Push Play - Ginny Ghezzo

Ginny Ghezzo's Personal Blog ... testing 1, 2, 3

Monday, November 16, 2009

Ten ways to rev up your career

I'm not a big fan of career advice books\articles. They are usually obvious and shallow. Careers are like children: they are so unique, they are so personal and they change all the time.
This article however was a good reminder of things I know and use to practice much better. Especially the first is so key to owning your job\career.

1. Have an elevator speech: I would add, have two. The one for those in your field and one for those outside.
2. Get Connected at your company (blah blah blah ... this one got a "meh" from me)
3. Dare to Apply: I always appreciated that applicants that said "this is the job I eventually want. What do I need to get there". Courage is an underrated skill in corporate america.
4. Network like your career depends on it. This is good not only for you, but for your corporation too.
5. Have an online presence. Oops. Something happened in 2003 and my google searches went from technical contributions to baby book reviews.
6. Get Trained: Amen Sister!!!
7. Boost your leadership skills
8. Know what you are Good at. This one should be coupled with "know what you love\value". For me these are distinct and I have to work hard to find opportunities that have both.
9. Know what Success means to you and move towards it. And even "what I have" takes a lot of work to maintain!
10. Be flexible