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For the mid career professional, career and job changes have increasingly become a way of life. The Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that over the past 25 years, Baby Boomers have held an average of 10.5 jobs. That's moving to a new position every 2.5 years! The impact to work/life balance, skills development, managing change and transition is significant. So what does this mean for the mid career professional, in terms of developing and preparing for this shift in job/career management? We are seeing this seismic shift to more knowledge based vs. skills based workers. Today, your skills and experiences are simply a point of entry. It is the knowledge of your industry and emerging trends, integrated with your skills, that will be the lever which "makes you interesting" in the eyes of a potential employer. Your approach to obtaining a new position has to change from, "look at what I've done" to "look at what I can contribute based on what I know". So, while keeping your skills current, your career transition plan should also focus on the building and strengthening of your knowledge base. To begin your future as a skilled, knowledge worker, what actions can you take to create knowledge in your current position, learn more about trends in your industry, and gain a deeper understanding of your company's competitors? Where could you obtain more information? Who could you contact to gain additional insights? Here are some suggestions where you can take action, immediately! - Create a plan for internet research. A plan is critical so that you don't spend time in the rabbit hole of links and pages. - Get out from behind the computer and check local library resources for industry and job related information and trends - Conduct informational interviews with marketing strategy, operations heads and key leaders in your company - Check out magazines relevant to your business/industry online, at the library or on the newsstands - Network - online (e.g. Ryze.com, Linkedin.com), at industry events and association meetings - Join associations who provide thought leadership for your area of interest/industry (ask for referrals to important sources during your information interviews) - Talk to friends and colleagues to share knowledge and interests - Join or start a Mastermind group dedicated to increasing the knowledge base for all participants and to stay current in your area of interest/expertise Now that you have some suggestions and resources to gather knowledge, how will you use your newly acquired data? Knowledge, until you use it, is just a set of interesting facts and trivia; which will make you popular at parties and functions. But how can you make it useful and create more value for both you and your company? Who could you share this knowledge with? Here are some suggestions that are easy to do (and free!)... - Write an article for a magazine, periodical or online article directory - Participate in or start an online blog that discusses your area of interest/industry - Create or join a Yahoo or Google group to share thoughts with like minded leaders, globally - Present your knowledge at conferences, association meetings, network meetings Be sure to include any articles or activities which demonstrate your newly acquired knowledge and thought leadership in your portfolio for inclusion in applications, marketing pacs, on resumes or CV, etc. This portfolio increases your "currency" when competing for a promotion or new opportunity outside your current company. You've heard "knowledge is power", well it amps up your confidence and gives you incredible career choice as a result!
Article Source: http://www.a1-articledirectory.com
Chris Makell is the Career Transitions Specialist who helps career professionals get clear on their outcome and create crisp, achievable transition plans that get results. Her clients have increased their incomes, obtained high level and executive positions, and achieved career success with life balance. Get Chris' powerful audio program and transcript to create the mindset for career success, available at => www.CareerXing.com
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