Are You Building Career Resiliency?

Downsizing, restructuring, outsourcing, layoffs, mergers, closures, new management, age bias, technological advances—these are all factors that could someday derail your job security. Change is inevitable in the world of work, but with the right mindset and preparation, you can always “land on your feet.” The mantra for the new millennium is “employability”—and that means proactive preparation for career transitions and career growth. Here are five tips on how to build your career resiliency:

1. Accept responsibility for your own career development—always remind yourself, “if it is to be, it’s up to me.”
2. Know thy self—invest time in assessing your skills, strengths, interests, values, temperament, and work style. There are a bevy of tools available to help you in this process, and you can find a selection at a career center or your local library. A good place to start is with the book Love the Life You Live by Barbara Sher..
3. Dedicate yourself to continued learning—stepping outside of your comfort zones is a sure-fire way to help you prepare for the future. Seek assignments that are challenging and give you the opportunity to gain knowledge and develop expertise in new areas.
4. Strive to develop the “universal” career skills—these are the skills that will serve you well no matter what you do or where you work. For example, all employers value competence, flexibility, and optimism. In addition, a strong personal/work ethic, good communication techniques, and creative problem solving skills will increase your success on any project you are assigned.
5. Become computer literate—If you have been avoiding computer technology, now is the time to change your attitude. You can’t afford to put it off any longer. Regardless of your position—entry level or CEO—it is paramount that you pick up basic computer skills and grow from there. Adopt a willingness to learn and sign up for a computer class today.

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