Many people, especially those who travel, use noise canceling headphones. Not only do noise canceling headphones block out exterior noise, they allow you to limit distractions and focus on what is important to you. Now, think about your career. It starts early. Young children are commonly asked, “What do you want to be when you grow up?” When the child answers, the response is met with some type of feedback and advice. Advice, which can be requested or unsolicited at times, continues throughout your life as you move through your career. It comes from family, friends, mentors, supervisors, colleagues, and sometimes total strangers. That advice, or noise, can become so loud it drowns out your own inner voice. When that happens, consider using your very own career-related noise canceling headphones.
read moreA strong professional network can boost your career in many ways. It allows you to gain important information, connect with key contacts, and share material that will both help others and showcase your professional prowess. That’s why it’s important to start building your network as soon as possible, especially while you’re in college. Most people understand they should seek out seasoned professionals as network contacts, but did you know diversity within your network can provide new perspectives that will allow you to expand your knowledge and identify valuable skills that can enhance your career? To make the most of your network, make sure it includes the following contacts. read more
LinkedIn, a professional networking platform, is a valuable tool that you should be using as part of your career strategy. Most people familiar with LinkedIn are aware of the need to create a profile and connect with other professionals, as networking is at the core of LinkedIn’s functionality. However, there are other elements that are critical to creating and implementing a successful LinkedIn presence. Investing five minutes right now to make sure you are making the most of LinkedIn will pay dividends in terms of your ability to leverage the platform for your professional gain. To do so, you will need to promote your brand effectively, create an impactful headline, and boost your credibility. read more
Whether you’re a recent grad or seasoned professional, starting a new job can be both exciting and terrifying. You’ll encounter a new organizational culture, supervisor, responsibilities, and colleagues. How can you prevent it from becoming an overwhelming experience? Have a plan! Your job search strategy was effective (you landed the job!), so now it’s time to develop and execute a new job strategy. Some of the keys to success include connecting with others, doing your research, and focusing on positivity. read more
Starting out as a new professional in your chosen field can be overwhelming. Your days on campus are over, and now you are in the real world. What you do in the early stages of your career can significantly impact your career journey in a positive (or negative) way. Here’s our advice for new professionals when it comes to the reality of “dream” jobs, employer feedback, and building mutually beneficial relationships. read more