In this session of The Engineering Career Coach (TECC) Podcast, my partner Chris Knutson interviews author James Lehman who gives some good strategies and advice on career transition.
James Lehman is the author of the new book Maneuvering Your Career – 20 Strategies to Prepare You for Voluntary (or Involuntary) Career Transition. James has either experienced or witnessed just about anything that can happen in the workplace relating to people, and their careers. He himself has had 20 job transitions, and as a Senior HR Professional, he has spent more than 20 years working in Human Resources. James also is a Certified Professional Coach, and works with both groups and individuals helping people access their power so they can own their job, and achieve their dreams.
Listen to this session and learn some strategies that will help you if you’re transitioning now, thinking about transitioning, or wanting to be prepared if you have an unforeseen transition:
1 – Prepare for change by:
- Knowing what’s hot, keeping your skills up to date, and getting yourself out there
- Be active on LinkedIn – join interest groups, professional organizations, contribute articles, etc.
- Keep updated on prospective employers by using the Stock app on your mobile device
- Visualizing the future – building a business plan as a way to get prepared
- Plan to be an entrepreneur – by 2020, 50% employees will be contractors/freelancers
- Build your network everyday
2 – Make sure you’re doing a professional job
3 – Be known for getting things done
4 – Show up everyday which shows you’re a leader and an expert at what you do
5 – Be courageous even when others say you can’t, and get past those limiting beliefs
6 – Know your vision and the time for transition
Lehman also shares more details about his book and what he learned as he went trough the process of transition.
Are you ready for any career transition?
Anthony Fasano, PE, author of Engineer Your Own Success, found success as an engineer at a very early age and now writes and podcasts to help other engineers do the same. Visit Anthony’s website at EngineeringCareerCoach.com to access all of the free engineering career resources he has created to help engineers succeed.