Career Corner Q & A

Dead End Jobs

QUESTION:

How do I know if I will be able to grow in my career? I know a lot of people my age who seem to be stuck in "dead-end" jobs. I really don't want to be paying all of this money to get a graduate degree if all I am going to achieve is a Coordinator or Manager level job by the time I'm a middle-aged dad. What would you advise me and others like me to do to ensure career success?

ANSWER:

I know  a number of young people (and their parents!) who share your concern. Thequestion is always  - "how am I going to be successful in such a scary, debt-ridden, high-unemployment world"? I'll start by saying there are no guarantees in life. Short of having a crystal ball, none of us can know for sure how we will fare in the world. But, there are things one can do to significantly increase one's chances for happiness and success in life. Here are some of the ways to improve your odds in your quest to find career success/life happiness:

1. Start by having a positive/optimist attitude - I'm not saying you have to be some phony "Pollyanna-type", but people do enjoy being around people who inspire them - no one wants to spend time with a naysayer. Be as positive as you can be in any given situation;

2.  Remember to be helpful to people ahead of you in thecorporate/organizational hierarchy and those coming behind you.

3.  Take classes - All of thestudies show that the more educated one is - the greaterthe average salary the person will earn. You may not see a direct correlation now between your earning your graduate degree and your current earnings - but be assured, you will benefit in thelong run;

4.  Make your own luck - stay engaged - go to events, help plan events, volunteer - no one gets ahead by stayed holed up in their apartments or homes - get involved!

5.  Stay ahead ofthe technology curve - I know a number of young folks who have been invited to important meetings/events, etc. because they know how to handle the latest gadget,  become adept at social media methodologies, make fancy power point presentations, figure out how the Ipad works, etc. I'm sometimes surprised when some young folks don't know how to work simple technology processes - don't be one of them!

6.  Read, read, read - make sure you are "up on the news" - that means being aware of a myriad of subject areas including politics, sports, movies, trivia, entertainment, whatever - it's important to "be in theknow" - especially in Washington;

7.  Remember to thank thefolks who help you and also learn to ask for help - find a mentor and be a mentor;

8. Be savvy - have "situational awareness" to what is going on around you;

9. There's no replacement for hard work - try to take on some tough assignments - be reliable, dependable and loyal to your organization;

10.  Try to stay physically healthy. Exercise. Eat in moderation. Pray and/or meditate.

11.  Do the best you can do. Give your current job your all. When it's time to go - you'll know.

Good luck!

Communications and PR Jobs

QUESTION:

I really would like to get a job in communications/public relations. But, I'm having trouble getting my foot in the door. I've been on some interviews, but I've had no luck. Please help!

ANSWER:

Your question is really timely. GSPM and SMPA are jointly hosting the "Communications Industry Expo" career fair next week, Wednesday, October 12 from 3:30 - 6 pm in the Marvin Center, 3^rd Floor Ballroom. We have an all-star panel lined up as well as some great employers. Please plan to come. You need to get out and network with people. Bring your resumes and dress professionally. I don't understand why more students and alums don't take advantage of these great opportunities to meet employers.  I hope to see you there!

A Job I Love in Politics

QUESTION:

I really want to find a job in politics that I love. The problem is I don't really know anyone who loves their job. Any advice?

ANSWER:

Wow. That's a little depressing. You need to get out more. Seriously though, I know a lot of people who love their jobs. When a person is starting out in their careers - they have the luxury of asking as many people for advice as they want. I would advise you to go to as many career fairs, expos, networking events, etc.  that you can. Seek to meet experts in your field by requesting informational interviews. Generally, people who love their jobs have so much passion that it is hard to catch them as they are chasing their next dreams. The GSPM has a really active alumni network. Reach out to people. Be interested and polite. I am certain you will meet many folks who do have a lot of passion and love for their work. Keep going until you find someone. Don't give up and don't get cynical. Explore various internships until you find something you really like. Good luck.

Stay at Home Parent

QUESTION:

I want to run for office someday, but I want to be a stay-at-home dad right now because my wife and I have 2 young children. She's a physician, so she's bringing home a lot more money than me. I graduated the GSPM a few years back.  Do you think it is possible for me to stay home now and then run for office in about 10 or 12 years when my children are older?

ANSWER:

Yours is a refreshing question. Yes, of course I think it is possible for you to run for office some day and for you to be a stay-at-home dad right now. There have been many women who have stayed at home while their children were young and then went on to run for office. Now that we're in the 21^st century - we'll see a lot more men in your situation who may be staying home now, but want to run for office in the future. So, if I were you, I would advise you to take a page fromthe women's playbook. That is, look at ways some of these women were able to become increasingly visible in their communities. What did they do? They served on the PTAs of their children's schools; they put candidates signs in their yards; they volunteered to work the polls on election day. There are so many things you can do beyond those ideas. You might coach your kids' soccer teams; volunteer in church; tutor the underprivileged, etc. I am sure you get the idea. Themain thing is to not stay holed up in your house, but to get out there and to meet people.The more people you meet and help - the more who are going to remember you when it comes time for you to run. I'm sure you learned many valuable skills at the GSPMthat you can put to good use while you're planning your future. Good luck to you!