With our expert guest Sharon Hamersley.
In a rapidly evolving work environment, taking ownership of your career path and proactively seeking job opportunities and skill-building are essential.
In this episode of “Looking Forward Our Way,” career expert Sharon Hamersley shares crucial insights on intentional networking, professional organizations, and the importance of staying prepared for potential job changes, even while employed.
Networking and Professional Organizations
Sharon emphasizes the significance of intentional networking, even for individuals currently employed. Networking is not just about job hunting. It’s about building relationships, acquiring new skills, and staying prepared for potential career changes. She highlights professional organizations as valuable resources for networking, particularly for remote work opportunities. Whether local or national, professional organizations offer networking events, industry insights, and opportunities for skill-building.
Embracing Professional Development
Carol Ventresca stresses the importance of treating networking as an enjoyable part of personal development rather than a chore. Embracing professional development allows individuals to find enjoyment in learning, expand their skill set, and stay ahead in their careers. Sharon recommends leveraging a wide range of free or low-cost resources. These include professional organizations, civic clubs, volunteering, and alumni networks for career support and job fairs. It’s essential to identify opportunities that align with your interests and career goals.
Career Ownership and Employed Job Seekers
The conversation touches on the challenges faced by older adults in job searches. Sharon emphasizes the importance of self-confidence, skill-building, and staying prepared for potential job changes even while employed. Rather than solely focusing on current job tasks, individuals should continue learning, building skills, and staying open to new information to adapt to the evolving work landscape. Ageism and rapidly changing work environments are factors impacting career longevity. This makes it crucial for individuals to take charge of their career ownership.
At the same time, concerns about employer loyalty and self-preservation may arise among those who feel guilty about job searching while still employed. Sharon’s advice is to keep notes on issues and compliments in the current job. This makes skill-building and networking less overwhelming. Plus it helps individuals keep their skills up to date and acquire new ones for potential career advancement. Increasing skill levels can benefit both the employee and the employer in the long run.
Skills and AI Technology
The use of artificial intelligence (AI) in work is becoming increasingly vital, and staying updated on AI technology and skills is crucial for remaining competitive in the workforce. Workers need to identify and solve problems proactively, keeping their skills up to date and acquiring new ones. Employers should support skill-building, but individuals should not depend solely on their employers to teach them new skills. Staying ahead of industry changes and technological advancements is key to career success.
Preparing for the Future
Sharon provides valuable insights into recognizing signs that an employer may not be interested in helping individuals grow or may be considering eliminating their position. Reduction in responsibilities, exclusion from training and meetings, and management changes are potential indicators of such situations. She suggests steps to prepare for the future. These include assessing the current environment, listing projects and skills, and having open conversations with managers or HR for feedback and engagement assessment.
Take charge of your career path
Taking charge of your career and keeping good records of achievements and feedback are essential aspects of career ownership. Whether you are currently employed or seeking new opportunities, embracing professional development, leveraging networking opportunities, and staying prepared for potential job changes are crucial for navigating today’s workforce. By staying proactive in skill-building and networking, individuals can empower themselves to pursue fulfilling careers and remain competitive in the ever-evolving work landscape.
Sharon_Hamersley_Own_Your_Career_Resource_Sheet_2_2024Top 5 Takeaways
1. Intentional networking and skill-building are essential for both job seekers. Those currently employed, emphasize the need for continuous career development.
2. Professional organizations and local/national networks are valuable resources for job opportunities and industry insights, especially in a remote work environment.
3. Staying prepared for potential job changes and being proactive in acquiring new skills are key strategies for career ownership, even while employed.
4. Ageism, rapidly changing work environments, and the use of AI are significant factors affecting career progression and job security, highlighting the importance of staying adaptable and current in the workforce.
5. Recognizing signs that an employer may not be invested in an employee’s growth and being honest with oneself about the work environment is crucial for career preparedness.
Sharon Hamersley has been dedicated to helping people in their career journey for nearly 40 years. Starting as an academic adviser at Ohio State, she has spent the last 10-12 years running her own business focused on guiding and empowering individuals through job searches and career advancements. Through coaching, tools, and resources, Sharon aims to give people the self-confidence and knowledge they need to identify and reach their next career step.
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Recorded in Studio C at 511 Studios. A production of Circle270Media Podcast Consultants.
Copyright 2024 Carol Ventresca and Brett Johnson
