Career TOOLBox #2: Bridging the Gap – Equipping your Career Toolbox

 Now that you’ve developed your Career Baseline, it’s time to focus on equipping yourself with the proper ammunition to know as much as possible about your desired industry. Because of the internet, information is readily available, yet puts the responsibility on the reader to decipher between fact and fiction, between quality and crap.

And, if your ultimate goal is to become an expert at something, early on determine where to start seeking the right data. If the world is one giant resource, then your job is to hone in on people, places and things that will help you bridge the gap between where you are today and where you want to be. As Rami Katz, a Simon school colleague, military vet, attorney and, currently, Director of Technology Commercialization at High Tech Rochester, once wisely told me, “Envision your goal and work backwards. Effort is over-rated. It’s all about results.”

Submerging yourself into your desired sector can be accomplished on several levels, including, but not limited to, education, training, reading and interaction – all four bring unique benefits. You’d do yourself a great service by assessing your own barometer with each. You may even want to break these out into a scale, label them 1 – 10 and mark where you are per category as it relates to your career goal. Then, determine your resources – time and money – to prioritize your energy spending: Now, Next and Later. Businesses do this with growth plans because even with deep pockets, not every pursuit is important and the combination of adaptability and discipline is key.

Study

Over the past decade, higher learning has evolved into a very flexible arena. From on-line universities to rapidly expanding jr. colleges and even weekend grad schools, academia has recognized the growing interest of adults pursuing new skills and has responded with an increasing menu of class and program options. It’s the basic economic model of supply and demand. Remember, not all schools hold equal footing. With whatever program you choose, weigh in on the network externalities – will the caliber of current students, alumni and the school’s reputation open doors for you in the future?

Work

In addition to the classroom, you will need hands-on experience. If you want to own your own flower shop, go work in a flower shop. There’s a big difference between thinking you know how a business operates vs. learning from real life mistakes and victories. Whether full-time, part time, apprentice or intern work, any of these will help you assess if you even want to be in that business space. So start pounding the pavement and be grateful to anyone who will take a risk on you. Learn, work hard and spend at least all four seasons in one place to fully understand the life cycle of the organization’s productivity model.

Read

To compliment any classes you enroll in, make sure you’re at the top of the industry trends by reading reputable publications within your desired arena. If your budget is tight, your librarian can help navigate you towards your specific needs. Regardless of your chosen trade, you will want to invest in an online subscription to the Wall Street Journal. With expanded coverage, it’s the go-to source, not just for corporate executives, but also for anyone who wants to be on-pulse with everything from fine wine to political updates and even the arts. Also, make a list of leaders who’ve inspired you and read their bios, books and interviews. Observe the common patterns of success and see how you can apply them to yourself.

Network

Finally, think of anyone and everyone that’s in a related field and call, write and email them and ask them for five minutes of their time, because, chances are, that is all they have. Treat any correspondence with these folks like a real interview. And, no matter what, say “please” and “thank you.” In fact, go out and stock up on a box of thank you notes or get in the practice of sending gratitude letters. It’s all about the exchange of energy and the last thing you want to signal is an “all-take” user personality. Be grateful, be graceful, be kind. If you feel someone has done something special or a little extra, send them a small present, like a gift card to a favorite coffee shop or quality chocolates. And remember their generosity when you’ve achieved your professional goal and someone reaches out to you. That is when you know you’re really on your way.

First written in January 2010.  

Reprinted with permission and gratitude from CoolCleveland.com.

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