Narrowing Career Choices Matt Ford Department of Mgt & Mkt

November 6, 2003Narrowing Career Choices Agenda Personal career progression Questions I wish I’d asked myself Using the answers… Final thoughts

November 6, 2003Narrowing Career Choices Career Progression BS Applied Science Miami University 12 years Consolidated Papers, Inc. Wisconsin Rapids, WI Process Engineer, Production Mgr, Technical Mgr at operating divisions Chief Quality Officer (CQO) at corporate headquarters PhD Operations Mgt University of Cincinnati At NKU since Fall 2001

November 6, 2003Narrowing Career Choices Question your preferences There’s a big opportunity set out there Narrowing the choices even a bit focuses energy I wish I’d done this bit of reflection as an undergrad…

November 6, 2003Narrowing Career Choices Do you wish to stay local? Certain industries “cluster” in this region (e.g., market research, distribution, financial services, hospitals) If national, a particular region? If international, have you been overseas yet?

November 6, 2003Narrowing Career Choices Big or small organization? People often prefer one or the other If small seems right, you may have entrepreneurship in your veins Some may just like smaller atmosphere Others prefer large corporate structure Risk:reward relationship applies

November 6, 2003Narrowing Career Choices Manufacturing or service sector? Do you like to make stuff (pride in workmanship)? Do factories turn you off? U.S. economy is 80% service

November 6, 2003Narrowing Career Choices Profit or not-for-profit? There’s a huge non-profit sector out there! Government, charities, education, some healthcare, special interest groups, etc. Many employ “directors”—much like running your own business Usually lower pay, but can be rewarding in other ways

November 6, 2003Narrowing Career Choices Using the answers… Course design Work experience (experiment) Coop, summer jobs away from the area if you can (perspective, resume) Network/professional groups Ask companies if you can visit You want to appear unique vs. The Crowd

November 6, 2003Narrowing Career Choices Final Thoughts A career progression often appears random and “wrong” while it is unfolding day-by- day. But in retrospect, the path often seems scripted and “right”—as if you planned it that way right from the start! No matter what condition the economy, there’s ALWAYS a market for talent.

November 6, 2003Narrowing Career Choices Thanks!