As we move into fall, my favorite season of the year, I also reflect that we are just a few months into our programming calendar and we’ve planned out chapter events through Feb. 2024 already. Be sure to check out all of our events at the end of this message.
For this update, one of our chapter leaders suggested I focus on my own insights or advice that has helped me over the years. So, I pulled together five tips that I’ve lived by and find myself continuing to repeat to my students (or anyone who will listen to me). I have been in the workforce for a good 30 years so maybe I’ve learned a thing or two.
- The world is run by the people who show up: I know I’m not the first person to say that, but my students love that I say it regularly in class. Remote and hybrid gigs are great – but don’t underestimate the social and emotional power of being in the office. And, when you are there, be purposeful with your time. Have lunch with co-workers, hold in-person meetings and “show up”! Build your social capital when you are in the office.
- Don’t be afraid to take a lateral move: Not all career progression happens up; sometimes it moves sideways. Look for opportunities within your current team or organization that allow you to learn, grow and take on new responsibilities. Same goes
Julie Bjorkman, PhD Associate Dean, Assistant Professor Goodwin College of Business, Benedictine University for those making a move outside of your organization.
- Don’t underestimate a job title: A manager here isn’t necessarily a manager there. Job titles aren’t equal across organizations. Although I had a vice president title while working in financial services, I was an individual contributor. Don’t be afraid to apply to a role with a different title if the job description has a wide scope.
- It’s a lot easier to find a job when you have a job: We interview differently when we are already working – our confidence and security shines through. But if you are in transition, don’t let them see you sweat. Be confident in who you are, how far you’ve come and what you have to offer.
- Stand up during the interview: If you are participating in a phone call screen or video interview, arrange a place in your home to take that meeting standing up. Our disposition changes a lot when standing during a call or an interview versus sitting at the kitchen table or home office desk. Taking a stand may help your presence and confidence, which will come across when you’re speaking.
Thank you for continuing to support our chapter programs and events – we can’t do it without your support. Please consider joining us at our upcoming events and activities:
- Register for our Wednesday, Oct. 25 “Ask the Career Coach” session, which seems to be well timed as so many of our chapter leaders and members are finding themselves in transition – in between roles, looking for the next opportunity, taking new jobs, etc. We need your questions for the coach before the event to help moderate the discussion – feel free to submit those here.
- We are hosting a fun community service project throughout November with Gift of Communications. Please sign-up to volunteer to share your time and communications expertise with a local non-profit organization.
- We will end 2023 with an in-person luncheon on Wednesday, Dec. 6 at Maggiano’s in River North – where we used to meet for years in-person before Covid changed our reality.
- Save the date! IABC’s World Conference comes to Chicago June 23 to 26, 2024. We will be looking for chapter volunteers help to host dine-arounds, introduce speakers and support the overall event, so please mark your calendars now.
Just one last reminder: You’ve likely received information about IABC’s transition to a new annual dues structure at which begins this month. If you need more information, please visit IABC’s website.