Smart Career Advice for the New Economy

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Smart Career Advice for the New Economy
Thomas J. Denham

What's new about the new economy?

Technology has changed the rules. The new way of doing things requires not only technical mastery but also "soft skills" including integrative ability, reliability, dedication, determination, and interpersonal relations.

To stay ahead, follow these 10 "be-attitudes" for your continued career development.

1. Be Mentored
Pick someone who will teach you the ropes. Take time to learn the culture of the company since each organization is unique and different. Keep an open mind and don't form too many opinions too early on. Once you have learned the rules you will understand how to get things done.

2. Be Motivated
Present yourself as an energetic and enthusiastic professional. Demonstrate your self-confidence and go to work each day ready to tackle the challenges ahead. Learn to think and act for yourself with a sense of purpose. Can you generate results?

3. Be Self-managed
Manage your own career by building your experience as quickly as you can. Your ability to manage your time efficiently will allow you to wear more hats, balancing your work and outside commitments. Take advantage of company or external training programs. Whether you are going into a full-blown graduate program or merely participating in a seminar to improve your skills, you will need to reinvest continually in yourself.

4. Be Current
Keeping up with trends, skills, and technical proficiencies will help you build a better resume each year. The role of knowledge is even more valuable today than it used to be, and companies expect you to stay current.

5. Be Focused: Short-term and Long-term
In the new economy, you might not be in your current role for long. Consider the skills and experience you can develop and then bring to another position within the firm or perhaps another company. Determine what you want to accomplish within the next year as well as within the next three to five years. A career that is chosen today is not necessarily the one you will choose for life.

6. Be a Communicator
Your ability to speak clearly and articulately in front of small and large groups is key to your success in the new economy. Also, can you get your message across by writing concisely? Companies desire strong oral and written communication skills for effective presentations to clients, employees, and boards of directors.

7. Be a Team Player
Most projects in the new economy are being accomplished by teams of employees. Your ability to get along with different types of people in a work group and achieve a common goal will be rewarded.

8. Be Fast…or Be Last
Recruiters want new hires who can hit the ground running. Employers want workers who are able to show initiative in assessing situations, identifying options, and implementing solutions to problems. Do you have the flexibility and creativity to think outside the box or do you need to be told what to do? You will need to think and act quickly so you don't get left behind in the digital divide.

9. Be Entrepreneurial
Innovative leaders are rewarded; followers are not. Learn to take calculated risks and be prepared to participate. Stay organized. Take ownership of your responsibilities with a "can do" spirit. See yourself as a project manager with the attitude, "If it's going to be, it's up to me."

10. Be Education and Experience Oriented
Firms seek new hires that demonstrate a balance between academics and relevant work. Employers prefer a strong GPA since it shows a level of dedication and commitment. Companies also want you to come to the table "job ready" with transferable skills, practical internships, and related experience.

Reprinted from JobWeb with permission of the National Association of Colleges and Employers, copyright holder.