Career Strategies for Any Stage In Your Career

Some strategies work better than others.  Here are a couple that work and a couple that don’t.

Strategy 1:  When making a career change, you need to go back to school.

MYTH – You may not have to go back to school at all.  You may only need to figure out if you have the skills your prospective employers are looking for to address their needs or solve their problems.  For example, if you were a lawyer and now want to transition into non-profit fundraising, you will need to focus on your relationship building skills, selling skills, and communications skills; all of which are essential for a fundraising role. 

Strategy 2:  Recent college grads should take any job and go after their dream job later.

TRUTH - Any job can provide opportunities to develop skills that will help you land your dream job.  If you aspire to be a news reporter but can’t secure a job in that field, take any job that will give you opportunities to present ideas, conduct research, and communicate verbally and in writing.  

Strategy 3:  If you don’t have a good relationship with your boss, try forming relationships with your bosses’ boss or others in the organization.

TRUTH – Even if you do get along with your boss, building relationships throughout the organization is beneficial.  Relationships are power.  The more you have, the more influential you become.  This doesn't mean you can bypass your boss for things only your boss can provide, like work assignments, spending permission, or a change in your work schedule.  Nevertheless, having mentors and advisors who can share their knowledge and provide unbiased feedback, can help you develop and reach your career goals. 

Strategy 4:  When interviewing for a new job prepare mainly to discuss your last job and what you did there.

MYTH – You will need to sell a few things in that interview. You will sell your knowledge, your skills/abilities, your positions, and your personal attributes.  You need to demonstrate to the interviewer that you understand what they need and you’re able to provide that.