In this economy, you need to do whatever you can to stay competitive and relevant. There are thousands of people out there looking for work, what sets you apart from them?
What are you doing to build your own brand? Whether you are happy in your current position or looking for a new one, you must focus on what it is that makes you unique.
Of course, you work hard, you are good at what you do (I hope!) and you put in long hours. Most of us do. Aside from your 40 + hour work week, are you doing anything to develop yourself?
Development can be internal training or external training. You don’t have to wait for your company to make the suggestion. Take the initiative yourself and ask your manager what you can do to grow in your role, or to help prepare for the next role.
Companies these days are doing so much more with so much less. Employers and employees are finding less time to devote to things like training and development. There are so many reasons that you should not take your eye off the ball of your own development! Whether you are an employer or employee when employees feel like their company is investing in their development and their future, they are more productive and more satisfied in their jobs. It’s worth the extra effort! If, for whatever reason, your employer is not focused on this for you – MAKE the time for your own development! It will pay off.
There are so many options. Most companies have an internal training group within their Human Resources Department where you can sign up for onsite or even online training. There are also many options for professional seminars, two day training programs and certification programs that you can attend during the week, at night or on the weekends. Don’t forget your own local or community colleges. There are a lot of adult education classes to choose from and many times if you ask, your company will help with the fees. If there is no time or money for classes, make an effort to learn from those around you. Take the time to understand what’s going on in other departments, divisions and branches of your own organization. Ask about a Mentor, someone who you can have coffee or lunch with periodically to get advice and coaching.
The bottom line is, you need to do whatever you can to stay relevant and to make sure you are ready for the next step in your career. You can’t rely on others to do that for you, the motivation has to come from within and then hopefully your company will support your efforts. Once again, even if the company does not have the resources to support your efforts, take the initiative and take charge of your own development and your own career. You will not regret it.
Mary Olson-Menzel,Managing Partner- MVP Executive Search and Consultants, specializing in Executive Search, Coaching, Strategy and Executive Outplacement mary@mvpexec.com. Mary has 20+ years of experience working in corporate America and executive search consulting. She specializes in senior level recruitment across digital, print, broadcast and cable media and runs MVP’s global NY office.
Questions from our Readers
Answered by Mary Olson-Menzel
If a co-worker should ask, should I tell them my salary and if not, how do I politely decline?
You can politely say that you would prefer to keep your compensation private. It is actually inappropriate for someone who is your peer to ask what you make. It’s none of their business and I’d wonder about their motives for asking. Telling a co-worker what you make only opens the door for problems. I would ask them not to take it personally but explain that what you earn is a personal matter and that you don’t feel comfortable discussing that with them or anyone else.
Any suggestions on being pregnant and having a full time job? My first time for both and I’m a little nervous about it all.
Make sure you have a good support system both at home and at work. You are going to be tired and potentially nauseous, so make sure you have everything on hand at the office to help you make it through the day. Crackers, various healthy snacks, try to drink a lot of water and make sure you are getting enough rest at night. When you go public with your pregnancy, most people will be very supportive and understand your frequent trips to the bathroom and yawns during meetings. Make sure you continue doing your job well and with the same work ethic as before the pregnancy, but also make sure you are taking care of yourself. If you would like more information please feel free to email me at mary@mvpexec.com
Posted on: Cynopsis Media