Are you happy with your current job? Actively seeking another opportunity? Starting from scratch? It doesn’t matter. Career development should be a priority for each of us. Every day. Here’s why.
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the average person changes jobs 6 times after the age of 24, and the median employee tenure in a job is about 4 years. So change is a constant in our professional landscape.
Moreover, those of us in communication-related jobs are experiencing first-hand the effects of digital disruption: New communication technologies emerging every day; shifting stakeholder expectations; Artificial Intelligence looming on the horizon.
In this sort of turbulent environment, career development is one thing we have control over. This entails learning new skills, staying on top of trends, and – yes – continuing education. Expanding our professional networks should also be part of every career development plan. A visit to Northeastern’s Employer Engagement and Career Design website shows how you can bolster your networks.
In a prior post, Kerry Murphy takes us on a tour of NUsource, our new alumni networking platform – check it out!
Meet employers at Career Fairs
Career Fairs are an excellent way for you to:
- Speak with employers to learn about career paths, as well as full-time, internship, or co-op employment positions.
- Learn which skills and experiences increase your employment potential and how to brand yourself to potential employers better.
- Add contact to your professional network.
Northeastern is hosting a major Career Fair for master’s students on Friday, October 4th, with dozens of employers in attendance. Alumni who wish to register for the Career Fair can either call 617-373-2430 or email careers@northeastern.edu.
Tap the hidden power of LinkedIn
Click on the ‘Events’ tab and you’ll see several LinkedIn Workshops, both in-person and virtual. For example, a virtual workshop is scheduled for September 5 at 5 PM ET. Topics will include: ways to reach out to alumni and other professionals, asking for in-person networking meetings (often called informational interviews), how to join and benefit from participating in groups, and researching/following companies.
Explore career options, fine tune job search tactics
If you have access to the Boston campus, then consider a visit to the Career Studio, located on the first floor of Stearns Center. It’s a welcoming space where you can envision, design, and navigate your career. You can drop-in for a few minutes to have a quick conversation, sit down at a computer to apply for jobs and internships, or get feedback and assistance with your resume, cover letter, and LinkedIn profile. Feel free to bring your laptop.
Alumni can also schedule 30-60 minute career counseling appointments in-person, by phone, or skype for in-depth questions and conversations. Career counseling appointments are for currently enrolled students and alumni. Hours: Mon-Thurs. 8:30-6:00, Fri., 8:30-5:00.
Tell us how you’ve been able to leverage NU’s career development resources.
Posted by Carl Zangerl, Faculty