Lately, I have met with clients who are excelling in their careers but wondering what is next. One professional loved his work and was getting great kudos from clients and management but knew it was time for a change. There are other clients looking for a new career path that leverages all their passion, skills, interests and past experience. Others are taking advantage of the improving economy, and the timing of kids going back to school, to gear up for job search mode. Job search is a lot of work but as one woman indicated she's building confidence again and going to thrive.
When meeting with many of these clients, intuition has prompted me to tell them about Planned Happenstance from the work of Career Development Educator, John Krumboltz, out of Stanford. He believed that a very important part of any career advising was to "... teach clients to engage in exploratory activities to increase the probability that the clients will discover unexpected career opportunities."(1) Another way he referred to it was "planned luck".
Job search begins with "exploring" and understanding your passions, talents, work style, interests and values to find the best-fit opportunities. There are assessments available online and through career counselors to assist in this. There are a lot of people who meet with me who have done a lot of reflection and soul searching and just need to put together a plan of action. That plan must include "exploratory" activities including networking and informational interviewing and researching what's out there. Having a time of inquiry when meeting with others, to understand how they made a move, or what they would recommend, or what their work is like, is all part of the "exploration". This will pay off.
You know what else pays off? Being ready for the planned happenstance. How do we do this? First of all, we have to be open to it. Being open means doing the work of figuring out who we are and what we desire. Then, the connections will come. It took me 5+ years to figure that out. First, I went to school to study counseling and become a therapist. And, next, decided that I didn't want to do that so I transferred to the general counseling program and completed the coursework. (My dear friend made certain that I finished even though I didn't know the reason at the time.) And, then 2 years after graduating, having done a lot of soul searching and looking at my interests and skills and desires for work, I "happened" upon the role for me - Career Counseling for Silicon Valley Professionals and later throughout the Bay Area. I recognized it because I had done the work, not even knowing the desired outcome at the time.
How did it happen? I went to volunteer and utilize my new counseling degree at the renowned Career Action Center. I said that just any volunteer role would do inside this organization that worked with professionals in every area of career development. And, in having the initial meeting with Linda, who later became my mentor, she suggested that I become a career counselor. The light bulb flashed brightly as the connection was made. I was ready for this unplanned luck. And, I've been a practicing career counselor for exactly 20 years.
Remember the professional at the beginning of this piece who was excelling but wanted something else. He decided to begin the work of preparing for a new path not knowing what was next. The organization created a job with him in mind and he had no idea that was in the works. Planned happenstance!
With that in mind, I refer you back to last month's blog for ideas on where to begin: http://www.designyourdirection.com/updates.html. And, as one of the most creative mentors in my life would suggest, just do one thing differently today to keep your creative juices flowing. Explore something new about yourself. Here's a link to Jungian typology http://www.humanmetrics.com/cgi-win/JTypes2.asp. Or, set up a coffee or cocktail meeting with friends to find out more about what they do or what they would recommend you do next. Be open to new ideas. The connections and planned luck are out there for you.
If you are in a situation where you need assistance in getting into that right job or getting back into a role that makes you happy, I’d love to assist. Good luck with your unplanned luck!
* I do sliding scale for those who need that assistance.
A friend of mine who is in the financial planning and investment business sent out great information to his clients last week. The information points to programs, aid, grants and more that are available for financing college. Many of us are in the throws of getting someone in the family off to college. And many people are figuring out funding this year for next year college starts, I thought it timely to share the wealth of information that you will read below - from Joe Guittadaro, with his permission to share.
The cost of financing a college education can be daunting to many families. Although most colleges agree that the family should be the primary support vehicle, financial assistance does exist. In addition to private sources such as trade unions, fraternal or service organizations and professional associations, there are numerous state and federal aid programs available.
The good news is that a family does not have to be in a low-income bracket to qualify for many current aid programs. Most need-based programs take into account family living expenses, the number of children in the family and how many children are in college.
The federal government administers several major financial assistance programs. Some are direct assistance programs; that is, the assistance goes directly to the student. Other programs are administered through the college that the student attends, funds are sent directly to the college, which in turn dispenses the money to the student in accordance with federal guidelines.
The Pell Grant (formerly the Basic Educational Opportunity Grant Program) was named for Senator Claiborne Pell, who sponsored the legislation that established the program. A Pell Grant is based solely on financial need. The amount of the award is based on student need (within certain limits) and on how much money Congress appropriates to the program each year. It is important to apply for a Pell Grant even if you think you won’t qualify, since many college and state aid programs require it. Just check the proper box on the financial aid application.
The Academic Competitiveness Grant (ACG) provides need-based grants for the first two years of undergraduate study to full-time students. The National Science and Mathematics Access to Retain Talent (SMART) Grant is available during the third and fourth years of undergraduate study to full-time students who are majoring in physical, life, or computer sciences, mathematics, technology, or engineering or in a foreign language determined critical to national security. These two grants are for U.S. citizens who are eligible for the federal Pell Grant, and who have successfully completed a rigorous high school program, as determined by the state or local education agency and recognized by the Secretary of Education.
The Stafford Student Loan (formerly the Guaranteed Student Loan) is a federally subsidized loan program that allows the student to borrow from private lenders and the government at lower interest rates. Families with high incomes are eligible for the program if certain needs tests are satisfied. The loan is insured either by the federal government or a state agency.
Banks and other lending institutions voluntarily take part in the loan program. Repayment of principal and interest is deferred until six months after a student graduates or leaves school, and standard repayment is made over a 10- to 30-year period, depending upon the amount owed. An undergraduate may borrow up to certain limits each school year under the program. The government pays the interest for all undergraduate and graduate school years and for six months after the last class.
PLUS loans are available to parents of dependent undergraduate students, and to graduate or professional students who reach their Stafford Loan limits. Repayment of a PLUS loan begins 60 days after parents receive the money, and lenders typically establish a repayment period of 10 to 25 years. Graduate students may defer payment while in school at least half-time.
A Supplemental Education Opportunity Grant (SEOG) is a grant to a student with demonstrated financial need. The money is sent by the federal government directly to the colleges, which determine the award amount and dispense the money to the students. (These are in addition to Pell Grants.) The Department of Education allocates a specific amount of money to each participating college. Once distributed, there are no additional sums. Applications are made through the academic institution’s office of financial aid. Early application is strongly recommended.
The College Work-Study Program is a program administered by each participating college to provide employment for students who demonstrate financial need. The federal government grants funds to colleges for this purpose. Students normally obtain employment under this program as part of an overall financial aid package. They generally work 12 to 15 hours per week during school sessions, and up to 40 hours a week during vacation periods. Examples of college employment include library clerks, faculty aides, maintenance workers and cafeteria workers. The awards are determined by the colleges, and once a student has earned the full award amount, employment is terminated for that academic year.
Application is made through the college financial aid office. Eligibility is based solely on financial need. Students must be enrolled at least half-time in an accredited college and maintain good academic standing while employed. These earnings will not reduce the student’s financial aid eligibility, however funds are limited, so apply early.
Perkins Loans (formerly National Direct Student Loans) are administered by colleges that also act as lenders. Eligibility is based on the student’s calculated need. Although the interest rate is low, funds are limited and students should submit the financial aid application early. A student will pay no interest while still in school. There is a nine-month grace period after leaving college. Repayment is stretched out over 10 years.
State governments also offer a variety of assistance programs. But most state assistance is available only to state residents attending schools within that state. Some states do make exceptions and permit state residents to attend out-of-state schools. A few states allow nonresidents to receive assistance while attending a school within the state or have reciprocity arrangements with other states.
Many states have special programs for teachers and National Guard enlistees. Others offer work-study programs and special academic supplements. Application procedures vary from state to state. While most states allow the student to use one of the same need analysis application forms used by the federal programs, some states require separate application forms that must be completed for state programs. Students may find out about state programs and requirements through their high school guidance counselor, college financial aid office or a state agency.
It is important to begin early and thoroughly investigate all potential sources of financial aid. Your child’s college placement office can be a good starting point for information on financial aid sources.
This communication is not intended to be tax or legal advice and should not be treated as such. Each individual’s situation is different. You should contact your tax and/or legal professional to discuss your personal situation.
This article was prepared by Wealth Management Systems Inc. The opinions voiced in this material are for general information only and are not intended to provide specific advice or recommendations for any individual. We suggest that you discuss your specific situation with a qualified tax or legal advisor. Please consult me if you have any questions.
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Several years ago, I read that September was the busiest month of the year for events, trade shows, major workshops and more. Perhaps we never lose the sense of going back to school in the Fall and wanting to be learning and expanding ourselves.
With that in mind, it's a good time to "Review" ourselves and our careers. If you are feeling "blah" about your job or know that some aspects aren't working for you, take a look at your career priorities, Do you want more flexibility at work? Perhaps, you are hoping for a new project that will engage you and challenge you. Lately, have you been thinking of starting your own business, or changing industries or professions? This is your "Review" time. List all the priorities you need to be most satisfied in the work that you do. Then, weight each one's level of importance to you. Your priorities may have changed and it's important to understand that. Your new list will give you an objective view of how your job is currently meeting your work life criteria. If it is, celebrate! If not, continue down the path of change and make a career adjustment.
Also, doing something creative or fun or taking a day off or a drive through the mountains are all ways of renewing and gaining a new perspective that will help guide you through this process.
Thirdly, "Refurbish" your resume. Even if you don't know your exact next target, you can create a resume template that you can build on later. Creating or refurbishing your resume is a very positive experience. You focus on what talents and strengths you have and the accomplishments about which you are most proud. Working on your resume with a career counselor will build your confidence and help steer your professional direction whether it's down the same path or a completely new one.
Whether it is writing your resume or preparing for an interview, being focused on your strengths and what sets you apart "in a good way" is going to make a difference. It brings up your confidence and reflects positively on your resume and during interviews.
process." He landed a job in HR at one of the leading tech companies. I have a heart for assisting new grads, those soon to graduate, or those fairly recent grads who were hit by the downturn. It's been a rough 6 years when many grads who, in the past would have landed a job immediately after college, are still struggling to find the way into the right role and "catch up" so to speak.
My advice to the still lingering college grads and more experienced adult professionals who remain unemployed or under employed is choose your focus, leverage your strengths/talents and don't give up. Find your support system of people who know what you do well and keep them close at hand. We all have periods in our lives when others continue to point out our strengths and help us keep our confidence from completely dying out. My best friend has believed in me over the years and pointed out natural talents that no one else noticed. Aware of those, I've been able to leverage them in my marketing and often share stories about my own unique strengths and process to encourage my clients.
If you are struggling, no matter what your situation, reach out to those who believe in you; seek advice from wise and practical people; and, ask for positive feedback about what you do well. Even if it's been awhile since you've been able to land the right job and "shine," there is always a way to work former examples into a current resume and talk about your unique strengths confidently in an interview.
And, today, I received a note from a parent who said "just wanted to update you that (my son) has a new job ... (and is) doing Sales/Account Mgt. Your counseling put him on the right track!" I'm glad because that's what it's all about.
As a Career Counselor, it's important for me to assist clients in understanding their own values and how values are foundational to finding our best fit for work, community involvement and other group affiliations. Our values define what we hold to be true about ourselves and what is important in the way we live out our work and personal life. They are at our "core" and usually remain consistent throughout our lives sometimes changing slightly with a "season of life" transition like starting a family or retiring.
I'm very involved in a local music organization. The reason we came together was because of our passion for this music gendre, the Blues. However, the reason that we stay together is because we have a similar foundation of values. We like working together and "fit". What makes a particular band stay together for many years? They have a synchronicity in the music they create and perform together. But, it goes beyond that. It's personality styles and getting along. I think it's also that they have enough commonality of core values so they build upon their like mindedness and it's a good fit for a long time.
The same is true inside companies and organizations. Culture is shaped around the values established early on in a company's formation and lived out by the top leadership team. If your values fit with the organization, you are in sync. If you are disappointed a lot of the time, or frustrated with the mission and vision, or lack of it, or you feel like the odd man, or woman, out, it may be time to reassess and look for a better values fit.
I want to send you on your way today with a quote shared via Dr. Bernie Rock's newsletter from Latin Rock, Inc. Reading this, inspired me. Thanks, Bernie!
" Sometimes the most ordinary things could be made extraordinary, simply by doing them with the right people. "
By the time you leave, you will understand the importance of practicing these rules for your career success and the success of your HR team.
Frederick Gilbert is the founder of PowerSpeaking, Inc., a speech communication training company in Redwood City. Prior to this he held Quality and Communication roles in High Tech. Rick's coaching of over 200 senior-level executives led to the creation of the award winning Speaking Up: Presenting to Executives. The program won The 2004 Best Buys by Training Magazine, was recommended by Fortune Magazine, and won the Brandon Hall “Excellence in Learning” award for 2011. It features video interviews with 21 C-level executives about how to present effectively at top-level meetings. His book, “Speaking Up: Surviving Executive Presentations” was published by Berrett-Koehler in April, 2013.
Being an effective communicator is such an important skill in business. A former manager of mine, who was very influential in my career life, shared a model of communication feedback years ago. This model has a 4-pronged approach. I'm sharing it with you now so that you may add it to your resources for effective communication.
Explain your observations to the other person.
Describe what you felt or thought.
Own your feelings / thoughts and take the other person "off the hook".
Ask for feedback from the other person.
In yesterday's meeting, you expressed dissatisfaction with the project outcomes and raised your voice when doing so.
I thought that we had met all of the specifications and felt surprised, unprepared and uncomfortable with this part of the presentation.
You probably didn't know that it was the first time our team was hearing this information. Therefore, you most likely didn't know that I felt surprised and unprepared.
Would you let me know your thoughts? Thanks.
From here, you continue an objective dialogue.
There are some additional key points to keep in mind. Taking time to prepare for a feedback conversation is important. I often prepare and then run it by a trusted colleague before scheduling the feedback meeting. When communicating, the message (what I say) may not be received exactly the way I intended. Therefore, I recommend checking in along the way to insure that the message is clearly understood. I try to ask clarifying questions like "Would you be more specific?". And, practicing active listening (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Active_listening), a tool often used in conflict resolution, is very helpful. Giving and receiving effective feedback takes a lot of practice. With time, it does become more comfortable and you find that you have positive outcomes.
Tuesday Tip: What is Career Success?
Today at lunch time, I was in my favorite support group meeting. One of our topics centered on worry and fear about the future and what could go wrong. Several of us are self-employed and we agreed that even when the worst feared "wrong" occurs, 95% of the time it's not even close to how serious we portrayed it in our minds.
So, why do we drive ourselves crazy with that fear? Does that fear keep us from being fully engaged on our work and life path? Does it create a barrier to success? Bill Cosby said: "In order to succeed, your desire for success should be greater than your fear of failure."
So, that leads me to the next question to ponder. What does success mean? It's different for all of us you know. I've sat with thousands of individuals who are working on their career goals. Each one defines success differently.
When I first decided to work as a career counselor, over 18 years ago, I created my mission statement. It was how I defined success for myself. That mission was to "help people create the greatest work of art that is their life". A couple of years later, I realized that one aspect of my mission had changed. The work wasn't to create it - that was already a done deal. People are born, I believe, with innate talents. They have natures that lead them to do work in a field that suits them. So, my mission is "guiding people to discover the greatest work of art that is their life." I help people uncover what at some level they already know about themselves and set that knowledge into action.
~ "My parents immigrated to the US in the early 60’s, intending to someday return to their country after achieving some measure of financial stability. Both of my parents worked hard, using their skills in a variety of jobs to support our family of nine. My sisters and I excelled in school, and built lasting friendships. It became apparent over the course of many years that my family had built a good life and were in the US to stay permanently. I embraced the values my family taught me – the value of learning and receiving a good education; diligence and working hard and extending a hand to help others. As I progressed in my career, these values have helped me to develop many positive relationships in the various companies where I have worked. Many former co-workers are now good friends. Success for me is the choice I have made many, many times to treat others as the life travelers and companions that we are. I am reminded that every person’s choices and decisions affect my life as mine touches theirs. Success is the reward of continuing to learn from other people and to know that I have influenced and positively impacted a number of those who have traveled the road of life alongside me."
Monica truly has thought about and embraced her definition of career success. She is living it through the work she loves in the human resource field and beyond.
So, think about how you'd like to define your career success. There isn't a right or wrong answer. Your definition of success might involve making a certain income level, having a positive impact on the environment, helping others, etc. Then, in order to achieve that success, it's simply doing what you do best and not letting worry and fear get in the way.
I wish you much success wherever your career and work life takes you this week.
Lately, I have tuned into radio and tv shows and heard about the top 1% of wealthy people in the world. During some of the shows, I've heard it said that others could do the same if they worked harder. I'm always astounded by this idea as so much depends on a person's interests, talents, personality, etc. and, most importantly, the situation into which one is born.
In the field of career development and career counseling, many of us use an assessment, the Strong Interest Inventory ®. A practitioner has to be qualified to administer this assessment. I was certified in the inventory years ago as a new career counselor; it is still one of my favorite tools.
Someone in the top 1% of wealth who has "earned" money leveraging entrepreneurial and business knowledge would score in the interest area known as enterprising. People in this category are persuaders and influencing leaders who take more risks in the business world. Enterprising is one of six categories on the Strong Interest Inventory®. Of course, there are people with other interest areas - sports, entertainment, inventing, to name a few - who also achieve wealth. Not everyone has, in fact many, many people throughout the world don't have, enterprising interests. Many people are not interested in the business and politics of the world. It takes all types to "make this world" work. And, many people making the world go round are not interested in business, politics, and leading.
So, I'm suggesting not to generalize and say "just work harder", when there is so much more to consider.
~ In the midst of your work and life and interests, I wish you a good and productive week.
How do you prepare for the new year personally and professionally? How do you make a new start? And, what if the prior year has just been really, really tough in one or both areas of your life. What now?
I started out "anew" by creating my vision board for 2014. In fact, I created two this year. In the last few years, my vision boards have almost "frighteningly" come true. I have always known that if I write down a goal to accomplish, just the act of writing it down manifests it into being reached. Try it. It does work. Over these past few years, I have come into the additional belief that creating visuals of my goals or even just my passions, interests, and ideas, puts them into action and brings about amazing results.
This year followed a rough year in some personal areas of my life. So, I wasn't quite sure what a new vision board would bring about. I was a little bit hesitant even about the process this year. I attended a Vision Board workshop led by a wonderful facilitator, B.J. King, The first part of the workshop involved meditation exercises followed by reflection and writing. Then, we moved into the creation of our vision boards using pictures and more. The process is uniquely wonderful for each person. I walked away with not one but two boards this year, as I mentioned earlier.
If you haven't set any goals yet, try this approach. You may find that you arrive in some unexpected places in 2014 that are just what you created in your visual goal setting. And, if you are not ready for this process, or it doesn't feel like "your thing", I highly recommend writing down at least one goal or idea that you want to bring into fruition. Then, go off and have a great 2014!
For additional information on vision boards, I recommend B.J. King referenced above.