Career Building Strategies

Presented at ENG on May 11, 2006

by John Challenger

Summarized by unknown

Overview

At one time, the best careers were built by people who were able to navigate effectively within the politics of a single organization.  Today, managing a successful working life requires you to be an expert in making job transitions, voluntary and involuntary.  We will concentrate on the most successful strategies for accomplishing this objective in 2006.

Biography

Mr. John Challenger is a chief executive officer of global outplacement firm Challenger, Gray & Christmas, Inc.  He is a board member of HRMAC (Human Resources Management Association of Chicago) and recently was Chairman of the HRMAC Summit in November 2005.  He is the President of the Japan America Society of Chicago.  He served on the labor/human resource committee of the Federal Reserve Bank of Chicago from 1999-2002.

“Career Building Strategies”

Three Elements to a Successful Career Strategy

1. People:  Sources for new opportunities
2. Education:  Life long
3. Experience:  Be a high achiever.  Employers are most interested in your success in your most recent jobs.

People

1. Build your rolodex.  Use zoominfo.com to research key people.  In addition to professional colleagues consider your friends, neighbors, religious affiliations, volunteer organizations, other parents etc.
2. Identify and know people who can help your career.  Identify “connectors” these are people who seem to know everybody.
3. Identify influential people; gurus, experts and bosses.
4. Be a joiner at your current or new company
5. Be a joiner outside of your company.  Dedicate 10% of your time to outside commitments.
6. Don’t just join, have a plan.  Be an active participant

Education

1. Continue to develop and enhance your formal education.
2. Take every opportunity to take advantage of professional training
3. Have a plan for personal development

Experience

1. GROW IT!
2. Success at all costs
3. Ask for help to succeed
4. Be kind to those below, across and above you:  “Good relationships continue throughout all your life changes.”

Career Risks.  Try to avoid or be prepared to explain:

1. One company too long
2. Short tenure
3. Self employment
4. Over specialized
5. Abrasive personality

Final thoughts:
Your career strategy may not necessarily liner but more like a web.