Career Transitions Part 2

Notes from Career Coaching Session 2:

On reflection, the plan I had during my 1st career coaching session was over ambitious. Simplicity is the key, iand so is finding a niche or specialisation. What do I want to become an expert in? I talked about the Internship I hadn't got. At the time I had felt dejected, but I know it's for the best. My career coach reminded me that life is messy, there are always challenges no matter what and challenges are often disguised attempts at new opportunities. When one door closes another opens.

 

So my question is - How do I get to where I’m going? First I need to better understand where I want to go and then build a plan. Career transitions are a process, which can't be sped-up or forced. The key is to identify and remove blocks; fears or stories. The process of career transition is about exploring not committing, finding a place to start.

 

My career coach, also reminded me of the importance of information interviews. My goal this month is to do four, in the following areas: travel & tourism, small business, PR, marketing communications.

 

I often feel reluctant to ask busy people for their time but I was given some great tips on how to approach people for an information interview.

• Make it as easy as possible, show understanding for the fact that their time is stretched, express how much you appreciate their time and why.
• Acknowledge how you feel, express appreciation for their time, try language like 'would you be open to' or 'I'm looking to gain solid information about (given role or industry)', 
• Info interview can be done by phone, email or in person, ask them which works best for them
• Let them know that any time they have to give you is appreciated, even ten minutes, people tend to enjoy talking about their careers so you'll likely get more

I'm interested in:
• Creative Communications: writing, editing, strategy, marketing, photography, audio, video
• Communication (marketing) strategy, planning and implementation
• Writing for journals, magazines (small tourism and travel businesses)
• Photography – how culture and art help promote and support tourism (the reason people travel)
• Photography exposition

• Treat Entitled Canada like a job – what is my title = Marketing, Sales & Business Development

To Do Checklist (before our next meeting):
• Go back and answer my career coach's questionnaire 'Picture Your Future'
• 4 Information Interviews
• Twitter account

Resources:
• Marcus Buckingham
• Artemis Communications

~ Future Forward