Opportunity for career advancement is all around you. I realize some reading this might assume I mean the web and search engines for jobs, but I mean much more than that. What I'm talking about is that you never know where your next job is going to come from. While I attribute much of my success and the BREAKS in my career as a combination of working hard and being recognized by people of influence who then secured my next job opportunity, I fully give credit to God for knowing how best to use me with each subsequent career step I took.
Working 101: Plan A and and Plan B
1. Have a Career goal (a professional skill set you want to develop for the long haul) - for me it was public relations.
2. Have a fall back skill set for when the market is lean and you need some change in your pocket (this is the skill set that can pay the bills and give you breathing space to look for your next opportunity) - for me it was administrative assistant and office manager stills.
Keep focused on Who You're Really Working For at the End of the Day
Colossians 3:23-24
Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men, knowing that from the Lord you will receive the inheritance as your reward. You are serving the Lord Christ.
My commitment to my work ethic is very much tied to who I am, almost to the point of alienating the people I work for at times. My mom was industrious, as was my grandmother. What I had a hard time learning, however, was that success is actually defined by your ability to work well with others and bring them along on your journey with a joint goal. I still struggle sometimes with this but have gotten much better with prayer and the right kind of mentors and models (more on this subject in another post).
A great blog I follow to keep me on the right track when working with others with a focus on meeting my organization's strategic priorities is Leadership Freak. Check it out. It is both inspiring and informative. This is one of the rare blogs that I have a RSS feed to my inbox. That's how valuable the insights are to me. Even though the blog is focused on leadership, I find many of the topics discussed are ways which can help me be more strategic in how I work with people that work for me and people for whom I work.
Whatever you decide, be faithful in your prayer life, be focused on the necessity of playing well with others and never lose sight of the fact that you are meant for great things, even if you may not be aware of what those things are right this minute.
Stay the course! You'll be glad you did.
Wednesday, February 22, 2012
Tuesday, February 21, 2012
Where have all the communications jobs gone?
So inevitably, when we talk about changing tacts (see my first posting), the question most people (at all phases of their career) wants the answer to is where are the communications jobs? If you're completely impatient skip to the bottom of this post for sites and JOTW's links.
Now, I live in the Washington, DC area now so the lists and blogs I check out are for this area, with the exception Ned Lundquist's Job of the Week (JOTW), a free email listserv (yes they still exist) of communications jobs all over the country. When I left my job at Fitzgerald Communications to have my first child in 2005 (the PR firm was acquired the year after I left), a former supervisor whom I'm still in periodic touch with (Christmas cards), told me about JOTW. While I have never gotten a job through JOTW, its SO NICE to know there is a resource out there that continues to focus on mostly communications positions for that future time where I might be in the right place at the right time.
The Right Job for the Right Phase: Honing a Skill Set that You can Take to the Next Opportunity
Also, this feeds into the whole focus for this blog which talks about HOW you work, rather than WHERE you work. Did I work 70+ hours a week when I got my first official PR job in NYC? Absolutely! I started as an account coordinator (that is the very bottom of the pecking order in a PR firm) working on everything from new business presentations to press databases and pitching to reporters. How long did I last at that pace (even in my early 20s)? 9 months.
13 years later, I still do PR but in the federal government. I'm no longer single and working in Manhattan, able to stay late at work and take a car service home (oh yes, I worked so late, for safety reasons, they allowed me to take a cab home when I was working on powerpoint presentations until 3am/4am), or working for an environmental non-profit on the Capitol Hill.
Now, I have 3 kids (6, 3, and 21 months) and am doing communications strategy and planning for my office within NOAA. I now work a sane 40 hours/week and can telework from home when my kids are sick from school and daycare. I work for the government now (albeit as a contractor) and am in a place in my career where I've put in my 70 hour weeks at a PR firm in NYC and can do my job (at a much higher level) in 40 hours a week. But my skill set is the same. I still do PR and legislative communications. I just do more at the planning and strategy level than at the beginning of my career.
Things to think about BEFORE you look for a job
These are all the things you need to think about BEFORE you look for a job. What is your life like right now? Are you free to travel? Do you have restrictions with children? Are you open to freelancing? Do you have some time before graduate school to do a free internship? Thinking about all these things will help you to choose a job or opportunity that's right for you at this phase of your life.
Job Resources
So back to sources for jobs in your area (local or by industry). If you're looking for communications-related jobs in the DC area, here are the places I like to look (just to keep things interesting). I prefer blogs to traditional websites because I've found blogs to be much more timely in terms of their job announcements. That said, I would suggest you check out the big local newspapers and government sites (in the DC metro area job market) if you're interested in hitting all avenues.
I love JOTW!
Job of the Week - Close to my heart and a great resource for jobs. There's something so organic about Ned's list. Its a list of jobs he takes the time to put together for his subscribers every week! I like the fact he also puts a place for young professionals (often with no little to on experience) to pitch the entirety of the community.
BLOGS:
DC Public Affairs + Communications Jobs - One of the most comprehensive blogs for communications/PR jobs in the DC area. I like this blog because its easy to navigate and is very intuitive in terms of how they send you to the organizations' web sites. Do be warned that applying for positions directly from this site can be a bit cumbersome so you're better off going directly to the website and applying online if you're really interested in the job.
The PR Coach - I just found this today and love, love, love that its comprehensive. It not only has its own job board that is easy to filter and search (JOY!) but it also connects you with the other sites that serve PR professionals!
The Hispanic PR Blog - I like this because it targets a particular market of PR professionals (who have a special skill set) dealing with a particular segment of the population within the PR field. Not sure how their job site works but this serves as a good example of the variety of ways to look at your skill set that you may not have considered in the past.
Traditional sites for DC area communications jobs
USAjobs.gov - I know, I know. But this is a great place to look if you're interested in something with a bit more stability. While this seems like a pain, once you take the time to set up an account, the process for applying for jobs have become much easier. That doesn't, however, mean getting jobs is easier. Just think: now the federal agencies have a larger pool of candidates to choose from for each position.
The Washington Post - While not the best online, you should check out the Post's job section on Thursdays if you're interested in holding something in your hand in your job search. I prefer blogs as I'm less patient, but I realize some folks like to look at postings in papers so here's one option.
Contract Companies (science-related industry)
Contract companies that hire for jobs in the government - There are lots of contact companies dealing with non-military hiring at federal agencies. Below are some that work with NOAA but there are many more that work for other agencies. This may be an option if you're comfortable with 1 to 2 year contract terms or a foot in the door for networking for potential permanent positions.
I.M. Systems Group - This was the first contact company I was hired by when I started in the federal sector.
CSS-Dynamac - This is where I am now. I'm doing much of the same as my previous position (except I'm with a different part of NOAA now) but the pay is better and the higher level of responsibilities.
JHT - My husband (who also works at NOAA) was with this contractor before becoming a federal employee (albeit it took 9 years) and really liked his experience with this company.
SAIC - I'm not familiar with this but my husband pointed out so I thought I'd include.
Regardless of what you're looking for, if there's a will, there's a way. Don't lose heart. The just think of this as an opportunity to consider different avenues that you may not have considered before!
Now, I live in the Washington, DC area now so the lists and blogs I check out are for this area, with the exception Ned Lundquist's Job of the Week (JOTW), a free email listserv (yes they still exist) of communications jobs all over the country. When I left my job at Fitzgerald Communications to have my first child in 2005 (the PR firm was acquired the year after I left), a former supervisor whom I'm still in periodic touch with (Christmas cards), told me about JOTW. While I have never gotten a job through JOTW, its SO NICE to know there is a resource out there that continues to focus on mostly communications positions for that future time where I might be in the right place at the right time.
The Right Job for the Right Phase: Honing a Skill Set that You can Take to the Next Opportunity
Also, this feeds into the whole focus for this blog which talks about HOW you work, rather than WHERE you work. Did I work 70+ hours a week when I got my first official PR job in NYC? Absolutely! I started as an account coordinator (that is the very bottom of the pecking order in a PR firm) working on everything from new business presentations to press databases and pitching to reporters. How long did I last at that pace (even in my early 20s)? 9 months.
13 years later, I still do PR but in the federal government. I'm no longer single and working in Manhattan, able to stay late at work and take a car service home (oh yes, I worked so late, for safety reasons, they allowed me to take a cab home when I was working on powerpoint presentations until 3am/4am), or working for an environmental non-profit on the Capitol Hill.
Now, I have 3 kids (6, 3, and 21 months) and am doing communications strategy and planning for my office within NOAA. I now work a sane 40 hours/week and can telework from home when my kids are sick from school and daycare. I work for the government now (albeit as a contractor) and am in a place in my career where I've put in my 70 hour weeks at a PR firm in NYC and can do my job (at a much higher level) in 40 hours a week. But my skill set is the same. I still do PR and legislative communications. I just do more at the planning and strategy level than at the beginning of my career.
Things to think about BEFORE you look for a job
These are all the things you need to think about BEFORE you look for a job. What is your life like right now? Are you free to travel? Do you have restrictions with children? Are you open to freelancing? Do you have some time before graduate school to do a free internship? Thinking about all these things will help you to choose a job or opportunity that's right for you at this phase of your life.
Job Resources
So back to sources for jobs in your area (local or by industry). If you're looking for communications-related jobs in the DC area, here are the places I like to look (just to keep things interesting). I prefer blogs to traditional websites because I've found blogs to be much more timely in terms of their job announcements. That said, I would suggest you check out the big local newspapers and government sites (in the DC metro area job market) if you're interested in hitting all avenues.
I love JOTW!
Job of the Week - Close to my heart and a great resource for jobs. There's something so organic about Ned's list. Its a list of jobs he takes the time to put together for his subscribers every week! I like the fact he also puts a place for young professionals (often with no little to on experience) to pitch the entirety of the community.
BLOGS:
DC Public Affairs + Communications Jobs - One of the most comprehensive blogs for communications/PR jobs in the DC area. I like this blog because its easy to navigate and is very intuitive in terms of how they send you to the organizations' web sites. Do be warned that applying for positions directly from this site can be a bit cumbersome so you're better off going directly to the website and applying online if you're really interested in the job.
The PR Coach - I just found this today and love, love, love that its comprehensive. It not only has its own job board that is easy to filter and search (JOY!) but it also connects you with the other sites that serve PR professionals!
The Hispanic PR Blog - I like this because it targets a particular market of PR professionals (who have a special skill set) dealing with a particular segment of the population within the PR field. Not sure how their job site works but this serves as a good example of the variety of ways to look at your skill set that you may not have considered in the past.
Traditional sites for DC area communications jobs
USAjobs.gov - I know, I know. But this is a great place to look if you're interested in something with a bit more stability. While this seems like a pain, once you take the time to set up an account, the process for applying for jobs have become much easier. That doesn't, however, mean getting jobs is easier. Just think: now the federal agencies have a larger pool of candidates to choose from for each position.
The Washington Post - While not the best online, you should check out the Post's job section on Thursdays if you're interested in holding something in your hand in your job search. I prefer blogs as I'm less patient, but I realize some folks like to look at postings in papers so here's one option.
Contract Companies (science-related industry)
Contract companies that hire for jobs in the government - There are lots of contact companies dealing with non-military hiring at federal agencies. Below are some that work with NOAA but there are many more that work for other agencies. This may be an option if you're comfortable with 1 to 2 year contract terms or a foot in the door for networking for potential permanent positions.
I.M. Systems Group - This was the first contact company I was hired by when I started in the federal sector.
CSS-Dynamac - This is where I am now. I'm doing much of the same as my previous position (except I'm with a different part of NOAA now) but the pay is better and the higher level of responsibilities.
JHT - My husband (who also works at NOAA) was with this contractor before becoming a federal employee (albeit it took 9 years) and really liked his experience with this company.
SAIC - I'm not familiar with this but my husband pointed out so I thought I'd include.
Regardless of what you're looking for, if there's a will, there's a way. Don't lose heart. The just think of this as an opportunity to consider different avenues that you may not have considered before!
Friday, February 17, 2012
Question of the Day: How do I get a job?
Despite my best efforts to focus this blog on changing industries or as I like to say "tacks," without changing your skill set, I find myself being asked by numerous individuals how to get jobs. (My husband finds this endlessly amusing considering the fact that he's witnessed all these transitions.)
It is because of my limited time working full time with 3 little ones that I decided to take a detour for this post and talk a bit about this question.
Before you ask yourself, "How can I get a job?," you should really ask yourself the following:
1. What am I qualified to do?
2. What am I willing to do as a job?
3. Who within my network is someone who might be knowledgeable about the job market and how I can plug in?
4. In what other industries might my skill set be applicable?
5. PRAY
#1 will help you manage your own expectations. If you are realistic in this assessment, it will help you achieve success.
#2 dovetails with #1 in the fact that you may need to do an internship somewhere as a means to get access to the people that can help you find your next job. I say next job because I believe we're shifting more and more to a model where experts will change jobs more frequently and employers will be looking more and more into hiring experts on a consultancy basis. More on that in another post.
#3 will support your job search efforts as well as expand our thinking of what you might be qualified to do. You never know who you know and what types of jobs they might hear about and know about that are a fit for you. Don't discount the power of people as a mechanism for finding you jobs or maybe even giving you one themselves. If you don't have a professional network to tap into because you're just starting out, look into your college advisor or department chair as they often know of internships to get your foot in the door.
#4 will allow you to expand your search parameters to include a wider range of organizations. This really is the central piece of my philosophy of honing a skill set rather than doing a job. The skill set can be applied to any "flavor" or industry (PR is very much like that whereas other jobs like electrical engineering is not, so take this with a grain of salt), which allows you more flexibility when considering the next career step.
#5...Prayer will get you further than anything else you can do. Pray for discernment and for guidance on what God would like for you. Seriously. Consider it.
It is because of my limited time working full time with 3 little ones that I decided to take a detour for this post and talk a bit about this question.
Before you ask yourself, "How can I get a job?," you should really ask yourself the following:
1. What am I qualified to do?
2. What am I willing to do as a job?
3. Who within my network is someone who might be knowledgeable about the job market and how I can plug in?
4. In what other industries might my skill set be applicable?
5. PRAY
#1 will help you manage your own expectations. If you are realistic in this assessment, it will help you achieve success.
#2 dovetails with #1 in the fact that you may need to do an internship somewhere as a means to get access to the people that can help you find your next job. I say next job because I believe we're shifting more and more to a model where experts will change jobs more frequently and employers will be looking more and more into hiring experts on a consultancy basis. More on that in another post.
#3 will support your job search efforts as well as expand our thinking of what you might be qualified to do. You never know who you know and what types of jobs they might hear about and know about that are a fit for you. Don't discount the power of people as a mechanism for finding you jobs or maybe even giving you one themselves. If you don't have a professional network to tap into because you're just starting out, look into your college advisor or department chair as they often know of internships to get your foot in the door.
#4 will allow you to expand your search parameters to include a wider range of organizations. This really is the central piece of my philosophy of honing a skill set rather than doing a job. The skill set can be applied to any "flavor" or industry (PR is very much like that whereas other jobs like electrical engineering is not, so take this with a grain of salt), which allows you more flexibility when considering the next career step.
#5...Prayer will get you further than anything else you can do. Pray for discernment and for guidance on what God would like for you. Seriously. Consider it.
Friday, February 3, 2012
Tacks: Changing Directions
Change, while necessary and ever-present, is an uncomfortable subject for many people. When you overlay change on top of a career, things can get complicated.
I've spent a great deal of time doing public relations, media relations, legislative communications, etc. and have learned a lot about myself and my value to the organizations I've worked for, and there have been a few. During the course of 15 years, I have held 8 different communications positions in 4 different sectors, working for organizations with a mission from pharmaceutical companies to telecommunications to the oceans and Alaska.
In this blog, I hope to address many of the questions I've come across regarding recalibrating one's career amid life changes such as kids (I have 3) and moves (I've lived in 5 states), etc. In addition to my personal reflections about developing a specific skill set that is resilient in an evolving employment landscape, I am also hoping invite others who are experiencing the same type of career tacks changes (a nautical term for changing directions) that I have come through.
Stay tuned!
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