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How to manage your career and fulfill your dreams
In a recession, changes in our work environment often lead us examine our longer term career goals and how can we get there. In this interview, career development expert Keiko Suzuki shares her ideas on “How to manage your career and fulfill your dreams”
For a person to successfully manage their career in the long term what would your advice be?
I think there are 3 key areas that a person can focus on to help them move forward in a career that they enjoy and excel in:
- Career inventory and self development
- Strong social and business network
- Ongoing relationship with a credible recruiter
What kind of self development do you think has the most value in the marketplace?
Being bilingual is not special anymore. You need to consider additional skills that can differentiate you from others. When choosing what kind of development to focus on you should think about what you are interested in and long term where you want your career to go. If your dream is to be in a very different industry/job in 5-10 years, think about how you can develop now to help you get there. Be sure to ask yourself; “What you really want to do and how you want to live?” and plan your self development from that answer.
How do you suggest that people build a strong social and business network?
From a social point of view you should seek out and actively participate in social groups, sports or community groups where people of similar interests come together. When people have a common interest, it helps you build lasting relationships that are maybe valuable in your career later on. I am very active in nature hiking and skiing and have built some amazing relationships that way. On the business side you should make an effort to talk to and meet other people in your company and industry. It should go beyond those that you work with on a daily basis. You should have lunch or coffee with people in other departments and functions to help you build your network. If your company has a mentor program be sure to take advantage of it. Also join any relevant Alumni networks as you can get access to private contact information and it will help to keep your network strong.
Why is it important to build a relationship with a recruiter?
Having a relationship with a recruiter is also part of building your business network. If you have a good relationship you will get to hear about the current market and industry situations as well as get advice on how to grow and develop to more forward in your career.
There are a number of recruiting firms in Japan. How to I choose which one to build a relationship with?
You should consider things like the length of time they been in the Japan, their reputation and if they have the right industry experience and connections for you. Also take notice of their interview style; you want a recruiter who takes the time to find out not only what is on your resume but what you really want to do. They should give you advice about the best timing for career change, what type of positions are available, what industry or functions are hard to get into, and be honest and tell you the reality of the situation. Development support would be a plus and the capacity to provide more information to help you step up to the next level of your career is the key.
Keiko Suzuki
Keiko Suzuki is a consultant who specializes in organizational and management development solutions including assessment, change strategy formation, leadership development, off-site meeting facilitation, performance management and career development.
She has extensive experience in human resource management, training and development during her 20 years career working with large global firms in Japan and the US.
You can find out more about Keiko or contact her through her website http://www.footsteps.jp
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