An Ohio YBP hit up the inbox recently asking the following question:
I’m a young professional working currently at a bank in Columbus, OH while also working on my MBA. Right now I am in a gray area as to where I want to go in my career. I love the banking industry, but not in Columbus. Are there any articles on your site that can better direct me as to what I should be looking for or who I should be talking to?
My first instinct is to point our reader to our posts centered around career inspiration, but that may not answer their questions specifically around the banking industry.
Coincidentally, I came across a neat piece of advice from a blog I read regularly, Get Rich Slowly. It was actually penned by Ramit Sethi of I Will Teach You to Be Rich, but it is called The Best $20 You Will Ever Spend.
The premise of the post centers around finding someone in the position that you want to be in and take them out to lunch. Take the time to pick their brain and ask as many questions as you can.
- How did they get into the position they are in now?
- What would they do differently knowing what they know now?
- Is your idea to get where you want to go crazy or is it pretty sound?
What advice do you have for our emailer, YBP’s?
Adrienne Graham
My advice would be for your reader to start working on building his network. He needs to go to Linked In and start researching people in positions he eventually would liek to be in. Establish communication with them by reaching out with an introduction and then simply asking for their advice. (Most) people are on Linked In to genuinely network and get to know other professionals. I always say a closed mouth don't get fed, so take the opportunity to start connecting with people. But it can't be an empty or one time effort. Build a relationship. People are always willing to share information to help people they “know”. Target banking professionals in the cities of interest and take it from there. Offer to meet people (who are local) for coffee or lunch.
While you (the reader) has an objective to himself, make sure to find out what you can do for the person in return. It may be something as simple as making an introduction, or recommending events or conferences. Always be prepared to give something in return.
Finally I would say visit some of the banking/financial specific websites and start researching the types of jobs that are out there. Reach out to the recruiters for informational interviews to find out what it takes to be successfully recruited for a position. Ask about transferrable skills and a possibility of getting your foot in the door with another position, with the intention of advancing.
Hope this helps.
Adrienne Graham
Hues Consulting & Management Inc
Empowered Black Women Blog
January 4, 2009 at 12:50 pm
talentdiva
My advice would be for your reader to start working on building his network. He needs to go to Linked In and start researching people in positions he eventually would liek to be in. Establish communication with them by reaching out with an introduction and then simply asking for their advice. (Most) people are on Linked In to genuinely network and get to know other professionals. I always say a closed mouth don't get fed, so take the opportunity to start connecting with people. But it can't be an empty or one time effort. Build a relationship. People are always willing to share information to help people they “know”. Target banking professionals in the cities of interest and take it from there. Offer to meet people (who are local) for coffee or lunch.
While you (the reader) has an objective to himself, make sure to find out what you can do for the person in return. It may be something as simple as making an introduction, or recommending events or conferences. Always be prepared to give something in return.
Finally I would say visit some of the banking/financial specific websites and start researching the types of jobs that are out there. Reach out to the recruiters for informational interviews to find out what it takes to be successfully recruited for a position. Ask about transferrable skills and a possibility of getting your foot in the door with another position, with the intention of advancing.
Hope this helps.
Adrienne Graham
Hues Consulting & Management Inc http://www.huesconsulting.com
Empowered Black Women Blog http://empoweredblackwomen.wordpress.com
January 4, 2009 at 12:51 pm