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questions on my career or jo choices
What's the best job decision you ever made? What's the worst job decision you ever made? What is your greatest career strength? What is your greatest career weakness? How do you make decisions at work? ... What are your long-term career goals? Do you do any professional development?
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4 answers
Updated
Elizabeth’s Answer
So many questions! Let me give it a go:
What's the best job decision you ever made?
Finally taking control of my career. I used to drift from one team/project to another without really thinking about what *I* wanted. Set some goals for yourself and create a plan to achieve them.
What's the worst job decision you ever made?
Not speaking up. Early on I was the quiet person who didn't speak up during meetings even though I had an opinion. You've been hired for your expertise, so let people know what you think.
What is your greatest career strength?
Helping others. It's not part of my day job, but the side projects that I take on bring meaning to work. I'll mentor junior employees or volunteer to help plan events for various celebrations.
What is your greatest career weakness?
Lack of confidence. AKA imposter syndrome. Even though I have a ton of experience, that tiny voice seems to always creep in and tell me I don't have the right experience or don't know anything in that one area. It's really hard to find the mute button on that voice! I have to keep reminding myself of the good things I've accomplished and that I'm capable of learning new things.
How do you make decisions at work?
Don't dwell on it. Weigh the pros and cons and come to a conclusion. Depending on the problem, there may need to be research involved or it may take more time to really understand the nature of the problem so that you can make an informed decision. Lots of tools are available to help structure the decision making; it really depends on the problem itself.
... What are your long-term career goals?
You may be starting out, but I'm looking to retire! I probably still have 10+ years left before I do, but it's amazing how fast time flies. My next career goal is to become a Design Principal which is an executive design position at my company.
Do you do any professional development?
Constantly. Learning doesn't end when you get your degree. Take as many leadership and soft skills courses as possible, on top of learnings around your discipline and industry.
What's the best job decision you ever made?
Finally taking control of my career. I used to drift from one team/project to another without really thinking about what *I* wanted. Set some goals for yourself and create a plan to achieve them.
What's the worst job decision you ever made?
Not speaking up. Early on I was the quiet person who didn't speak up during meetings even though I had an opinion. You've been hired for your expertise, so let people know what you think.
What is your greatest career strength?
Helping others. It's not part of my day job, but the side projects that I take on bring meaning to work. I'll mentor junior employees or volunteer to help plan events for various celebrations.
What is your greatest career weakness?
Lack of confidence. AKA imposter syndrome. Even though I have a ton of experience, that tiny voice seems to always creep in and tell me I don't have the right experience or don't know anything in that one area. It's really hard to find the mute button on that voice! I have to keep reminding myself of the good things I've accomplished and that I'm capable of learning new things.
How do you make decisions at work?
Don't dwell on it. Weigh the pros and cons and come to a conclusion. Depending on the problem, there may need to be research involved or it may take more time to really understand the nature of the problem so that you can make an informed decision. Lots of tools are available to help structure the decision making; it really depends on the problem itself.
... What are your long-term career goals?
You may be starting out, but I'm looking to retire! I probably still have 10+ years left before I do, but it's amazing how fast time flies. My next career goal is to become a Design Principal which is an executive design position at my company.
Do you do any professional development?
Constantly. Learning doesn't end when you get your degree. Take as many leadership and soft skills courses as possible, on top of learnings around your discipline and industry.
Updated
Keyston’s Answer
This is such a great question. I wish forums like this were available when I was younger.
To answer your questions:
- The best decision I made was joining my wife's facility maintenance business. It's been rewarding to support her vision.
- The worst decision was sticking with a job I didn't enjoy.
- My greatest strength is problem-solving, but I sometimes struggle with public speaking. I make decisions at work based on practicality and input from the team.
- My long-term goal is to expand our business and provide opportunities for others.
- Yeah, I believe in continuous growth, so I do engage in professional development whenever I can.
To answer your questions:
- The best decision I made was joining my wife's facility maintenance business. It's been rewarding to support her vision.
- The worst decision was sticking with a job I didn't enjoy.
- My greatest strength is problem-solving, but I sometimes struggle with public speaking. I make decisions at work based on practicality and input from the team.
- My long-term goal is to expand our business and provide opportunities for others.
- Yeah, I believe in continuous growth, so I do engage in professional development whenever I can.
Updated
Jessica’s Answer
Great questions!
- The most rewarding career choice I've made was to follow my passions and seize the opportunities that came my way. I have a deep love for art, which led me to a career in graphic design. However, I never passed up a chance to broaden my knowledge and skills at work. This continuous learning path eventually led me to a six-figure income in the Change Management field, a job I thoroughly enjoy!
- The poorest career decision I've ever made was not speaking up when I was subjected to bullying at work. I let it persist for far too long, hoping it would just disappear, but it only made my life miserable. When I finally decided to address the issue, the bully had already planned to leave, so no disciplinary action was taken as they were already on their way out.
- My most significant career strength is my knack for trusting my gut feelings and not hesitating to ask questions. The act of asking questions enables individuals to identify their shortcomings, validate their ideas, and enhance the quality of the deliverables they intend to produce.
- My greatest career weakness lies in my self-confidence. I frequently doubt myself and grapple with "imposter syndrome." However, I adopt the "fake it till you make it" approach, which helps me get by without others questioning my capabilities.
- There are many ways to make decisions at work, but it always begins with an idea. In my workplace, we often have to substantiate our ideas/decisions with solid facts and data. If our evidence is compelling, our superiors generally don't challenge our decisions and allow us to proceed with the solutions we propose.
- My long-term career aspirations involve leading my own team someday, preferably a team of creative individuals. Thus, I'm consistently on the lookout for opportunities to demonstrate my leadership skills.
- I regularly look for professional growth opportunities. Currently, I have a mentor in my field, I'm a member of the ACMP (Association of Change Management Professionals), a network of practitioners who regularly participate in webinars, and I'm considering further certification (possibly my Certified Change Management Professional (CCMP) or LUMA Human-Centered Design Practitioner), pursuing a Master's degree in Marketing, or completing a Toastmasters pathway.
- The most rewarding career choice I've made was to follow my passions and seize the opportunities that came my way. I have a deep love for art, which led me to a career in graphic design. However, I never passed up a chance to broaden my knowledge and skills at work. This continuous learning path eventually led me to a six-figure income in the Change Management field, a job I thoroughly enjoy!
- The poorest career decision I've ever made was not speaking up when I was subjected to bullying at work. I let it persist for far too long, hoping it would just disappear, but it only made my life miserable. When I finally decided to address the issue, the bully had already planned to leave, so no disciplinary action was taken as they were already on their way out.
- My most significant career strength is my knack for trusting my gut feelings and not hesitating to ask questions. The act of asking questions enables individuals to identify their shortcomings, validate their ideas, and enhance the quality of the deliverables they intend to produce.
- My greatest career weakness lies in my self-confidence. I frequently doubt myself and grapple with "imposter syndrome." However, I adopt the "fake it till you make it" approach, which helps me get by without others questioning my capabilities.
- There are many ways to make decisions at work, but it always begins with an idea. In my workplace, we often have to substantiate our ideas/decisions with solid facts and data. If our evidence is compelling, our superiors generally don't challenge our decisions and allow us to proceed with the solutions we propose.
- My long-term career aspirations involve leading my own team someday, preferably a team of creative individuals. Thus, I'm consistently on the lookout for opportunities to demonstrate my leadership skills.
- I regularly look for professional growth opportunities. Currently, I have a mentor in my field, I'm a member of the ACMP (Association of Change Management Professionals), a network of practitioners who regularly participate in webinars, and I'm considering further certification (possibly my Certified Change Management Professional (CCMP) or LUMA Human-Centered Design Practitioner), pursuing a Master's degree in Marketing, or completing a Toastmasters pathway.
Updated
Afrad’s Answer
Hello, I appreciate your structured inquiry!
What has been your most beneficial career choice?
I've found immense value in pushing my boundaries and embracing tasks and projects that fall outside my typical duties. The experience and knowledge gained from these ventures have been more rewarding than I could have ever anticipated. Moreover, I've learned to view failure not as a setback, but as a guiding compass, directing me towards the path I need to take.
What has been your most regrettable career decision?
Truthfully, I am content with where I am today and the path that led me here. Of course, I've made mistakes along the way, but none that I couldn't rectify or learn from.
What is your strongest professional asset?
My ability to apply technical skills within an office environment is my greatest strength. My background in process improvement in advanced manufacturing has proven invaluable in my current role. It took me a while to realize that the technical aspects of these methods could be applied universally to enhance efficiency. This insight revolutionized my career trajectory!
What is your biggest professional shortcoming?
At times, I've allowed myself to become too comfortable in my current role, which can lead to complacency. To truly evolve and grow, it's crucial to confront the unfamiliar and challenging. We need to venture beyond our comfort zones and explore new territories.
How do you approach decision-making in your job?
I base my decisions on objective facts and measurable factors. My strategy is to always start with the end goal in mind, understanding the objective clearly and keeping it at the forefront of every decision. If there's a lack of sufficient data, I consult experts and stakeholders to gather as much information as possible within the given timeframe.
What are your long-term career aspirations?
I'm still in the process of defining this. Currently, my focus is on expanding my skill set and knowledge base, and advancing within my organization.
Do you engage in professional development activities?
Absolutely, I am a strong advocate for continuous learning. I regularly participate in online courses, webinars, self-paced learning, training sessions, and reading. With the constant evolution of industries and society, particularly in our tech-driven world, it's essential to maintain an ongoing learning mindset.
What has been your most beneficial career choice?
I've found immense value in pushing my boundaries and embracing tasks and projects that fall outside my typical duties. The experience and knowledge gained from these ventures have been more rewarding than I could have ever anticipated. Moreover, I've learned to view failure not as a setback, but as a guiding compass, directing me towards the path I need to take.
What has been your most regrettable career decision?
Truthfully, I am content with where I am today and the path that led me here. Of course, I've made mistakes along the way, but none that I couldn't rectify or learn from.
What is your strongest professional asset?
My ability to apply technical skills within an office environment is my greatest strength. My background in process improvement in advanced manufacturing has proven invaluable in my current role. It took me a while to realize that the technical aspects of these methods could be applied universally to enhance efficiency. This insight revolutionized my career trajectory!
What is your biggest professional shortcoming?
At times, I've allowed myself to become too comfortable in my current role, which can lead to complacency. To truly evolve and grow, it's crucial to confront the unfamiliar and challenging. We need to venture beyond our comfort zones and explore new territories.
How do you approach decision-making in your job?
I base my decisions on objective facts and measurable factors. My strategy is to always start with the end goal in mind, understanding the objective clearly and keeping it at the forefront of every decision. If there's a lack of sufficient data, I consult experts and stakeholders to gather as much information as possible within the given timeframe.
What are your long-term career aspirations?
I'm still in the process of defining this. Currently, my focus is on expanding my skill set and knowledge base, and advancing within my organization.
Do you engage in professional development activities?
Absolutely, I am a strong advocate for continuous learning. I regularly participate in online courses, webinars, self-paced learning, training sessions, and reading. With the constant evolution of industries and society, particularly in our tech-driven world, it's essential to maintain an ongoing learning mindset.