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Career Opportunities
Five Secrets to Creating More Career Opportunities in the 21st Century!
by Ed Sykes
In the 21st century, career opportunities in the job and
employment marketplace are changing fast, and morphing all the time. In
order to successfully take advantage of these career opportunities, you must
develop a different mindset. Let me share this story that illustrates my
point:
In high school, my best friend and I went to his house to hang out. While
there, his father asked what was I going to do when I finished high school.
I said I was going to go to college. When my friend said he was going to
college also, his father said, “You don’t need college. Get a good job at
the post office, get their benefits, and get a good retirement.” As we see,
that is not the case anymore. The era of staying twenty years at one
company, enjoying bountiful benefits, and getting the “gold watch” at
retirement is a thing of the past.
It has been said that a person will change their careers an average of seven
times. Another report in
USA Today
stated the corporations of 21st century will be comprised of 60%
contractors and only 40% employees. Why? Because corporations and other
organizations need to be flexible with their resources and quickly acquire
the skills needed to take advantage of opportunities to beat the
competition.
So what does that mean for your career opportunities? It means that, in the
21st century job marketplace you will need to acquire the overall
skills and attitude to be successful in your careers. The following are
five secrets to creating more successful career opportunities and being
prosperous in your life:
1.
Develop an entrepreneurial attitude for career opportunities
– What is an “entrepreneurial attitude?” It is a small business mindset
that looks for opportunities and takes advantage of those opportunities.
Even though you may work for a business or organization, if you think and
behave as if you are in business for yourself and are increasing your career
opportunities by managing your “business” opportunities. Constantly look
for “areas of improvement” and be ready to present solutions. This will
increase your value in the organization, let other people know that you can
create solutions, and prepare you for future opportunities within or outside
of the organization.
2.
Be Flexible for career opportunities
– According to a recent survey, in the 21st century, the average
worker will experience seven different career opportunities. What does this
mean? Although, in the past you worked on just one career, now you need to
explore several career opportunities so that you are prepared for the career
changes that are guaranteed to come your way. Be proactive and explore the
career opportunities and advantages and disadvantages of each career.
Remember, it is not a matter of if your career will change; it is a matter
of when. Be prepared. (well said)
3.
Develop a variety of skills for career opportunities
– Be proactive and take ownership of your knowledge. Remember, once you
acquire this knowledge, it is yours to keep. But don’t stop there!
Constantly volunteer for projects or take classes in subjects where you want
to improve your knowledge. Make sure you improve your knowledge of your
computer, social media, and other technical skills that might enhance your
career opportunities.
4.
Constantly “cast your net” for career opportunities
– Constantly network or “cast for net” for career opportunities. Take the
time to actively let other people know about your special skills and
attitude. Along with networking or industry events, volunteering for a
community or other cause can showcase your skills to an entirely new group
of potential employers. Management in organizations often volunteer in the
community and you have the opportunity to share your skills with these
individuals. If they like you and the volunteer work you do, they will
often ask you what you do as a living and possibly extend a career
opportunity your way.
5.
Communicate your special skills for career opportunities
– One of the most important skills you can develop to increase your career
opportunities is your communication skills. Prospective employers
frequently voice concerns that, while the potential employee has good
technical skills; the prospective employee cannot communicate within the
organization. I have seen many opportunities lost because an employee who
did a great job on a project or has a great idea was afraid to communicate
their ideas in a meeting, group setting, or with their manager. Develop your
public speaking, writing, and social media writing skills so that you can
express your special skills. You may have noticed I also said social
media. That is right. Use LinkedIn, Facebook, Twitter, and a host of other
social media sites to communicate your accomplishments in an ongoing online
career resume.
Apply these five secrets to increase your career opportunities and enjoy
more success in life. When you develop the right attitude, be flexible,
develop new skills, “cast your net,” and communicate your skills, you will
be competitive in the job market and prepared for any career opportunity
that comes your way.
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info@thesykesgrp.com. Thank you!
Want to learn how to prepare yourself for future
career opportunities? Our
Master Your Attitude,
Team Building,
Life After Downsizing,
How to Develop the Leader Within You,
Time Management Skills to Achieve More, and
How to Handle Workplace Stress and Master Your Life programs can
help you lead others to the next level. Also read our
articles on motivation, goal setting, etc. Call us at 757-427-7032 or
e-mail us at
info@thesykesgrp.com.
Ed Sykes is a professional speaker published in
the areas of leadership, change management, customer service and teamwork. He
works with business and government organizations who want to reach the next
level of success and individuals who want to perform at their best. You
can email him at esykes@thesykesgrp.com,
call him at (757) 427-7032 or visit his Web site at
www.thesykesgrp.com.
Keywords: Ed Sykes, The Sykes Group,
Edward Sykes, professional development, career development, careerbuilder, career builder, Career, careers, jobs careers, Career advice,
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