Exploring: Options in a Transition
Polish pottery; Credit: Emily Giacomini
In March I proposed a FREEing path through a career transition. After losing a job to a reorganization, I realized I was FREE to Finish Well, Rest, Explore and then Engage in my next commitment. In April and May we dug deeper into Finishing Well and Resting. In this article we’ll investigate Exploring, which is about creating options for yourself. Some ways to explore include:
Researching: go with your favorite way to learn!
o Reading: If you absorb information best by reading, try books, magazines, blogs, or company websites. Your university alma maters may offer alumni access to databases such as Hoovers, where you can find tons of company info.
o Listening: If you prefer listening while you drive or walk, check out podcasts in your fields of interest. It’s easy to find “Top Ten” lists of podcasts popular across many industries or topics.
o Watching: TED talks and YouTube videos offer unique perspectives on an array of subjects. LinkedIn Learning can be a useful source for training. Free websites like MyNextMove and ONetOnline offer demand outlook, salary ranges and even simple assessments to suggest careers that may be a fit for your interests. CareerOneStop includes videos on various careers.
Even with all that, you can only learn so much on your own. People are a wealth of knowledge. Not only do they know their areas of expertise, but they can also connect you to others in the field who may share upcoming opportunities. Mastering the art of informational interviewing will serve you well in the Exploring phase.
Informational Interviewing: make some calls!
o Make a list of organizations that intrigue you, whether businesses, nonprofits, social entrepreneurships or government agencies, and cross-check it with your social media contacts on LinkedIn or Facebook. Twitter is another option for following influencers and companies to see what’s trending as you prepare for conversations with people who inspire you.
o Identify people who work (or have recently worked) at the places on your list. Reach out by email or LinkedIn to request 30 minutes to hear about their experiences. Offer your availability and indicate flexibility to do whatever works for them, usually during business hours, or slightly earlier or later.
o Lead the meeting, which could be in person at a coffee shop or their office, or more commonly during hybrid times, online via Zoom or even a phone call. Introduce yourself in a minute or two with relevant background info like your education and last position and company as well as where you’re aiming to go next, then segue into insightful questions on their background, current work and any resources like professional associations or books they would recommend for someone exploring the industry.
o See if they have anyone else to recommend you speak to and ask for that person’s email. Tell your contact you’ll let her friend know that she referred him, so she doesn't feel the need to do an introduction, which could take longer.
o Follow up with a Thank You note via email (and even via hard copy if you’ve got her street address) and remember to let her know later how the conversation went with the referral. Down the road these conversations may pay off, especially if you stay in touch, as your contacts may think of you when an opening arises.
o Enjoy this 46 min. webinar I did on The Basics and Benefits of Informational Interviews.
Networking: get out there!
o Professional associations: attending events lets you stay on top of industry trends and get to know people in the field.
o Religious organizations: joining a faith-based group can open doors as people get to know you and the skills you bring to the table and can have the added benefit of providing healthy community support as you transition to something new.
o Sports teams: focusing on a sport or hobby builds camaraderie and can lead to side conversations about career, setting you up with unexpected connections.
Experimenting: give it a try! How can you create an experiment to prototype an experience that intrigues you?
o Shadowing: spend a half day observing someone who knows the ropes? Be bold and ask- you never know where it might go.
o Hands-on learning: take a class that pushes you to create a project where you need to engage, yet still in a safe environment.
o Part-time jobs: work a few hours a week in a field you’d consider, to gain an insider perspective.
o Volunteering: offer some time and talent- a simple way to explore whether the field is a fit, as many organizations rely on volunteers to function.
Exploring can be a fun time. If it feels challenging, split it into small chunks and reward yourself along the way with something that motivates you, like a chai latte or a trip to the movies.
Kudos on advancing to this point in the FREE model- you’re on your way!