Employment

Career Management: Career Help

Career help is not just needed by those looking for employment. Sometimes individuals seek out career help when they want to move forward in their jobs but arent sure how to go about it. In fact, people at all stages of their careers could benefit from some professional assistance now and then.

Finding Career Help
There are many different resources people go to for career help. The publishing industry has made a fortune on books offering professional advice. Millions of people have sworn by best sellers such as Seven Habits of Highly Effective People and Who Moved My Cheese? to help them get ahead in business. Most of these books offer insightful leadership and management advice, but they are not specific to one particular occupation or circumstance.

A mentor can also provide judicious career advice. Your mentor should be someone you respect as a person as well as a professional. He or she will hopefully have walked in your shoes in the past and be able to help you overcome your obstacles. A mentor can be a boss, colleague, former professor or anyone whose career and persona you admire. If you dont have a mentor, you might find one by networking at seminars or professional association meetings. Offer to take the person out to lunch–youll find most people are happy to help.

Of course, if you cant find someone you trust or feel comfortable with to be your mentor, you can always hire a career consultant. Some consultants specialize in job search strategies while others dedicate themselves to executive development. Ask if he or she has experience assisting people in situations like yours. Be prepared to do some work yourself. A consultant can offer guidance and motivation to forge ahead, but it is up to you to make it happen.