What do you want to be when you grow up?
Posted By Amanda Collins on October 22, 2009
Recently I had to turn away a would-be client who didn’t know what she wants to be when she grows up. I find this is a particular challenge in today’s economy – no matter if the person is 25 or 55. Where will you make money? What job will still be there in a few years? In a down economy, many people start to question their chosen career path. Is it time for you to start thinking about what you’re going to do when you grow up?
Talk to people who are doing something you admire
Does one of your friends or colleagues do something that you think sounds really cool? How about sitting down with that person over a cup of coffee and asking him / her about it? If you’re targeting a specific position, try LinkedIn. Find a person in that company or with that job title and contact him / her to chat. People love to talk about themselves! You’re not asking for a job or anything; you’re simply learning a little more about what that profession entails. This is called an informational interview.
Volunteer
Is there a way you can “try on” a new job? Most people are happy to have some free help – especially in this economy – and would welcome your gift of time. This will give you the opportunity to learn about a new profession or working with certain types of people – a bit of a test run, if you will.
Take a continuing education course
How about a class in the area you’re considering working? Community colleges now seem to be targeting non-traditional audiences and will offer classes on career-oriented topics. At about $50 per credit, it’s a pretty inexpensive option to learn more about a potential career path.
So do some research to get a sense of what you want to do next. Without a clear goal, you can’t create a fantastic résumé – general résumés just don’t cut it anymore. Then your résumé will truly market you for that position and get you ready for growing up … unless you’re living in Neverland, and there’s nothing wrong with that.