Career Development & Professional Growth

Your silence is killing your career. I've watched talented people get passed over for promotions for years. The common thread? They kept their ambitions to themselves. Here's the hard truth: No one is coming to rescue your career. No one will magically discover your hidden talents. No one can support dreams they don't know exist. Here’s how to start speaking up — today: 1/ Schedule a quarterly career conversation with your manager. Don't wait for review time. Develop a career growth plan with specific asks for support, mentorship or stretch assignments. 2/ After big wins, email leadership. Share the impact you've delivered and what’s next. Show you’re thinking beyond delivery. 3/ When someone asks “How’s work?” say: “I’m working toward [goal] — what challenges are you facing?” Small talk → strategic talk. 4/ Volunteer for projects tied to where you 𝘸𝘢𝘯𝘵 to go — not just what you’re good at now. 5/ Book 15-min chats with people you admire. Ask curious questions. Listen closely. Build advocates. Your manager isn't a mind reader. Your colleagues can't recommend what they don't see. Your network can't connect you to invisible goals. The most successful people I know? They don't hope someone notices their work. They don't silently resent being overlooked. They don't expect loyalty to be rewarded automatically. They state their ambitions clearly, repeatedly, and to the right people. What career goal have you been keeping to yourself? Drop it below — you never know who’s reading. Your growth is too important to keep quiet about. --- Follow me, tap the (🔔) Omar Halabieh for daily Leadership and Career posts.

Ever heard the term "transferable skills" but not quite sure what it means or how to leverage them? Being able to identify these skills is critical when navigating career changes from breaking into new industries, job/role families, seeking leadership positions and more. Here's the breakdown: 1)What are Transferable Skills? Transferable skills are abilities and talents that can be applied across different roles, industries, and even job functions. They're the core strengths you've developed through your experiences, whether it's from previous jobs/internships, volunteering, class projects, and even hobbies. Examples include communication, problem-solving, leadership, teamwork, and critical thinking. 2) Identifying YOUR Transferable Skills: The first step is recognizing your own set of transferable skills. Here are some tips to identify them: - Think about specific situations where you excelled. What actions did you take? What were the positive outcomes? Did you lead a team to success? Did you resolve a complex issue? Did you effectively communicate a challenging idea? - Use online resources: Many websites and career platforms offer skills assessments and inventories to help you identify your transferable skills. Check out Google's new #CareerDreamer tool. [grow.google/careerdreamer] 3) Assessing Skills Required for Target Roles: Aligning Your Skills with Employer Needs - Once you have a clear understanding of your own transferable skills, the next step is to research and analyze the skills required for the roles you are targeting. This involves a combination of research, networking, and careful analysis of job descriptions. 4) Strategic Integration of Skills into a Resume: Showcasing Your Value Proposition - The final and crucial step is to effectively communicate your transferable skills on your resume in a way that resonates with potential employers. This involves more than simply listing your skills; it requires showcasing them through concrete examples and quantifiable achievements. Throughout my career pivots (public relations, sales, scrum master, program management) across various companies, each solving different customer problems since graduating college, I've had to complete these steps listed multiple times and will continue to do so in the future to help elevate my resume content. I don't see this as a one-time assessment, but something you may do quarterly, annually, or whatever cadence works for your goals. #transferableskills #careersuccess #jobsearch #resume #skilldevelopment #careertips #careergoals #professionaldevelopment #noceilings #blackintech

The brand of the company you work for is not your personal brand. If all you talk about is the company you work for, you’re simply a mouthpiece for it, and it can stifle your individual voice. Here are three ways to develop your own personal brand while still championing your company: 1. Showcase Your Expertise: Share industry insights, trends, and thought leadership content. Demonstrate your skills and knowledge beyond the scope of your company. When people associate you with valuable expertise, they remember you. 2. Highlight Personal Achievements (these can include learnings): Share your professional milestones, successes or where you fumbled and how you recovered and grew from it. Whether it’s a project you led, a problem you solved a skill you honed, or how you fumbled, learned and recovered, your achievements and learnings contribute to your personal brand. 3. Engage Authentically: Interact with your network in a genuine way. Comment on posts, join discussions, and share personal stories that resonate with you. Authentic engagement builds trust and sets you apart. Often times, I see people talk about the company they work for constantly and they amass a following because people love the company — but they don’t know how to separate their own voice. Remember, you can have a strong personal brand and also complement and enhances your company’s brand, but the company’s brand voice is not your own. Let your unique voice be heard.

I’ve enjoyed reading reports and LinkedIn recaps from the recent World Economic Forum’s annual conference in Davos. One of the most discussed topics was the future of work, as professionals worldwide are re-evaluating their careers, seeking more fulfillment, flexibility, and financial security. I am glad to see people talk about financial security in this context. When you make a career change, the financial implications have to be top of mind. Several years ago, at the height of the Great Resignation I wrote an ‘Ask Carrie’ column to guide people through the financial implications of leaving their job. These core principles still apply today:  ✅ Clarify Your Why: It’s important to first envision where you want to go and what you are ultimately striving for. Visualize what your life and career looks like 5 years, 15 years from now and build off of that vision. It's one thing to be dissatisfied or want to make a change; it's another to know what will make you happier. Dig into the details of any new position and define your real motivation to ensure your next move aligns with your long-term goals. ✅ Assess the Financial Tradeoffs: Leaving a job often means leaving behind benefits and depending on the position you’re leaving, they could be significant. Employee benefits can encompass everything from health insurance and matching retirement contributions, to paid time off and childcare subsidies. And don't forget about things like stock options and restricted stocks. You may be walking away from good money! ✅ Plan for Learning & Transitions: If you're looking for a new job in your current field, making a change may be pretty straightforward. But if you want to do something completely different it's going to take time and money—and upfront planning. Map this out in advance and plan for the investment required to make a smooth transition. ✅ Strengthen Your Financial Safety Net: You may be emotionally ready to make your move, but be sure to give yourself a smooth financial path before you do. I recommend you: 1. Shore up your savings—Building your emergency fund is key. I suggest having enough cash to cover 3 to 6 months of essential expenses. Things don’t always go according to plan. 2. Pay down debts—If you're carrying credit card balances, try to bring those close to zero to free up the cash you’ll need for necessities during your transition. 3. Rethink your budget—Wants and non-essentials may need to take a backseat while you're in transition. Take a good look at where you can cut back short term. 4. Review your insurance—This is crucial, especially health insurance, no matter your age Whatever you do, make sure you and your family have continued coverage. The job market is evolving, and there are many opportunities to consider—but making a career move from a place of financial strength ensures both professional fulfillment and long-term security. Are you rethinking your career right now? What’s driving your decision?

The best promotions don't go to the most talented people. I’ve worked with thousands of professionals in my career. If there’s anything I’ve noticed after a decade in tech, it’s the fact that the promotions and high-visibility projects go to those with advocates. Here are the key reasons why advocates are essential for career growth (and some practical tips to gain and nurture them) 🔵 Advocates amplify your visibility. ↳ They talk about your achievements to others. This spreads your name and work beyond your immediate circle. 𝗧𝗶𝗽: If you’re a heads down person like me, it’s time to lift your head up to build relationships with colleagues and mentors who can vouch for your skills and contributions. 🔵 Advocates provide opportunities. ↳ They recommend you for projects and roles. This opens doors that you might not even know exist. 𝗧𝗶𝗽: Show your value consistently so that advocates feel confident in recommending you. 🔵 Advocates build your credibility. ↳ They lend their reputation to yours. This enhances your professional standing and trustworthiness. 𝗧𝗶𝗽: Maintain integrity and professionalism to ensure advocates are proud to support you. 🔵 Advocates ensure your efforts are recognized. ↳ They make sure your hard work is seen by decision-makers.This leads to promotions and career advancement. 𝗧𝗶𝗽: Document your achievements and share them with your advocates regularly. Bonus: 🔵 Advocates help you build a network. ↳ They introduce you to influential people. This expands your professional connections and opportunities. 𝗧𝗶𝗽: Your network is one of the most valuable things you’ll take with you in your career. Don’t let these opportunities go to waste! Seize the opportunity to build strong advocates and supercharge your career in the final months of 2024. If you’re not sure where to find your first advocate, try building a good relationship with your manager. Here’s my FREE LinkedIn Learning Course that can help you turn your managers into your #1 advocates: https://lnkd.in/gPXXNckd 💬 What are your obstacles when it comes to finding advocates at work?

After a year of job hunting and trying to pivot sectors, from education to human resources, I've faced countless challenges and have grown immensely. With August bringing a surprising uptick in recruiter contacts, I've been reflecting on what's making a difference. While every job search is unique, here are strategies that seem to be working for me: 1️⃣ 𝗪𝗲𝗲𝗸𝗹𝘆 𝗟𝗶𝗻𝗸𝗲𝗱𝗜𝗻 𝗣𝗿𝗼𝗳𝗶𝗹𝗲 𝗨𝗽𝗱𝗮𝘁𝗲𝘀: I've made it a habit to tweak my profile weekly, even in small ways. If I update my resume, I'll add the change to my profile. It could also be an edit to my About section or Headline. 2️⃣ 𝗦𝘁𝗮𝗻𝗱𝗮𝗿𝗱𝗶𝘇𝗲𝗱 𝗝𝗼𝗯 𝗧𝗶𝘁𝗹𝗲𝘀: I've aligned my job titles with LinkedIn's pre-populated options. This makes it easier for recruiters using specific search terms to find my profile. For dual roles, I use the corporate title in the header and explain the full scope in the description. For example, instead of "School Counselor/Project Manager," I might use "Project Manager" as the title and mention the counseling role in the description. 3️⃣ 𝗔𝗰𝘁𝗶𝘃𝗲 𝗟𝗶𝗻𝗸𝗲𝗱𝗜𝗻 𝗘𝗻𝗴𝗮𝗴𝗲𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁: Regular activity on the platform helps. I share relevant content, offer thoughtful comments (15+ words, or so I've heard) on others' posts, and highlight professional development achievements (e.g., if I took a LinkedIn Learning course, what did I learn and gain from it?) 4️⃣ 𝗗𝗶𝘃𝗲𝗿𝘀𝗶𝗳𝘆𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗢𝗻𝗹𝗶𝗻𝗲 𝗣𝗿𝗲𝘀𝗲𝗻𝗰𝗲: I've expanded beyond LinkedIn, posting my resume on other job boards relevant to my target sector (e.g., Dice, Indeed, etc). Remember to keep those profiles updated in addition to your downloadable resume on LinkedIn (found in the Jobs tab under Preferences). 5️⃣ 𝗥𝗲𝘀𝗽𝗼𝗻𝗱 𝘁𝗼 𝗔𝗹𝗹 𝗥𝗲𝗰𝗿𝘂𝗶𝘁𝗲𝗿 𝗢𝘂𝘁𝗿𝗲𝗮𝗰𝗵: I respond to every recruiter who reaches out, even if the position seems out of left field. Here's why: ▶ It could lead to unexpected connections or opportunities ▶ Responsiveness signals that you're active on LinkedIn ▶ Recruiters using LinkedIn Recruiter often target candidates more likely to respond. Your history of engaging with recruiters can increase your chances of future outreach. 6️⃣ 𝗖𝗼𝗻𝘁𝗶𝗻𝘂𝗼𝘂𝘀 𝗟𝗲𝗮𝗿𝗻𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗡𝗲𝘁𝘄𝗼𝗿𝗸𝗶𝗻𝗴: I've attended webinars, engaged in networking events, and committed to ongoing education. This not only expands my knowledge but also my professional network. The key? Implementing what I learn and sharing insights- fostering a cycle of growth and connection. Remember, this is just my personal experience. The job search journey is different for everyone, and what works for one person might not work for another. If there's one overarching lesson, it's the importance of paying it forward. So, if you're looking for something new to try in your job search, I hope these tips help! What strategies have worked for you in your job search? I'd love to hear your thoughts and experiences. #JobSearch #CareerAdvice #Networking #LinkedIn #JobHunt

#########Happy Friday.#### "The Balancing Act of Family and Career: Tips for Finding Harmony" As dedicated professionals, we often find ourselves trying to meet the demanding expectations of our jobs while also cherishing our family time. It's a fragile balancing act that can feel like walking a tightrope—one slip, and it all could unravel. However, the benefits of achieving that perfect balance are profound. A flourishing career that offers both financial stability and personal growth. A loving family life brimming with care, encouragement, and unforgettable memories. The real challenge is ensuring that these two vital aspects of our lives coexist harmoniously. Throughout my journey, I've picked up several strategies that have helped me traverse this tightrope with more ease: 🔑 Establish Firm Boundaries: Guard your family time like it's your most prized possession. Whether it's dedicated movie nights, family outings, or daily rituals—these precious moments deserve to be protected. 🔑 Communicate Transparently with Employers: Have open discussions about your needs. Seek out flexible options—like remote work or customized hours—that help you honor your family commitments while pursuing your career goals. 🔑 Use Technology to Your Advantage: Streamline tasks, utilize planning tools, and be discerning about meetings and emails. These digital resources can carve out valuable time for the loved ones and activities you cherish most. 🔑 Share the Load and Seek Support: Reach out to your partner, family, or reliable colleagues. Sharing tasks at home and work can ease the burden and ward off burnout. 🔑 Make Self-Care a Priority: Set aside moments for activities that recharge you. Whether it's going for a run, diving into a favorite hobby, or enjoying quiet time—taking care of yourself is crucial for staying energized and focused in both areas. The path to balancing family and career is a continuous effort, but with effective strategies and a commitment to achieving harmony, thriving in both aspects of life is attainable. I'm eager to hear your thoughts and experiences as well. Let’s tackle this balancing act together, step by step. What strategy are you using to be able to live a happy life ?

I had a #mentoring conversation with someone new last week, and they were asking advice on how to pivot into a different department here at State Farm. I've had this question so many times that I thought it might be helpful to share some advice here and yes, I wrote this myself without #AI's help. ;) ⭐ Update your resume regularly. And please, do not list out your basic duties; think about the requirements of a job you might be interested in and how you can demonstrate current experience to translate into that future role. Use power verbs and definitely include keywords from your target job description. ⭐ Network! You absolutely need to build relationships within those target areas you want to move into. ⭐ Track your progress and keep your manager updated. Make sure you are telling your current leader what you want to do and how you are taking steps to get there. Ask them what else they'd suggest. How can they help you make further progress, and build other connections. ⭐ Leverage continuing education. There are so many FREE learning resources you can access but also programs to assist you in gaining formal education to fill in any gaps. ⭐Update your Individual Development Plan & #Workday skills. You can't measure what you aren't tracking. Set a calendar hold biannually at the very least to check in on your IDP and skills. Don't know where to find this? Login to Workday and look for Update Your Development Interests And Career Preferences. There's so many opportunities to have multiple mini-careers here at State Farm, make a plan and stick to the plan! #lifeatstatefarm #careerpathing #development

I have had the privilege of mentoring women leaders, and in the past three weeks, two have asked about navigating office politics. While the term may evoke discomfort, office politics is essential for career success. It involves influence, meaningful connections, and ensuring your best ideas have a chance to succeed. It is crucial to remain authentic and true to your values. Influence: As an engineer who transitioned into leadership, I initially believed that hard work alone should advance my career. However, everyone operates within circles of trust and influence. We have probably seen that engineer torn about joining a Women in Tech ERG, but when she sees her peer group in it, she is comfortable to join, knowing that she can trust her peer group. We also see a senior leader sometimes struggling to take a risk on a new tech architecture only to lean into her circle of trust to learn and understand mitigation for the risk and to take that head on. Our trust circles help us reason the choices we make. For example, my team and I once struggled to get buy-in for our ideas by a skip-level leader. By engaging his trusted colleagues beforehand, we secured their support, which facilitated the acceptance of my ideas. Do you see this as office politics? It damn right is and it works. It's important to do the homework to understand these circles of influence that we as humans have and utilize those circles to get your thoughts and ideas across to even the most difficult naysayer. Understanding these circles of influence in organizations and utilizing them could accelerate unlocking value proposition with management in a swift manner. Next week, I will share my notes on building strong connection and making ideas succeed.

I spent 2 years fixing my executive presence. Then, I finally got it right. Here’s how you can too: Executive Presence is SO important for getting promoted or securing a new management job. According to the Center of Talent Innovation, it accounts for 26% of what gets you promoted! It is a vague term but it really comes down to these 5 qualities: 1/ Credibility 2/ Confidence 3/ Emotional Intelligence 4/ Communication 5/ Appearance In my case, I needed to improve my emotional regulation and communication skills to get to the next level. Before working on your executive presence, I suggest doing a self-assessment by: 1) Reflect and write ↳ Think of specific examples of when you’ve shown these qualities and when you haven’t. 2) Get Feedback ↳ Ask colleagues what you can improve. Get specific examples. 3) Giving yourself a score ↳ out of 5 for each of the 5 areas Use that to determine what you need to work on. Then, here are my 8 tips to develop it: 1/ Work on your Charisma ↳ Communicate with energy. Show a genuine interest in your colleagues’ work and well-being. Share relevant personal stories to build relationships. 2/ Project Confidence with Your Voice ↳ Before important events, warm up your voice by humming so you sound confident. Don’t forget to breathe and avoid speaking too fast. 3/ Use Strategic Storytelling ↳ People connect with emotion. Prepare a personal story that makes a key point you want to get across in your next meeting/presentation. 4/ Stay Composed Under Pressure ↳ When you get stressed, use 4-7-8 breathing or physiological sighs to calm yourself. 5/ Improve Your Body Language ↳ Stand with an open stance and sit upright during meetings. Maintain eye contact during conversations (don’t be creepy though). 6/ Up Your Appearance ↳ Dress like your boss. Set out your clothes the night before. Choose outfits that fit with your industry. 7/ Learn from Leaders You Admire ↳ Choose a leader you admire and research their leadership style. Identify specific behaviors you can try out. 8/ Be Decisive ↳ Make small but immediate decisions at work without seeking excessive input, like setting a meeting agenda. Level up your executive presence in 2024 and become the leader of your dreams! —- ♻️ Repost this to help your network become top performers. 📌 Want a high-resolution PDF of this? 1. Just follow me Will McTighe 2. Sign up for my free Level Up Community at lnkd.in/gKzZUq-b