those “I wish someone had told me…” points along the way.

9 July 2022

The Myth of “Discovering Your Purpose”

Articles and websites offering career advice occasionally allude to a life-planning pursuit described as “discover your purpose” or “identify your true calling”. Your “purpose” or “calling” is assumed to be a life situation (e.g., career) perfectly suited for you as an individual. Inherent in this assumption is the idea that you are who you are, that based on your individual set of values, interests, abilities, etc. an exclusive vocational match for exists you, and that to be fulfilled you need to patiently seek this station in life. Having introduced the concept here, we now submit to you that this “one true purpose” business is a myth!

A better assessment is that there are any number of diverse vocational avenues within the vast universe of opportunities that are potentially well-matched for your particular profile. It’s also important to realize that at future points along your life trajectory you will no longer be the current you, but will instead likely be a modified, adapted, and improved version of yourself, molded through some process of development and shaped by the cumulative experiences you will have chosen to engage in. You may find a “fit” in the future that you would not currently identify with. Additionally, there’s never going to be the constraint that you remain on one vocational track once you seize (or create!) any given opportunity – it’s possible at any time and at any age to set out on a new path if a situation turns out to be a less than optimal fit, or if a potentially better opportunity presents itself.

If you have ever found yourself anxiously pondering what your true purpose might be, or if you have been waiting for this mythical calling to be somehow revealed, we suggest that such considerations are best dismissed. Exploring opportunities and further developing skills in the situation you are currently in will greatly improve the likelihood that you will find yourself in truly satisfying and rewarding future circumstances.       

23 June 2022

Exploring - Informational Interviews

As you explore careers, specific jobs, or other areas of interest, consider the benefits of informational interviews as a way to learn more about these opportunities. As we’ve said, direct experience is the best way to fully understand the true essence of an activity or occupation, but in lieu of such experience the next-best thing could be an informational interview, which is essentially talking to someone who actually has this experience. We introduce below the approach to informational interviewing in a vocational context, but such interviews can also be valuable in exploring college degree or technical training programs, courses, clubs, service organizations, volunteer opportunities, etc.

A typical informational interview scenario looks something like this: A person interested in learning more about a particular occupation (a candidate) reaches out to an individual with specific experience in that job or field and arranges for a brief, informal meeting or discussion. In the meeting the candidate asks specific questions and “picks the brain” of the experienced individual. Through this informal interaction the candidate gains insight and a better understanding of the nature of the situation they seek to learn about.

You might feel apprehensive about requesting an informational interview, setting up an interaction with someone you don’t know. For example, you may be concerned that your contact might find your request unwelcome, or that the overall experience might feel awkward or scary. No worries! Although it’s possible that a request for an informational interview may be turned down, it’s not likely. The majority of folks you contact will be happy to accommodate your request. People are generally quite willing to assist those who ask for guidance, and they typically enjoy sharing knowledge about their work and experience (you may even find them spending more time with you than you requested!).  As for feeling awkward, informational interviews tend to be very informal, and hosts will usually try to make an interviewing candidate feel comfortable. Informal interviews are also good practice for actual job interviews, where the stakes are higher, so a candidate may feel a bit more uneasy.

Here are some recommendations for planning and conducting a successful informational interview:

• Do online research and/or ask people in your network if they have recommendations for contacts in fields or organizations you may be interested in learning about

• Reach out by phone, email, or other means (e.g., LinkedIn messaging) to request an informational interview. Introduce yourself and ask if your contact would be willing to share 20-30 minutes to assist you in learning more about their organization or role

• If possible, arrange for an in-person meeting in the contact’s actual work environment - the sights, sounds, and general experience encountered will enhance your understanding of what “a day in the life” is actually like

• It’s important to prepare several questions based on what you would like to learn. Examples of questions are “Do you have any advice for someone considering this field?”, “Can you describe what a typical workday is like?”, “What do you find most rewarding in your role”? , “What is the most challenging part of your job?”, “What preparation (academic or otherwise) would be important for someone interested in this work?”

• Take brief notes, but don’t let this distract you from listening

• Dress appropriately – business casual is recommended,  Indeed.com provides a useful guide: https://www.indeed.com/career-advice/starting-new-job/guide-to-business-casual-attire

• Be on time!  It helps to scout the locations ahead of time to avoid last minute scrambling and possibly being tardy

• Be sure to follow up with a thank you letter or email

If one or more informational interviews might be a useful avenue of exploration for you, take the first step! Identify a target contact and make your request. Once you do this you will feel a deserved sense of accomplishment, and you can then set the stage for learning and growing by preparing interview questions. Good luck and happy networking!