Career Talk: Learn - Grow - Thrive

Training is so important. What you learn in training could be the info you need to take you to the next level. 2 main ways to get training: Through work Training you find Work training: Online courses from your company (LMS) Conferences Cross functional conference calls Lunch and learns Teach something Ask your manager what options you have Ask HR for options too - benefits Webinars Speak with others outside your team Connect with immediate team members for ideas / what they've done Research projects / case studies Peer to peer training Training you find: Webinars Organizations you're a part of / can join Networking events / meetups Conferences Social Courses Pods Books Phone apps Certifications Friends / family Additional episode: Learning new skills and professional development - 12/26/2019 To support the show: Online Store (you can get 15% off using code CAREERTALKPOD15): careertalkswag.com Paypal: paypal.me/stephdennis13 Anchor: https://anchor.fm/car

Hey everyone! I wanted to check in and see how you're doing and how I can help.  I did record this episode before the most recent current events have unfolded over the last 10 days or so.  --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/careertalk/message

Sometimes when we want to make advancements in our career and/or skills we need to take risks. Some risks will be bigger than others. Some with higher rewards than others. Why would you want to take a risk Advancement Leadership opportunities Learn a new skill New challenges New experiences Try something new - test if you like something new Early in your career Bored / feel stuck / stagnant / complacent When to take risks in your career: Early - recover Feel like you're hitting a wall / ceiling Need a new challenge / growth Stable in other areas of life Reward balances risk Universe / God / Higher power / etc is prompting you Keep getting opportunities presented to you How Ask Apply Promotions Take on more responsibilities in current role Start a business Contract work / side projects Lateral move in a new industry Check your gut To support the show: Online Store (you can get 15% off using code CAREERTALKPOD15): careertalkswag.com Paypal: paypal.me/stephden

Finding the right mentor can be a bit more involved. Establish what you're look for: Goal of getting a mentor What you specifically want to learn Frequency Time each meeting Rough agenda idea How you'll meet How to connect between meetings Assessing how it's going for both of you What you could offer Type of person you're looking for Location Values / ethics Research potential mentors: Linkedin, facebook, IG, youtube, etc School network Current company Last company Friends Colleague referrals Organizations you're part of Make a list of people to reach out to Create a template for what to say Make contact To support the show: Online Store (you can get 15% off using code CAREERTALKPOD15): careertalkswag.com Paypal: paypal.me/stephdennis13 Anchor: https://anchor.fm/careertalk For show notes go to: http://stephdennis13.com/category/careertalk/ To work together: listentocareertalk.com For the Google Survey: https://goo.gl/forms/PToleX38QgQ4EPaz1 To connect: Instagram: @

Finding your purpose can feel daunting, overwhelming, hard, etc. AND it doesn't have to be! Get your notebooks and pens, it's list time

This can be super challenging and simply just annoying. Everyone has a customer, whether it's internal or external. Tips: Understand their goals/objectives Amp up the communication Show that you care Help your customers reach their goals Listen, listen, listen Hit your goals / KPIs Under promise, over deliver Ask for feedback Give feedback Take notes Keep critical emails Prove you are there to help Grant requests when you are able Do what you say you will and follow through Keep a level head Don't procrastinate Offer suggestions / make recommendations Share examples / best practices Don't argue or get defensive Trust your gut Set boundaries when needed To support the show: Online Store (you can get 15% off using code CAREERTALKPOD15): careertalkswag.com Paypal: paypal.me/stephdennis13 Anchor: https://anchor.fm/careertalk For show notes go to: http://stephdennis13.com/category/careertalk/ To work together: listentocareertalk.com For the Google Su

Confession time: I've done it. Because of that, I don't have strong opinions one way or the other. AS LONG AS you do not report into the person you're trying to have a relationship with. Tips: Don't hide it Don't flaunt it Always keep things professional at work Make sure there are no policies against it Stuff might get weird if it doesn't work out - accept that Weigh the pros and cons Ensure there is no conflicts of interest Set boundaries and maintain them Take things slow Be excellent communicators Do regular check-ins Avoid ALL the drama Stay awesome at your job Accept: people will talk To support the show: Online Store (you can get 15% off using code CAREERTALKPOD15): careertalkswag.com Paypal: paypal.me/stephdennis13 Anchor: https://anchor.fm/careertalk For show notes go to: http://stephdennis13.com/category/careertalk/ To work together: listentocareertalk.com For the Google Survey: https://goo.gl/forms/PToleX38QgQ4EPaz1 To connect: Instagram: @stephdennis13 @careertalkp

Why send someone a connection request? Job opportunity you have You're looking for a job opportunity Looking for info / guidance Expand network Met someone IRL Why not to: Just because They're  cute Connection request or invite vs inmail or message for basic free accounts: Inmail - paid or free to 1st degree connections Connection request - request to be connected with anyone (think Facebook friend request) Tips for initiating contact: Know your reason Find common ground Send outreach Keep it short and sweet Make sure your profile is updated Mutual connections can send intros for you as well Don't sell Be yourself To support the show: Online Store (you can get 15% off using code CAREERTALKPOD15): careertalkswag.com Paypal: paypal.me/stephdennis13 Anchor: https://anchor.fm/careertalk For show notes go to: http://stephdennis13.com/category/careertalk/ To work together: listentocareertalk.com For the Google Survey: https://goo.gl/forms/PToleX38QgQ4EPaz1 To c

When would someone be asked to do an interview assignment? Marketing role - create and present marketing plan Sales role - present your pitch for X Technical roles - code this thing, solve this tech issue Assessment for personality / culture Rid Realistic expectations: IC role - 30 mins - 2 hours Leadership - 1-4 hours Executive - 5-10 hours Process: Info given Schedule presentation Do the work Send night before / morning of Questions to ask: Realistic time expectations Format Next steps after assignment How long to hear feedback What are they looking at Who will be there What is the IT set up of the room / conversation Tips: Understand objective Solve for objective Be clear and concise Prepare to answer questions Show you can do the work / process / understand the methodology Don't put in full time effort for an interview Research Be conscious of who will be part of the conversation Practice Bring your presentation on USB, laptop and print it

Monetarily important as well as what you deserve from an environment, culture, team, etc perspective. Monetary value: Research compensation for your role Some companies share internal equity numbers, most don't but worth knowing What is the market like? Satisfaction with your compensation Friends who don't work with you but have your job Know what compensation you want, ensure its in line with what's offered even if on high end Compensation episodes: What to do when your colleagues make more than you - 11/21/2019 How to talk compensation in an interview - 4/25/2019 Culture episodes: How to deal with a bad corporate culture - 2/10/2010 How to interview potential employers for culture fit - 1/9/2020 To support the show: Online Store (birthday code: STEPHSBDAY25 - you can get 15% off using code CAREERTALKPOD15): careertalkswag.com Paypal: paypal.me/stephdennis13 Anchor: https://anchor.fm/careertalk For show notes go to: http://stephdennis13.com/category/careertalk/ To work together: listentocaree

Ask yourself: How do I help my manager achieve team goals? Am I hitting my goals / KPIs? What am I doing to make my managers job easier? Am I doing anything to cause tension / friction at work? Action items: Ask your manager how you can help Discuss your wins in 1:1's or team meetings (when appropriate) Ask for feedback from your leader and team (if it makes sense, usually does) Look for areas where you make something easy for your leader or team Ensure the goals, individually and team are clear and have deadlines Is the entire team being held accountable for the same things? Volunteer to lead projects, meetings, assignments Keep it about you and how you can improve and do better vs them Stay positive and keep out of team gossip Be honest Stay motivated and working hard Try to assume good intent vs malicious intent Have an honest, transparent conversation with your leader in a 1:1 If you are being favorited, try to share the love aka praise, projects, attending conference

Often people change careers at least once throughout their career. Tips: Try to make this change internally Evaluate where you are at now Research Skills gap assessment and closure Interview 5-10 people who have the job you want Interview 2-5 hiring managers Network To support the show: Online Store (you can get 15% off using code CAREERTALKPOD15): careertalkswag.com Paypal: paypal.me/stephdennis13 Anchor: https://anchor.fm/careertalk For show notes go to: http://stephdennis13.com/category/careertalk/ To work together: listentocareertalk.com For the Google Survey: https://goo.gl/forms/PToleX38QgQ4EPaz1 To connect: Instagram: @stephdennis13 @careertalkpodcast Facebook: www.facebook.com/stephdennis13 We are written, produced, hosted and edited by Stephanie Dennis You’re awesome!! Go be your amazing self today!!! --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/careertalk/message

Either situation can be super hard and tricky. Who we associate with (inside and outside of work) will impact us as humans. Our attitude, our personality, our actions, our work, etc. Jim Rohn has the famous quote, "you are the average of the 5 people you spend the most time with" Friends with the wrong people: Create some distance Start talking to some new people at work No thank you Rock those headphones Change up lunch habits Alone time Reserve a space to get out of a shared space for a couple hours If they aren't getting it, explain you have some big personal goals you're working towards and really want to put major focus on work Stay kind, cordial and nice Enemies with the wrong people: Why? No reason, ok KAREN Do you need to apologies for something? Work hard, let your results shine and contribute Be kind and nice Invite that person to lunch or  coffee Ask the right people for advice, in a professional tactful way Time will squash most things Try their suggesti

You're interviewing, things are going well, you're getting excited. It's a great company, it's a great team. Everything looks good, everything sounds good. You get an offer. BEFORE taking a second to think about it, you say yes, sign, start your background check and are off to the races!! NOT a bad thing AT ALL if you did your due diligence. If you did that, amazing! Congratulations!! If you didn't thats ok too! If you haven't started yet, ask to talk to your future manager to get some questions answered. If they are benefits related HR / recruiting might be the best contact. If you have started you can still ask your questions, good opportunity would be in your 1:1 with your manager. Due diligence points: Culture fit Mission of company Team goals Individual goals Team member How does your group work together Typical day / week / year What's your impact Leadership style Biggest challenges to you when you first start Projects Growth opportunities Where did the person go wh

There are a couple reasons someone could have an involuntary career change. To clarify the situation we are talking about: 1 - Career change (moving from HR to IT for example) 2 - Job change (moving from IT developer at one company to being a IT developer at another company) We are talking about #1 Reasons this could happen: Acquisition - new company comes in, moves people around Layoff Partner goes to a new job, changes once they start Re-organization Transformation Things to consider: Possible heightened stress, learning new things More than likely higher workload up front, learning new things Super excited Looking for support more than likely Could be unhappy Questions to ask yourself / your person: How am I / you doing? Challenges? Like? Dislike? How does this new job / career make you feel? Are you satisfied with your new role? Are you being challenged enough? What impact are you / I having? Do you feel fulfilled? How is the company culture? Has it changed? H

What do you consider workforce mobility? Moving / relocation to another location Overseas job opportunities Work and travel easily / working while traveling Remote opportunities Work on mobile devices Moving into different roles internally What is it? Technically it is the relocation services of employees to move current or potential employees Why companies need workplace mobility? Larger candidate pool More diverse candidate pool Higher employee productivity Employee growth options Lower costs Higher employee satisfaction Flexibility for employees Better teamwork and more collaboration Improved communication Higher innovation Stronger sense of security Employees will feel more work life balance Employees will work harder and get more done Need mobility? What is the company policy? Talk to HR, explain your needs, ask for suggestions / options Ask your manager for flexibility Offer suggestions / tools / tips / etc. Explore remote opportunities May have to

You have a degree, recently graduated and you're struggling to find a job. I hear you! A lot of companies want someone with experience even for the entry level jobs. Tips: Ensure you're looking for entry level jobs Don't NOT apply for roles because they want 1 year of experience List your education towards the top of your resume with graduation year Must include all working experience Always include internships Create a 'school projects' section on your resume Sharpen your interview skills Be open to taking an unideal role if it can lead to a role you want in 1-2 years Work study programs included on your resume Try gaining experience through 'gigs' Work a sucky job if you have bills to pay until you land the job that will start your  career Network Reach out to potential H.M.'s and ask them for their advice Get support system for recent college grads To support the show: Paypal: paypal.me/stephdennis13 Anchor: https://anchor.fm/careertalk For show notes go to: http://steph

https://anchor.fm/careertalk For show notes go to: http://stephdennis13.com/category/careertalk/ To work together: listentocareertalk.com For the Google Survey: https://goo.gl/forms/PToleX38QgQ4EPaz1 To connect: Instagram: @stephdennis13 @careertalkpodcast Facebook: www.facebook.com/stephdennis13 We are written, produced, hosted and edited by Stephanie Dennis You’re awesome!! Go be your amazing self today!!! --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/careertalk/message

Staying current is so incredibly important! Social media managers are not updating myspace websites anymore. Programmers doing DOS aren't in demand anymore. We have to evolve as society, culture and technology evolves. Learning new things will also change over time. How you learn. What you learn. Tips: Ask questions Learn from people more senior on your team Free resources Establish what you need / want to learn Talk to your leader What are the trades telling you? Trends? Fads? Patterns? Conferences Hire an external expert / consultant Paid courses Network, keep you name out there Offer to teach your skills to others Read Ask to be on new, cutting edge projects Become an expert at what you do so you can take on more Trade shows Communicate Be an expert in your clients needs / business goals / objectives Certificates To support the show: Paypal: paypal.me/stephdennis13 Anchor: https://anchor.fm/careertalk For show notes go to: http://stephdennis13.com/category/careertalk/

Being a jack of all trades can be a great thing! Ask yourself: Do you like being more of a generalist? Do you feel you are lacking something? Is there something you'd like to learn? Are you an expert in your core field without specializing? Pros of being a generalist: Can work on a variety of projects Know a little about a lot Get to encounter and solve all types of issues / problems Will likely stay challenged Combined expertise / experiences Could help clarify what you love to do Great foundation Quickly and more efficiently hit the ground running Project lead / leading specialists Cons of being a generalist: Narrow but deep knowledge What you specialize in could become less valuable in the workplace Take time to learn new skills Could narrow earning potential Won't be able to go toe to toe in conversations with expert specialists Final thoughts: Can flip between them throughout your career Explore opportunities as it makes sense Don't feel pressured to go