How to Tackle Job and Career Transitions

The steps that will help you transition into a new career are experience and planning. Several employers will tell you that you are not qualified because you lack the experience. Yet as a student, you cannot get experience without having on the job training. So, you should actively seek internships in the area of your degree that will give you the experience you need to land that job and make the transition from student to careerist.

A good plan is always needed; an Ascension plan that is. Once you have made the decision to enter the job market or just to be promoted, you need to sit down and create a fast-track plan for your career. The Ascension plan will become the road map for your career’s journey. Granted, plans tend to change so when they do, just make sure you create an amended version.

The difference between thriving and coping during a career transition is being able to deal with the issues surrounding a transition and having the knowledge it takes to turn those issues into opportunities that will allow you to flourish. Coping with a stressful transition can be overwhelming and the obstacles may outweigh the prize. But do not lose sight that there is a prize (your new position). After the
transition is complete, life will return to normal. I would like to suggest Reinhold Niebuhr's Serenity Prayer if you are at all religious. It goes a little something like this:

God, give us grace to accept with serenity the things that cannot be changed,
Courage to change the things which can be changed,
And the wisdom to distinguish the one from the other.

If you are not a religious person, might I suggest reviewing Abraham Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs? The focus in this would be self-actualization, self-esteem, acceptance and safety.

The right amount of skills and habits is essential to getting promoted. You need to find the appropriate manner in which to get noticed; for example, exhibiting a great
attitude, pride and passion for your work. A great attitude always surfaces while being a good team player. It also shows commitment to others and sometimes offers the chance to grab a leadership role.

Pinpointing exactly where you want to be in the company is also a plus. Do your research on the particular position and analyze your qualifications. This may present the opportunity for you to enhance your knowledge if you do not qualify for the position at that time. Do what it takes to qualify even if that means returning to school. Once you have completed that task, you should begin marketing your skills. Volunteer for assignments that no one else wants and aim to do an outstanding job. Make sure you choose to help departments that are a level or two above your own. While volunteering, showcase your extensive knowledge of the company and the position that is desired.

Problems are easy to come by, but solutions are how you want to be recognized. So, “be a solution creator not a problem maker.” Being a procrastinator or “slacker” will not get you that promotion and therefore, you will not have a position to transition into. Mentally claim that executive position and act the part. Make sure you understand that staying busy does not mean you are being productive.
Productivity with positive results will definitely get you noticed.

Establish a valuable relationship with your boss and a few others in roles higher than yours. Communicate with your current boss that you desire to be promoted because you do not want to step on anyone while attempting to climb to the top. Stay open-minded and accept all feedback as an opportunity for growth. Everyone has at least one weakness. The first step is acknowledging that it exists and the
second is being able to sell that weakness as a strength.

Keep a record of all accomplishments (especially the ones that have helped increase revenue for the company). Do not be too aggressive in sharing your accomplishments; you have to find a comfortable median. It will shed some light on your worth and commitment to the company, but do not focus too much on past transactions. Try to place your attention on “the now.” The past endeavors are great, but show what you are capable of accomplishing right now or in the near future.

Transitioning at any level can be difficult so “forget about moving up the corporate ladder. [Just] focus on your career” (G. A. Marken). Your ability to quickly adapt to change will build good rapport with your superiors.

As a society, we have been taught that modesty should always be used. Well, if you do not broadcast what you are worth; then, who will? Remember, no one owes you anything and you control your career; make it your priority.

Another Day without a Dollar

On January 6th, I wrote with hope for the new year, well, that hope has turned into desperation. We are in the 5th month and things do not seem to be getting any better. So for those of you that are a part of the workforce, stay strong and pray that others may join you or at least survive in this recession.

Back to the Basics

There were several families using the barter system during the Great Depression so why not now; why not us? If you are one of the women in society that has been a victim of these trying economic times, go back to the basics. Cook, clean, babysit and/or trade goods; do what ever you can think of to help yourself, another person or family out.

A lot of people are so used to living comfortably without any hardships or struggles of any kind. But once that safety net has been removed, we start to see things such as murder suicides. Do not just sit idly by and allow yourself or your family to be swallowed whole by this situation; history shows that it will get better.

Going back to the basics is an ironic way to end the selfishness that has put our economy where it is today.

Will fair pay ever exist?

Plenty of women wonder why they can't get equal pay for equal work. Some companies still have their "good ole boys" club. Why must women still suffer from inequality? There are several women who choose to quit their jobs because they are not compensated fairly. Read more on this topic at: http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/c/a/2009/02/03/EDK215MH1U.DTL.

Tips Women Should Not Follow.

It would seem that everyone has an opinion or a solution to women finding great jobs and being treated fairly. Well, maybe all of those suggestions do not have women's best interests in mind. According to Penelope's Trunk, there are 5 Career Tips Women Should Run From. You can examine those tips at: http://blog.penelopetrunk.com/2009/01/12/5-career-tips-women-should-ignore/.

A Strong Woman in the Workforce

When I initially set-up this blog, I wanted to talk about single mothers in the workforce, but I changed my mind. Today, I met a woman who was a single mom of four daughters for 21 years. She has truly inspired me with her strength and courage because she overcame her stuggles (not having enough food or money to provide for herself and her children). She is now in a position where she helps single moms. She is married (has been for 2 years) and is still a pillar of strength).

So, to all of you single mothers out there (or those who know someone who is a single mother and struggling) keep your head up high, find strength within yourself, and know that no matter what; your children are what matters.

Stay strong ladies and be that strong woman in the workforce.

A New Year

Happy 2009 people. I just wanted to know will the new year bring new jobs for women or will the recessive economy force more women to stay at home? I will let you know what it brings for me.