by Angela Copeland | Mar 17, 2016 | Advice, Career Corner Column, Media
During the week of St. Patrick’s Day, luck is on our minds. We may think, “When will I get my lucky break? When will it be my turn?” We may feel overlooked for things like promotions and raises.
From the outside, it can appear that those who are successful did it overnight. We can be left wondering how they were so lucky to get such a great title or to make so much money.
Unfortunately, a pile of horseshoes, four leaf clovers, and rabbits’ feet cannot bring enough luck to create success at work. Professional success is something that is built over years, from the ground up.
By the time someone gets a corner office, chances are good that they’ve spent many years climbing the corporate ladder to get there. In Malcom Gladwell’s book Outliers, he describes the “10,000-Hour Rule.” Gladwell says that the key to being an expert at anything comes down to practice – 10,000 hours to be exact.
But, it’s often not until the successful executive gets the big promotion that they catch our eye. We don’t see them hard at work for years and years. We notice the physical signs of success like expensive shoes, beautiful jewelry, or a shiny car that go along with their new title.
Former NFL football player Jack Youngblood said, “Good luck is a residue of preparation.” He’s right. In order to truly be successful, a routine of preparation is key.
To create success in our own lives, we must try to stop focusing on others accomplishments. Instead, we should try to refocus our energy on our own daily routine. The more we strive to be consistent and to grow, the more we will find success in our own lives
Creating success is also about doing more. It’s not about doing what’s expected and stopping there. It’s about asking for extra projects and learning new skills on our own. It’s about going beyond our job description – without being asked.
I recently interviewed two successful executives who received internal promotions within their own organization. Internal promotions are a frustrating area for many employees, as they often feel overlooked. I asked the executives to share what it was that allowed them to be recognized, and to be promoted internally multiple times. In both cases, their answers were the same. They expanded their educations on their own. They asked for more projects and responsibilities that were outside of their core skillsets. And, they introduced new ideas to the organization. It turns out that luck wasn’t part of the equation at all.
If you find yourself racking your brain about what’s missing in your career, it may be time to take a step back. Rather than waiting to be the chosen one, think of ways to create your own path and success on your terms. And, realize it’s not possible at every office. There are times when creating success may mean leaving your current company.
Whichever path you choose, you can create your own lucky break through hard work.
by Angela Copeland | Mar 17, 2016 | Job Posting
FedEx is seeking a Business Application Advisor in Memphis, TN.
Here’s a little information about the position:
Under limited supervision, interacts with business partners and/or it staff to gather and document information related to requirements and/or software testing. Gathers information from multiple sources and independently sorts medium to high complexity business issues to recommend appropriate direction. Frequently leads large project efforts. Analyzes business processes and associates them to software deliverables. Develops and/or executes test scripts against requirements. Drafts and reviews documentation in compliance with the FedEx global development process. Develops and/or maintains a business model that reflects current processes and business rules. Provides and/or consolidate input to scoping and impact analysis for Future deliverables. Mentors those in less senior positions.
To learn more, or to apply online, visit the FedEx website here.
by Angela Copeland | Mar 17, 2016 | Job Posting
Nike is seeking a Manager of Global Lease Accounting in Portland, OR.
As the Manager, Global Lease Accounting for NIKE Controlling, you’ll lead a high performing team that is responsible for ensuring, globally, that the organization recognizes cash spend associated with strategic and highly complex large-scale lease related transactions in accordance with US GAAP and NIKE Accounting Policy. You’ll actively partner with leadership teams throughout NIKE as they execute on strategic investments by vetting and communicating all relevant technical accounting considerations present in strategy. You will participate as a key team member and subject matter expert as the organization executes global real estate, technology, value chain, direct to consumer, sourcing and manufacturing strategies. You’ll design, implement and support sustainable controlling processes to enable ongoing growth and complexity as Nike’s strategic investment portfolio expands and scales to enable NIKE, Inc.’s growth trajectory.
To learn more, or to apply online, visit the Nike website here.
by Angela Copeland | Mar 16, 2016 | Job Posting
ServiceMaster is seeking a Manager of Pricing Analytics in Memphis, TN.
This person will be responsible for the identification, development, and pursuit of growth opportunities related
to pricing; drive implementation as required. Manages data requirements, executing zero defect pricing analyses to identify opportunities and measure impact. Manages pricing efforts, delivers pricing insights and action recommendations and ensures timely delivery of output.
To learn more, or to apply online, visit the ServiceMaster website here.
by Angela Copeland | Mar 16, 2016 | Job Posting
McDonald’s is seeking a Marketing Alignment Director at their corporate office in Oak Brook, IL.
This person will be tasked to support the CMO in her quest to inspire and align the organization around Vision, Strategy and Priorities for the McDonald’s Brand. This is an internal alignment role with touch points across the organization: the direct CMO team, other global functions, as well as all Marketing, Insights and Menu teams around the world.
To learn more, or to apply online, visit the McDonald’s website here.
by Angela Copeland | Mar 15, 2016 | Advice, Podcast
Episode 94 of the Copeland Coaching Podcast is now live!
This week, we’re revisiting a fantastic episode on job stress from last year. We talk with Kathryn Gates, Therapist at Gates Therapy in Austin, TX.
Kathryn works with her clients to develop better relationships and greater life satisfaction. In addition, she has an extensive background in fitness and has worked as a fitness therapist for a number of years.
Kathryn shares her advice on coping with work stress, how fitness plays into our emotional well-being, and when to seek out a therapist.
Listen and learn more! You can play the podcast here, or download it for free on Apple Podcasts or Stitcher. If you enjoy the program, subscribe today to the Copeland Coaching Podcast on Apple Podcasts or Stitcher to ensure you don’t miss an episode!
To learn more about Kathryn, visit here website here.
by Angela Copeland | Mar 15, 2016 | Job Posting
The University of Tennessee Health Sciences Center is seeking a Director of Admissions – Student Affairs in Memphis, TN.
The Director of Admissions Operations will provide overall leadership and supervision to Admissions. This includes application services, campus communication, transfer admission and credit evaluation, graduate and professional school admission and application processing for both domestic and international students.
To learn more, or to apply online, visit the UT website here.
by Angela Copeland | Mar 15, 2016 | Job Posting
Fitbit is seeking a Senior Manufacturing Automation Engineer in San Francisco, CA.
This is how Fitbit describes the position:
We are looking for an experienced Sr. Manufacturing Automation Engineer will join Fitbit’s growing Operations Team. The Automation Engineer is responsible for researching, recommending, and evaluating equipment and systems for manufacturing and packaging of consumer products. The role is accountable for the creation, release, documentation, and testing of different automated options as required. This role will lead the implementation of automation projects in a manufacturing environment. The role may involve additional responsibilities and opportunities as they become necessary and/or are assigned by management.
To learn more, or to apply online, visit the Fitbit website here.
by Angela Copeland | Mar 14, 2016 | Advice, Newsletter
Some people seem to have all the luck. From the outside, they appear to get every promotion, make more money, drive a nicer car and live in a nicer house. It’s like they are surrounded by a ray of sunshine all day. This seems especially true of celebrities, company heads and professional athletes. How do they get so lucky, and when will my luck change?
I would argue that luck isn’t really luck at all. As Roman philosopher Seneca said, “Luck is what happens when preparation meets opportunity.” Those we perceive as lucky are often working very hard behind the scenes to perfect their craft. They spend hours becoming their very best in hopes of shining in one important moment – whether it’s in a board meeting, on a stage or in a sporting arena.
In Malcom Gladwell’s book “Outliers,” he mentions the 10,000 Hour Rule. Gladwell believes that a large part of success is determined by how much you practice a specific task or skill. He says, “Practice isn’t the thing you do when you’re good. It’s the thing you do that makes you good.”
The same principle applies when you’re looking to grow your career. Seek out opportunities to improve your skills. At work, consider offering to assist someone with a task that’s outside of your expertise. Ask them to teach you a little about what they do. They’ll often be happy to help, and you’ll be given the chance to learn something new.
If you don’t have an opportunity to grow your skills at work, take charge and look outside of your cubicle walls. Consider donating your time to a local nonprofit or a friend who’s starting a business. For example, if you’ve wondered what it’s like to work in social media, volunteer to setup a Facebook page and Twitter campaign for a nonprofit that can’t afford to hire someone. If you want to become a better public speaker, volunteer to give a presentation to a community group on a topic you know about. This will help grow your skills, and give back to the community at the same time.
As you add more tools to your skill set, include them on your resume and LinkedIn profile. Consistently building on your existing foundation will help to boost your career’s value. But, don’t expect it to happen overnight. It takes months, years, and even decades to truly develop professionally.
Remember that today’s professional environment isn’t the one your grandparents grew up in. Employees can no longer sit back and assume their company will develop them over time. Even if you work full time job, you are still the CEO of your own career. It’s up to you to take charge of your personal career development.
Continuously looking for opportunities to improve, and practicing your skills is the one clear path to success. If you do these things and work hard, one day you may find yourself answering questions to your friends and family about how you became so lucky in your career.
Happy St. Patrick’s Day week!
I hope these tips have helped you. Visit CopelandCoaching.com to find more tips to improve your job search. If I can be of assistance to you, don’t hesitate to reach out to me here.
Also, be sure to subscribe to my Copeland Coaching Podcast on Apple Podcasts or Stitcher where I discuss career advice every Tuesday! If you’ve already heard the podcast and enjoy it, please consider leaving a review in Apple Podcasts or Stitcher.
Happy hunting!
Angela Copeland
@CopelandCoach
by Angela Copeland | Mar 14, 2016 | Job Posting
Converse (the shoe company) is looking for an Account Executive in New York, NY.
This is what Converse has to say about this position:
As a Converse AE, you’ll grow and optimize sales of Converse product , both footwear and apparel in the New York Metro area by achieving sales goals with established accounts and new doors. You’ll be accountable for selling to small, medium and potentially large-size accounts through Futures and At-Once business. You’ll develop accurate and realistic seasonal assortments, forecasts and scenario plans; meet all reporting deadlines, including expense reports; and develop semi-annual account business plans with monthly revenue objectives for all accounts. You’ll also identify product opportunities and execute against product strategies. You’ll stay current on product and product changes, cancellations, credit holds and at once sales and work to balance the merchandising needs of the account with Converse product placement objectives. You’ll establish and maintain timely, consistent and responsive external and internal relationships and display strong customer service skills by developing and maintaining relationships with key customer personnel at all levels of the customer’s business. You’ll also communicate daily with buyers, Account Management and sales operations. You’ll solicit and submit orders and ensure the timely coordination of order tracking, retail release and launch information, order confirmation, cancellations/summaries and delivery information. You’ll meet all order management deadlines in a timely and consistent manner. You’ll increase sell-in and sell-through by preparing, planning and delivering clear and persuasive merchandising and product presentations. You’ll actively participate in corporate meetings, including Go To Market meetings and pre lines.
To learn more, or to apply online, visit the Converse website here.
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