4 answers
Zoe
Student
Marysville, Washington
2
Questions
Asked
954 views
How do what skills you have affect what steps you will take next?
When you hit a point where you have reached the longtime goal you set for yourself, and everything seems kind of blank what do you do next with the skills you learned on the way to reach that goal? Do you take that skill set and just find some new goal that uses those skills and will teach you new ones or?
4 answers
Bob Burton
Consultant
74
Answers
Austin, Texas
Updated
Bob’s Answer
In high school, I had the good fortune of meeting a business founder who inspired me to dream of becoming a business president. This marked the start of my journey to acquire the necessary knowledge and skills.
I pursued a degree in Business Administration from a small city college. After graduation, I underwent basic training and started my career as a military instructor/officer. The skills I acquired in leadership, teaching, management, and teamwork were invaluable.
Post-military service, I took up a trainee position in a large manufacturing company. Here, I got hands-on experience in all business functions and eventually became a foreman, managing 60 production workers. I then transitioned into a sales role.
My experience in sales, teaching, management, and understanding of business functions propelled me to a global marketing position, which involved worldwide travel. I then furthered my skills and knowledge, earning a promotion to Corporate Global Strategy, where I worked closely with the CEO.
I eventually became a Venture Capitalist, acquiring and operating high-tech global businesses as the President/CEO. As I neared retirement, I chose to share my knowledge as a university instructor, helping young entrepreneurs start businesses they were passionate about. I then ventured into public service, getting elected to a public office.
Throughout my career, I learned that knowledge and skills build up as you navigate through various positions and industries. You can choose to specialize in any step of your journey, be it teaching, sales management, marketing, manufacturing management, global strategy, or mergers and acquisitions. Alternatively, you can continue to broaden your experience and surpass your initial goals.
Consider while in a job position-what am I learning?- how can others I now work with help me to learn? Where might I apply these new skills?
Be forever curious-attend various industry trade shows-speak with others who work in areas dissimilar to yours.
I pursued a degree in Business Administration from a small city college. After graduation, I underwent basic training and started my career as a military instructor/officer. The skills I acquired in leadership, teaching, management, and teamwork were invaluable.
Post-military service, I took up a trainee position in a large manufacturing company. Here, I got hands-on experience in all business functions and eventually became a foreman, managing 60 production workers. I then transitioned into a sales role.
My experience in sales, teaching, management, and understanding of business functions propelled me to a global marketing position, which involved worldwide travel. I then furthered my skills and knowledge, earning a promotion to Corporate Global Strategy, where I worked closely with the CEO.
I eventually became a Venture Capitalist, acquiring and operating high-tech global businesses as the President/CEO. As I neared retirement, I chose to share my knowledge as a university instructor, helping young entrepreneurs start businesses they were passionate about. I then ventured into public service, getting elected to a public office.
Throughout my career, I learned that knowledge and skills build up as you navigate through various positions and industries. You can choose to specialize in any step of your journey, be it teaching, sales management, marketing, manufacturing management, global strategy, or mergers and acquisitions. Alternatively, you can continue to broaden your experience and surpass your initial goals.
Bob recommends the following next steps:
Rebecca Tang
Banking
1821
Answers
Hong Kong
Updated
Rebecca’s Answer
Thank you for your question. Firstly, you have to find out what careers you have interest. You can then learn the relevant skills and knowledge. Having said that, you have also keep your knowledge up to date.
Below are my suggestions:
1. Think about what you have interest, eg your hobbies, favourite subjects, etc and identify the related careers
Eg if you like music, would you like to be a musician, singer, musical artist, music composer, music producer, etc
If you have interest in maths, would you like to be an accountant, engineer, banker, financial analyst, maths teacher, etc
2. Find out more about on the careers you have interest
3. Speak to someone who are working in these careers. Seek guidance from your mentor, school career counselor, your parents, etc.
4. Shortlist 1-2 careers you would like to pursue
5. Explore the entry criteria of relevant subjects in colleges
6. Upon graduation, you have to continue to learn the latest knowledge to keep yourself up to date.
Hope this helps! Good Luck!
May Almighty God bless you!
Below are my suggestions:
1. Think about what you have interest, eg your hobbies, favourite subjects, etc and identify the related careers
Eg if you like music, would you like to be a musician, singer, musical artist, music composer, music producer, etc
If you have interest in maths, would you like to be an accountant, engineer, banker, financial analyst, maths teacher, etc
2. Find out more about on the careers you have interest
3. Speak to someone who are working in these careers. Seek guidance from your mentor, school career counselor, your parents, etc.
4. Shortlist 1-2 careers you would like to pursue
5. Explore the entry criteria of relevant subjects in colleges
6. Upon graduation, you have to continue to learn the latest knowledge to keep yourself up to date.
Hope this helps! Good Luck!
May Almighty God bless you!
Chinyere Okafor
Educationist and Counseling Psychologist
560
Answers
Port Harcourt, Rivers, Nigeria
Updated
Chinyere’s Answer
Hello Zoe,
When you reach a longtime goal and find yourself at a crossroads, it's common to feel uncertain about the next steps. The skills you've developed on your journey are valuable assets that can guide your future direction. Here's how to navigate this situation, particularly in a business context:
1. Assess and Reflect
- Evaluate Your Skills: Take stock of the skills you've acquired, both hard and soft skills. Consider your strengths, weaknesses, and areas where you feel passionate.
- Reflect on Experiences: Think about what you enjoyed most during your journey. What challenges excited you? What accomplishments were most fulfilling?
2. Identify New Goals
- Explore New Interests: Based on your reflection, identify new areas of interest. These could be related to your previous goal or something entirely different.
- Set New Challenges: Challenge yourself with new objectives that align with your skills and passions. This can reignite your motivation and drive.
3. Leverage and Expand Your Skill Set
- Apply Skills to New Contexts: Consider how your existing skills can be applied to different areas. For example, if you've developed strong project management skills, you might explore roles in operations, consulting, or entrepreneurship.
- Learn New Skills: Identify gaps in your skill set that are necessary for your new goals. Invest in learning and development, whether through formal education, online courses, or practical experience.
4. Seek New Opportunities
- Explore Different Roles: Look for roles that challenge you in new ways. This could mean taking on a leadership position, starting your own business, or transitioning to a different industry.
- Network and Connect: Engage with professionals in new fields of interest. Networking can provide insights, opportunities, and guidance as you transition.
5. Consider Mentorship and Giving Back
- Mentorship: With your experience, consider mentoring others. This can be a fulfilling way to share your knowledge and help others grow.
- Community Involvement: Use your skills to contribute to community projects or non-profit organizations. This can provide a sense of purpose and allow you to apply your skills in meaningful ways.
6. Maintain Flexibility and Openness
- Stay Open to Change: The business landscape is constantly evolving. Stay adaptable and open to new opportunities, even if they are outside your immediate comfort zone.
- Continuous Learning: Make lifelong learning a habit. The skills required in business change over time, and staying up-to-date will keep you competitive and engaged.
7. Personal Well-being and Balance
- Balance Work and Personal Life: Achieving a major goal can sometimes lead to burnout. Take time to relax and rejuvenate. A balanced life will help you approach new challenges with fresh energy and perspective.
Ultimately, the path forward is about finding a balance between leveraging the skills you have and challenging yourself with new experiences and learning. Whether it's setting new business goals, exploring different industries, or giving back to the community, the skills you've gained will be instrumental in navigating the next phase of your journey.
Best wishes!
When you reach a longtime goal and find yourself at a crossroads, it's common to feel uncertain about the next steps. The skills you've developed on your journey are valuable assets that can guide your future direction. Here's how to navigate this situation, particularly in a business context:
1. Assess and Reflect
- Evaluate Your Skills: Take stock of the skills you've acquired, both hard and soft skills. Consider your strengths, weaknesses, and areas where you feel passionate.
- Reflect on Experiences: Think about what you enjoyed most during your journey. What challenges excited you? What accomplishments were most fulfilling?
2. Identify New Goals
- Explore New Interests: Based on your reflection, identify new areas of interest. These could be related to your previous goal or something entirely different.
- Set New Challenges: Challenge yourself with new objectives that align with your skills and passions. This can reignite your motivation and drive.
3. Leverage and Expand Your Skill Set
- Apply Skills to New Contexts: Consider how your existing skills can be applied to different areas. For example, if you've developed strong project management skills, you might explore roles in operations, consulting, or entrepreneurship.
- Learn New Skills: Identify gaps in your skill set that are necessary for your new goals. Invest in learning and development, whether through formal education, online courses, or practical experience.
4. Seek New Opportunities
- Explore Different Roles: Look for roles that challenge you in new ways. This could mean taking on a leadership position, starting your own business, or transitioning to a different industry.
- Network and Connect: Engage with professionals in new fields of interest. Networking can provide insights, opportunities, and guidance as you transition.
5. Consider Mentorship and Giving Back
- Mentorship: With your experience, consider mentoring others. This can be a fulfilling way to share your knowledge and help others grow.
- Community Involvement: Use your skills to contribute to community projects or non-profit organizations. This can provide a sense of purpose and allow you to apply your skills in meaningful ways.
6. Maintain Flexibility and Openness
- Stay Open to Change: The business landscape is constantly evolving. Stay adaptable and open to new opportunities, even if they are outside your immediate comfort zone.
- Continuous Learning: Make lifelong learning a habit. The skills required in business change over time, and staying up-to-date will keep you competitive and engaged.
7. Personal Well-being and Balance
- Balance Work and Personal Life: Achieving a major goal can sometimes lead to burnout. Take time to relax and rejuvenate. A balanced life will help you approach new challenges with fresh energy and perspective.
Ultimately, the path forward is about finding a balance between leveraging the skills you have and challenging yourself with new experiences and learning. Whether it's setting new business goals, exploring different industries, or giving back to the community, the skills you've gained will be instrumental in navigating the next phase of your journey.
Best wishes!
Michelle M.
Entertainment Industry
1880
Answers
Updated
Michelle’s Answer
Hello, Zoe !
In a way, I am not sure what you are asking exactly, but it seems like you want to know more about why or how peoples' careers went the way they did. The answers to this would be many various subjective answers and it will only give you insight focused on other peoples', not your own career.
I was reaching professional goals all throughout my academic experience. Being a theatre major with the emphasis on acting, I was really amazed at the projects that came my way for the four years of college and then my first career job right out of college. So for me, these professional goals were happening while I was training and getting my degree in Theatre. I attribute it to attending a University that has very rich resources, consistent and abundant funding for the theatre department and the network of contacts that I made which is necessary to have in the entertainment field. Not once during this career did it seem, as you stated, "blank".
As for skills, I would only apply for projects that I had the skill set for. I had always been an actress that sings, so I never auditioned for shows that had any dance choreography involved. Well, I did audition for one well-known musical and was really not good with the dance audition part. I should have known better, but ever since, I had just kept it to acting and singing.
I had a very diverse array of skill set courses in college but did take additional private and group training in the community at theatres for other skills such as Improvisation, Singing, Voice Over and Film Acting. You can sense when you need to take more training as you further discover your career market. No matter what career you have, you just naturally keep up with the trends and the latest technology that is used by your field of work. It's just automatic and not something I really thought about but just grew into and was a natural thing to do.
The skills that one has do not necessarily influence which steps one takes in their careers. Many other factors influence it. Your skills qualify you for work. Many people stay at one company for decades but have taken training and courses throughout their stay at the same company. Having new skills, in general, will help people be promoted where they are or seek employment at a different place. It all depends on what the individual person has going on in their life and what they want or need to do.
As you move through your academic experience and then your career jobs, you will make decisions about work as you go along. Things happen naturally and spontaneously and can't really be predicted. An opportunity may come along that you never thought of before. So the best thing to do is to not overthink things, let things flow naturally and choose a career that you are passionate about and willing to dedicate yourself to. Try not to anticipate what will happen next as you go through the beginnings of a career.
I hope this answers your question and I wish you all the best !
In a way, I am not sure what you are asking exactly, but it seems like you want to know more about why or how peoples' careers went the way they did. The answers to this would be many various subjective answers and it will only give you insight focused on other peoples', not your own career.
I was reaching professional goals all throughout my academic experience. Being a theatre major with the emphasis on acting, I was really amazed at the projects that came my way for the four years of college and then my first career job right out of college. So for me, these professional goals were happening while I was training and getting my degree in Theatre. I attribute it to attending a University that has very rich resources, consistent and abundant funding for the theatre department and the network of contacts that I made which is necessary to have in the entertainment field. Not once during this career did it seem, as you stated, "blank".
As for skills, I would only apply for projects that I had the skill set for. I had always been an actress that sings, so I never auditioned for shows that had any dance choreography involved. Well, I did audition for one well-known musical and was really not good with the dance audition part. I should have known better, but ever since, I had just kept it to acting and singing.
I had a very diverse array of skill set courses in college but did take additional private and group training in the community at theatres for other skills such as Improvisation, Singing, Voice Over and Film Acting. You can sense when you need to take more training as you further discover your career market. No matter what career you have, you just naturally keep up with the trends and the latest technology that is used by your field of work. It's just automatic and not something I really thought about but just grew into and was a natural thing to do.
The skills that one has do not necessarily influence which steps one takes in their careers. Many other factors influence it. Your skills qualify you for work. Many people stay at one company for decades but have taken training and courses throughout their stay at the same company. Having new skills, in general, will help people be promoted where they are or seek employment at a different place. It all depends on what the individual person has going on in their life and what they want or need to do.
As you move through your academic experience and then your career jobs, you will make decisions about work as you go along. Things happen naturally and spontaneously and can't really be predicted. An opportunity may come along that you never thought of before. So the best thing to do is to not overthink things, let things flow naturally and choose a career that you are passionate about and willing to dedicate yourself to. Try not to anticipate what will happen next as you go through the beginnings of a career.
I hope this answers your question and I wish you all the best !
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