Set Your Agenda!

Do you want to be successful in finding a new career or job? Who doesn’t? Well, the first step is setting an agenda. This is useful to both those just entering the work force, as well as those getting back into it, or even when coming from another job.

The primary goal of your agenda is to focus yourself. Set your goals and know your goals so that you can choose up to three jobs to really go after. Once you have decided on the few jobs you really want to pursue, you can put all your effort into making your resume, cover letters, etc., perfect for those positions! This way you are not sending out a ton of sub-par resumes, but around three truly solid ones. (It is always good to send out your resume, even if it is for a job that is not your primary target).

It is important to not only set this agenda, but to really stick to it and continue to follow it throughout your entire job search. Do everything you possibly can to be consistent with your goals. Also, be ambitious and seek out all of your potential connections through networking. Do your research and jump at any occasion that will help guide you further in your search.

It is difficult to be so dedicated to pursuing your career, however I assure you it will pay off!

Advice: Straight From the Top!

I had the pleasure of spending the day in D.C. last Friday at Burson-Marsteller, a leading global public relations and communications firm. This means a lot more to me because of my particular field of study, however, the lessons I learned pertain to anyone looking to find a career.

It was a “Career day” hosted by the brightest minds in the firm, who had some great advice for us. They admitted how important our generation really is when it comes to news dissemination. No one understands social media like Gen-Y does, and our elders know this. They want young people working around them to help them understand how to reach people through various outlets. With all of the different pockets of information, young people’s perspectives and fresh ideas are really welcomed and extremely valuable to these major corporations.  However, we are also cautioned to be open-minded to alternatives that are given to us by the superiors in our companies.

Some other great advice was to believe in meritocracy. If you work hard, you will rise to the top. This must be taken very seriously. The smallest task should be precisely done with as much thought put into it as any other job. “Be the best photo-copier you can be!”

Lastly, it is important to know what you know, know what you don’t know, and discover the rest. Do not guess when you are out in the real world. Ask questions and allow yourself to gain knowledge, it will only make you better at what you do.

I was also able to speak with some recent graduates working at the company. It was assuring seeing young faces having so much success. Their advice for finding a career was to network. For example, have coffee with different people in your career field, such as your parent’s friends, even if they are not hiring, they may know someone else who is. Hold on to these contacts and use them as unbiased advice givers.