by Angela Copeland | Jul 18, 2014 | Advice, Media, Networking
My latest Memphis Daily News column is out, “Networking How To’s.” In it, I provide a step by step strategy for expanding your network quickly.
One of the best ways to advance a career in a competitive market is through networking. In many ways, it’s both the easiest and hardest part of a search. Today, I received two questions on the topic of networking best practices.
When you’re networking for the purpose of getting ahead, you will want to meet and connect with certain people. For example, if you’re a graphic artist, you may want to meet marketers. If you’re a computer programmer, you may want to get to know more IT professionals. And, if you’re a programmer who wants to become a graphic artist, you’ll want to connect with both.
The first step is to identify events where the people you’re targeting socialize. To learn how to identify these events and what to do when you arrive, read my entire Memphis Daily News column here.
by Angela Copeland | Jul 11, 2014 | Advice, Media, Negotiating
My latest Memphis Daily News column is out, “Leveling the Playing Field.” In it, I discuss how you can use the internet to level the playing field in your job search.
One of the biggest struggles many job seekers face is gathering enough information. It’s important to understand how much a company pays, if the environment is healthy, and how the interview process works.
In the past, the only way to learn this was to talk to friends and family. Stories were anecdotal and typically based on one person’s experience. The growth of the Internet over the past 20 years has not only changed this process but has empowered the job seeker.
Employment statistics tell us every day that various demographic factors can influence how much we make over our lifetime. For example, women are reported to make 77 cents per dollar as compared to men, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. Similar statistics are available for other groups. The Journal of Applied Psychology even found that when it comes to height, for every inch above average you are, you may make $789 more per year. These small differences can really add up over the course of our careers.
I recently had the pleasure of meeting Scott Dobroski, Career Trends Analyst at Glassdoor.com. During our discussion, one point was crystal clear: The Internet provides the opportunity to level the playing field. No longer do you have to know someone to get the inside scoop. Websites make average salary data available to anyone for free. You can also research employee satisfaction and common interview questions.
If you’re struggling with your search, learn how to level your playing field by reading the entire column on the Memphis Daily News site here.
by Angela Copeland | Jul 4, 2014 | Advice, Media
Happy 4th of July!
My latest Memphis Daily News column is out, “Giving Your Child Independence .” In it, I discuss the challenges parents face when they want to help their children find career independence.
Parents of newly minted graduates have all heard about it: the “Boomerang Generation.” According to Pew Research Center, It’s estimated that some 45 percent of college graduates between the ages of 18 and 24 are living at home with family. If you are a parent, you may be wondering what you can do to give your children the gift of independence on this Fourth of July.
In the past, it was assumed that a college degree alone would lead to a great job. Unfortunately, that’s not always the case anymore. In our current competitive market, job seekers must be more proactive and aggressive than in generations before.
Today, some parents are working hard to help their children get the upper hand. They’d do anything to help their son or daughter get ahead. The child learns they can really count on mom or dad to help them figure things out.
If you’re struggling to help your child find their path to Independence this 4th of July, get tips on what you can do by visiting the Memphis Daily News site here.
by Angela Copeland | Jun 27, 2014 | Advice, Media
My latest Memphis Daily News column is out, “Exiting Your Job Gracefully.” In it, I discuss the importance of making a graceful exit from your job, and provide tips on the best ways to quit.
There’s a lot to be said for grace. Although many interpretations of the word exist, my favorite is Merriam-Webster’s. They define it as “a controlled, polite, and pleasant way of behaving.” After a number of questions from people about how to quit their jobs, I wanted to share a few thoughts with you.
First, keep the fact that you are interviewing private. Your boss doesn’t need to know. Neither does your co-worker, or favorite employee. Rarely does sharing this information lead to positive results. In the worst case, the employee may be asked to pack up and leave immediately. Some employers view a job search as disloyal to the company, so keep yours quiet.
When you do land your dream job, be sensitive to those around you. To read my entire article and learn to quit your job with grace, visit the Memphis Daily News site here.
by Angela Copeland | Jun 20, 2014 | Advice, Media
My latest Memphis Daily News column is out, “Outlasting Outdated Industries.” In it, I provide advice on how to avoid becoming an obsolete part of the workforce.
One result of technological advances is a change in the way we do business. Sometimes this change results in new jobs, but often, it can also result in job loss.
Have you ever had the sense your job might be going away soon? Maybe you’ve noticed your industry is declining and being replaced by another. When this happens, you should pay attention.
I once met someone who had been laid off from their job multiple times. At each company, they would do a great job. But, eventually, their department would be eliminated. The person would see it coming every time. Unfortunately, rather than act, they would patiently wait for the axe to drop. This took away their power and left them feeling helpless.
To read my entire article and learn how you can avoid becoming outdated, visit the Memphis Daily News site here.
by Angela Copeland | Jun 13, 2014 | Advice, Media
My latest Memphis Daily News column is out, “Career Transitions for Scientists.” In it, I provide advice on how to transition your job between different industries.
I’ve recently received multiple letters from scientists in the research community with questions about their career transitions. Most likely, this is because of Memphis’ thriving medical research community. After all, Memphians are developing new technologies for things from vaccines to cancer cures.
Researchers struggle with a problem workers in all sectors face: how to change industries. Most get into research with a three- to five-year contract. But this is not before completing a lengthy Ph.D. program. By the time their contract ends, the researcher may be in their 30s or early 40s.
With no experience in corporate America, and with little support about where to begin, many of these brilliant scientists struggle to decide what’s next. The most common choices are to continue in research or to take the corporate route. Often, staying on the same path is easier, but it is not always the most desirable choice.
To read my entire article, and learn about how you can transition to a new industry, visit the Memphis Daily News site here.
Also, if you have a friend who is in this situation (nearing the end of their research contract), please forward a copy of my article to them. I was truly surprised to learn how many people are struggling with the issue of whether or not to leave research, and how to get into corporate.
