Careers in Transition, LLC

Tom Denham was recently featured in Capital Region Living Magazine Article (January 2007 issue), with the article entitiled "Your New Year's Resolution: Getting into Career Shape."

January is the best time to set not only your personal goals, but also your career development goals.  Here are ten suggested career resolutions that can be a part of your “to do list” in 2007.

1. I resolve to manage my career better and to be more enthusiastic at work. Begin this year on the right foot by evaluating where you are in your career path.  Conduct an inventory of your skills, values, interests, areas for improvement and direction.  Ask yourself some hard questions like, “What would I like to learn in my job this year?” or “Where do I see myself in the next three to five years?”
2. I resolve to read at least one career development book. Even if you read just a few pages a night from the book, What Color is Your Parachute? by Richard Bolles, you can improve the way you approach your career.  I also suggest the following Do What You Are? by Barbara and Paul Tiegger, I Could Do Anything If I Only Knew What It Was by Barbara Sher, or I Don’t Know What I Want But I Know It’s Not This by Julie Jansen.  You will find a wealth of great books that fit your unique needs at your local library or bookstore.
3. I resolve to start looking for a new job or career by exploring my options. After conducting a careful self-assessment, begin by investigating two or three tentative career fields of interest. First, read about them on the Internet, next, conduct some informational interviews to learn how to break into the field, and then try to gain experience.
4. I resolve to further my education. Perhaps this is the year that you decide to apply to college, attend graduate school, or take a continuing education course.  In addition, by reading books, articles, participating in seminars, or in-service training classes you will be reinvesting in your education in order to stay current.
5. I resolve to improve the balance between my work and my family. This is a real challenge in today’s stress-filled world.  I was once told that if you really want to be fulfilled you need to achieve balance among the five “Fs”: Faith, Family, Friends, Finances and Fitness.  Any imbalance in one of the Fs can impact the others.
6. I resolve to stay in touch with my references. Sometimes we have a tendency to forget about our references as we proceed through the various stages of our career. Consider sending them a birthday or holiday card each year.  Call them and update them on your career plans if you are involved with an active job search.
7. I resolve to strengthen my interview skills. Interviewing is a very neglected part of the career development process.  Have a friend conduct a video-taped practice interview that you can both evaluate in order to improve your delivery.  Also, don’t forget to research prospective employers before interviewing.
8. I resolve to update my computer and technical skills. With all the rapid changes in technology, it is important to stay current with this aspect of your portfolio.  One possible resolution could be to learn at least one new software program each year.
9. I resolve to increase my network of contacts. Resolve to meet at least three new people each month that can assist you with your career development.  Attend Chamber of Commerce events, alumni functions, or other occasions that put you in touch with individuals in your field.  By the end of the year you will have at least 36 new contacts.
10. I resolve to update my resume. Updating your resume should be an annual practice for staying in “career” shape.  You perform many functions at work and those responsibilities probably change from year to year.  Updating your resume will help you inventory your annual accomplishments and will help you keep better track of what you have achieved.  Also, if you realize your resume is weak in particular areas, you can set goals for the coming year on how to improve.  Ask yourself, “What did I accomplish last year that I can include on my resume?”