Leaping into your future

Are you an early to mid-careerist on a trail blazing path to carve out your career, reinventing, or making the leap from military life into civilian life? Here are a few things to consider.

Do your homework

Research opportunities within your current organization. I have had countless conversations with staff that are ready to give notice and throw in the towel because they did not communicate their desire. Make sure you have a conversation with your manager let him or her know what you want, communicate your career goals. Also, make yourself visible to human resources. They have the pulse on the job pipeline and can share with you what’s available based on your qualifications and the necessary competencies that you will need to succeed. Also, building internal champions can help elevate the process of landing your next position. Be patient, persistent, and make sure you have the core competencies to take on the new job before you take on the new job!

Transition

If you’re looking to make a leap into a new industry it is critical that you do diligence and network within the industry (and professionals who are from the industry) you’re interested in. Communicating what you’re interests are, what you’re looking for, and how your skills and value tie into that industry will help connect the dots. I often challenge those who believe that you have to be from the industry to get the job. Not true. What you need are the skills, experience, and ability to demonstrate your value during the interview. Why are you the best candidate for the job?

Network, network, network

The only way people are going to know what you’re looking for, need help with, and getting professional introductions is by networking. It’s the hardest thing for most people to do but it’s necessary if you want to be successful. Also, your time is valuable, don’t waste it on networking in areas or with people that cannot help to make the professional connections you need. This is not harsh, it’s reality. Your ability to succeed and get the right position, and the right employer is to immerse yourself around like minded people and environments that are going to serve you well. Finally, don’t forget to pay it forward. Always be willing to reciprocate the generosity and ask how you can return the favor.

The better you prepare to target the job opportunities, industries, and organizations the higher your chances are of landing the right job and employer. Be as selective and diligent in the interview process. You have just as much at stake as the company that's interviewing you.

For more information about our career development and career pathing services, contact us at:

Laura@epiphanyconsultingsolutions.com

or call:
916-248-9756
650-226-3122

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