Recently I re-read Gregg Levoy's magnificent book, Callings.
There must be hundred of books and courses out there about how to interview, write the perfect resume, and research potential employers or job opportunities (God bless'm all; they're all good stuff). Often lost in all the structural/process roadmaps, however, is guidance about connecting with what really calls to us - those mysterious, intuitive telltales that drive us inexplicably towards something beyond just structure, position, or pay.
That's where Callings excels. It's not just another "get in touch with your inner feelings" book; it provides a framework for how to identify the tangible and intangible factors that drive our sense of purpose, and how to respond to those influences in a way that can bring us not only peace of mind/being but also economic reward. It's the bookend counterpart to Marsha Sinetar's Do What You Love, The Money Will Follow; yet written in a way that transcends the one-dimensional apsect of "what's my ideal job." For Callings' true magic is ultimately about self-empowerment, and as aptly described on the back cover, enable us to recognize our callings, distinguish them from "siren songs", overcome our resistance, and prepare for what happens when we say "Yes" - or "No." By definition, "career" - or vocation - is one of the book's chief components.
I can honestly say Callings is in my top ten list of all-time books - maybe because of the many crossroads that my impatience, ambition and wanderlusting curiosity have placed me in. I don't believe that I would be doing what I love, and pursuing a true sense of career/vocational mission, if not for the impact of this book.
It's too much to think that in this time of budget crunches, that "non-structural" content like Callings will find its way into public school systems. However, it is of note that the University of Phoenix management doctorate program, along with numerous health & wellness and organizational development programs around the country (and outside) have embraced it.
Highly, highly recommended - it might not only "make your career" - it might save your life. Besides, its a helluva read - colorful, outrageous and oh-so-poignant...
Jun 25, 2008
Jun 20, 2008
Careers: Neural Marketing - the Next (Now) Frontier
Marketing (and other Business) majors are going to be walking into a world of market research that makes all preceding tried-and-true techniques seem primitive - the realm of Neural Marketing.
Neural marketing, for us lay-folks, allows market researchers a glimpse inside the brains of their potential customers to understand their (often unconscious!) preferences and tendencies. MRI data from research subjects, for example, may explain why you like Mozart and I prefer Beethoven - or, from a consumer point of view, why a taste test tilts towards Pepsi over Coke, yet a taste-test augmented by brand-recognition results in Coke besting Pepsi.
The reason? There are two separate brain systems--one involving taste and one recalling cultural influence--in the prefrontal cortex interact to determine preferences. This partially explains the old market-researchers' lament that "Focus groups lie"... point being, the test subjects are not dishonest, it's just that what they say they want versus what they really want (due to unconscious emotional attachements, reward stimulations, etc.) are often two different things. For example, they may say that low price is most important, but what's really important is better customer service...
So fascinating is the field that a 2007 study at NYU and UCLA, using electroencephalographs, could record clear differences in liberal vs. conservative brain patterns (note: this isn't just political, it's "how people think").
The implications of neural marketing are enormous, of course: Product designs and advertising campaigns will become more and more successful as vendors/marketers learn how to get their message - and appeal - through to customers already swimming in a deluge of confusing "TMI."
[ There are social implications, too - as neural marketing enables vendors to reinforce their product/service stimulus (known as 'priming' to advertisers) by amplifying the "pleasure" or "reward" part of consumers' brains, some fear we face an Orwellian future where consumers are nothing more than Pavlov's dogs (more than now, you wonder?) for the high priests of Madison Avenue. ]
I suspect that the marketing/business professional of the (near!) future will not only have to understand the traditional five P's (product, price, packaging, promotion and place) but also a modicum of statistics, IT, and even neuro-biology.
Hopefully, high school and college curricula, career centers and employer internships will soon be addressing neural marketing. Like globalization, it's here now, whether we like it or not, or even recognize it.
Neural marketing, for us lay-folks, allows market researchers a glimpse inside the brains of their potential customers to understand their (often unconscious!) preferences and tendencies. MRI data from research subjects, for example, may explain why you like Mozart and I prefer Beethoven - or, from a consumer point of view, why a taste test tilts towards Pepsi over Coke, yet a taste-test augmented by brand-recognition results in Coke besting Pepsi.
The reason? There are two separate brain systems--one involving taste and one recalling cultural influence--in the prefrontal cortex interact to determine preferences. This partially explains the old market-researchers' lament that "Focus groups lie"... point being, the test subjects are not dishonest, it's just that what they say they want versus what they really want (due to unconscious emotional attachements, reward stimulations, etc.) are often two different things. For example, they may say that low price is most important, but what's really important is better customer service...
So fascinating is the field that a 2007 study at NYU and UCLA, using electroencephalographs, could record clear differences in liberal vs. conservative brain patterns (note: this isn't just political, it's "how people think").
The implications of neural marketing are enormous, of course: Product designs and advertising campaigns will become more and more successful as vendors/marketers learn how to get their message - and appeal - through to customers already swimming in a deluge of confusing "TMI."
[ There are social implications, too - as neural marketing enables vendors to reinforce their product/service stimulus (known as 'priming' to advertisers) by amplifying the "pleasure" or "reward" part of consumers' brains, some fear we face an Orwellian future where consumers are nothing more than Pavlov's dogs (more than now, you wonder?) for the high priests of Madison Avenue. ]
I suspect that the marketing/business professional of the (near!) future will not only have to understand the traditional five P's (product, price, packaging, promotion and place) but also a modicum of statistics, IT, and even neuro-biology.
Hopefully, high school and college curricula, career centers and employer internships will soon be addressing neural marketing. Like globalization, it's here now, whether we like it or not, or even recognize it.
Jun 14, 2008
Careers: Telecommuting - Risks, Rewards and Remedies
Graduates entering the workforce are going to be increasingly presented with the opportunities - and challenges - of telecommuting. How employers and employees alike prepare for the risks and rewards of telecommuting will likely determine whether or not the initiative succeeds for a particular company.
While telecommuting numbers haven't lived up to their lofty pre-Millennium predictions (up to 55 million people), estimates vary wildly, from as few as 9 million Americans to nearly 45 million. No doubt, the discrepancy lies in the qualification of whether the tele-commuter is "full time" or "flex-time" (part time).I expect that with continued improvements in “Death of Distance” technologies – Wifi, Skype, Bluetooth, VOIP, and gigs of rapid-send imagery – (and TiVo for those who are goofing off!) this trend will only continue and possibly even accelerate.
Employers, career guidance professionals and educators alike will need to help these future leaders accomplish that. Their tool chest? Good ol’ fashioned composition, technical writing, phone etiquette, persuasive selling techniques, etc. – not to mention a whole new emphasis on organizational skills, now that the (ostensibly) ordered cubicle has no other watchdog than the employee him(her)self.
Perhaps even more focus on debate, diplomacy and other interpersonal etiquette - after all, there's something to be said for the rough-and-tumble of face-to-face communication and the organic synthesis that can yield from a closed-off conference room full of gesturing, interrupting, stammering, animated and otherwise conscientiously-committed employees. No online gadgetry can substitute for that priceless (and OK, occasionally ulcer-inspiring!) experience.
Jun 10, 2008
Careers: TEFL/TESL - Destination or Detour?
Let's face it, not all college graduates know what they want to do when they "grow up." (I didn't for the next two decades!).
Those with a little spunk and curiosity, however, may wish to check into teaching English abroad (TEFL - Teaching English as a Foreign Language). TEFL's a great way to finance one's world travels and meet friends, as well as being an invaluble communication asset to have in one's own skills portfolio.
It's true that the teach-English-abroad buzz has been going strong for several decades now; it's also true that TEFL/TESL programs have popped out of the academic woodpile like inlaws at a probate court. Good reason, though - English is the lingua franca (now there's an oxymoron!) of the business, legal and technical world, long having replaced French and German in the latter two. It's estimated by the International TEFL Corporation that as many as 300 million world citizens are actively studying English at present - in other words, the equivalent population of the U.S.
It used to be good enough if one was a native speaker - you could stand in front of a class and jabber all day (well, sort of.). Those days are largely gone with the wind. Contemporary programs require anywhere from 120-150 hours of classroom prep along with student teaching in order to become certified, and certification is more or less expected now at established programs around the world.
I dipped my toe into these pedantic waters a few years back when living in Santiago, Chile. My classmates were a collection of Americans and Canadians, ranging from 21 years old up to.. well, me.. Upon certification, opportunities abounded - on staff at the institute, at other language schools, even through free-lancing by just hanging one's own shingle at coffee shops and other social venues. The patrons ranged from individual citizens to corporations or government offices.
Here's my informed take, both as an insider and one who's talked with many veterans of the TEFL experience:
-- If you're willing to work unorthodox hours for modest pay (though often high by local standards); if you're willing to walk/train/bus commute to a variety of venues; and if you're flexible enough to drum up clients on your own to supplement your base hours; and if you're willing to continue the "communal" college life (shared apartments, cheap beer, meal deals, etc.) - you can more than break even and genuinely subsidize your stay in that country.
My wife and I, to be honest, weren't... we were on extended leave from the North American rat-race, were chilling after three months bouncing around Africa, and frankly were too interested in the scenery and thrills of Chile and Argentina to get too locked down into a routine. But that was just us...
I've met people of all ages who've worked their way around the world teaching English: three months in Budapest; six months in Bogota', three months in Bangkok, etc. It's not for everyone, but it can surely add some eyebrow-raising punch lines to one's resume during the free and unsettled years - or as an extended leave for the disaffected (yours truly.) It also can lead, for the dedicated, to a career path as directors of language institutes.
Good bets for getting work quickly? Latin America and Asia. Eastern Europe somewhat; Western Europe very difficult due to popularity and EU favoritism, which gives priority to teachers from member countries. (most TEFL in Africa seems to be done through missionary or other NGO services).
For those who want to want to really see the world without going broke or being "irresponsible," I can't think of a better way to spend a year or two... or perhaps, a decade?
Those with a little spunk and curiosity, however, may wish to check into teaching English abroad (TEFL - Teaching English as a Foreign Language). TEFL's a great way to finance one's world travels and meet friends, as well as being an invaluble communication asset to have in one's own skills portfolio.
It's true that the teach-English-abroad buzz has been going strong for several decades now; it's also true that TEFL/TESL programs have popped out of the academic woodpile like inlaws at a probate court. Good reason, though - English is the lingua franca (now there's an oxymoron!) of the business, legal and technical world, long having replaced French and German in the latter two. It's estimated by the International TEFL Corporation that as many as 300 million world citizens are actively studying English at present - in other words, the equivalent population of the U.S.
It used to be good enough if one was a native speaker - you could stand in front of a class and jabber all day (well, sort of.). Those days are largely gone with the wind. Contemporary programs require anywhere from 120-150 hours of classroom prep along with student teaching in order to become certified, and certification is more or less expected now at established programs around the world.
I dipped my toe into these pedantic waters a few years back when living in Santiago, Chile. My classmates were a collection of Americans and Canadians, ranging from 21 years old up to.. well, me.. Upon certification, opportunities abounded - on staff at the institute, at other language schools, even through free-lancing by just hanging one's own shingle at coffee shops and other social venues. The patrons ranged from individual citizens to corporations or government offices.
Here's my informed take, both as an insider and one who's talked with many veterans of the TEFL experience:
-- If you're willing to work unorthodox hours for modest pay (though often high by local standards); if you're willing to walk/train/bus commute to a variety of venues; and if you're flexible enough to drum up clients on your own to supplement your base hours; and if you're willing to continue the "communal" college life (shared apartments, cheap beer, meal deals, etc.) - you can more than break even and genuinely subsidize your stay in that country.
My wife and I, to be honest, weren't... we were on extended leave from the North American rat-race, were chilling after three months bouncing around Africa, and frankly were too interested in the scenery and thrills of Chile and Argentina to get too locked down into a routine. But that was just us...
I've met people of all ages who've worked their way around the world teaching English: three months in Budapest; six months in Bogota', three months in Bangkok, etc. It's not for everyone, but it can surely add some eyebrow-raising punch lines to one's resume during the free and unsettled years - or as an extended leave for the disaffected (yours truly.) It also can lead, for the dedicated, to a career path as directors of language institutes.
Good bets for getting work quickly? Latin America and Asia. Eastern Europe somewhat; Western Europe very difficult due to popularity and EU favoritism, which gives priority to teachers from member countries. (most TEFL in Africa seems to be done through missionary or other NGO services).
For those who want to want to really see the world without going broke or being "irresponsible," I can't think of a better way to spend a year or two... or perhaps, a decade?
Jun 7, 2008
Careers: Becoming an Expatriate ("expat")
Educators committed to preparing their charges for the impacts of globalization would be remiss not to address the career possibilities of expatriation, or becoming an "expat."
Expats, of course refer to that ambitious and intrepid subset of North Americans (note - all countries have expats) who take overseas assignments - whether for a North American company, or in some cases directly with an international employer.
It certainly isn't a lifestlye for the cautious or inflexible. According to my friend Jean McFarland, whose company Fifth Dimensions Strategies tracks expatriate statistics, 40% of expatriates return before completing their assignments, with the #1 reason for failure being the inability to adapt to the host culture. Of expatriates who complete their assignments, 34% do not perform up to expectations of their superiors, and 50% say they underperformed (note - expatriate packages cost a corporation approximately $1 million per year - a big "ouch" when things go wrong.)
So why the buzz? Well the pay and perks can be great... not to mention (depending what country) little extra's like maids, gardeners, chauffers and prodigious leave packages (6-8 weeks of holiday?)... not to mention fascinating "acculturation" for those who enjoy mixing it up in the strange and unfamiliar...and not to mention experience that can pay off handsomely in one's career back home in later years...
Trends in expatriation employment are tiltling more and more towards younger workers, according to research by GMAC Global Relocation Services. Also, the proportion of women undertaking expatriate assignments has risen markedly and more expatriates are going on assignments without their partners.
So, it's a great time for those who are eager, willing and competent to get subsidized for exploring broader latitudes, attidudes and longitudes. bTW, a great resource for global expatriate websites is found at the ezine of Transitions Abroad.
Bon voyage' !
Expats, of course refer to that ambitious and intrepid subset of North Americans (note - all countries have expats) who take overseas assignments - whether for a North American company, or in some cases directly with an international employer.
It certainly isn't a lifestlye for the cautious or inflexible. According to my friend Jean McFarland, whose company Fifth Dimensions Strategies tracks expatriate statistics, 40% of expatriates return before completing their assignments, with the #1 reason for failure being the inability to adapt to the host culture. Of expatriates who complete their assignments, 34% do not perform up to expectations of their superiors, and 50% say they underperformed (note - expatriate packages cost a corporation approximately $1 million per year - a big "ouch" when things go wrong.)
So why the buzz? Well the pay and perks can be great... not to mention (depending what country) little extra's like maids, gardeners, chauffers and prodigious leave packages (6-8 weeks of holiday?)... not to mention fascinating "acculturation" for those who enjoy mixing it up in the strange and unfamiliar...and not to mention experience that can pay off handsomely in one's career back home in later years...
Trends in expatriation employment are tiltling more and more towards younger workers, according to research by GMAC Global Relocation Services. Also, the proportion of women undertaking expatriate assignments has risen markedly and more expatriates are going on assignments without their partners.
So, it's a great time for those who are eager, willing and competent to get subsidized for exploring broader latitudes, attidudes and longitudes. bTW, a great resource for global expatriate websites is found at the ezine of Transitions Abroad.
Bon voyage' !
Jun 5, 2008
Careers: A High School That Gets It...
One of the perks of commencement speaking is getting a peek at how different schools (high school or college) are preparing kids for the "real world."
One such innovator is Boise, Idaho's Meridian Technical Charter High School where I recently delivered a graduation speech. In addition to a full cadre of technically-oriented paths (such as IT programming, networking, engineering/electronics and media arts), MTC's program also "balances" students out with business, communications and other curricula/projects that prepare them for an interactive workplace. For example, "consumer economics" - something most techies don't learn (many even in college) - and speech. Who'dve thunk - geeks as public speakers? (btw, you're reading one... lol...). And Global Perspectives - preparing students for the inevitability of all those cross-cultural collisions that your humble scribe here is always harping about.
Furthermore all seniors are required to work internships with local businesses, as well as perform projects requiring vetted presentation - in suits and ties. (who said "Old School" is always bad?!).
It seems to pay off, as grads are departing for such far-flung schools as M.I.T. and Washington State to prestigious music and film-making institutes in San Francisco.
MTC's program isn't for everyone, but a school needn't be nerd-heaven to enforce the idea that career preparation is more than just ace-ing tests. Communications skills, business acumen and a little "big picture" perspective never hurt anyone - and it will no doubt help these young scholars-cum-professionals in an increasingly competitive job market.
One such innovator is Boise, Idaho's Meridian Technical Charter High School where I recently delivered a graduation speech. In addition to a full cadre of technically-oriented paths (such as IT programming, networking, engineering/electronics and media arts), MTC's program also "balances" students out with business, communications and other curricula/projects that prepare them for an interactive workplace. For example, "consumer economics" - something most techies don't learn (many even in college) - and speech. Who'dve thunk - geeks as public speakers? (btw, you're reading one... lol...). And Global Perspectives - preparing students for the inevitability of all those cross-cultural collisions that your humble scribe here is always harping about.
Furthermore all seniors are required to work internships with local businesses, as well as perform projects requiring vetted presentation - in suits and ties. (who said "Old School" is always bad?!).
It seems to pay off, as grads are departing for such far-flung schools as M.I.T. and Washington State to prestigious music and film-making institutes in San Francisco.
MTC's program isn't for everyone, but a school needn't be nerd-heaven to enforce the idea that career preparation is more than just ace-ing tests. Communications skills, business acumen and a little "big picture" perspective never hurt anyone - and it will no doubt help these young scholars-cum-professionals in an increasingly competitive job market.
May 29, 2008
Careers: Social Networking --not just for kids anymore...
MySpace...Facebook... Orkut.. LinkedIn..Simply Hired ... Friendster.. Bebo ... Twitter...Ning...
Arrghhh... Like a hall-of-mirrors for narcissists or a gossip-fence for those with too much time on their hands, it seems like not a day goes by when a new Social Network site doesn't hit the cyberwaves. So frenetic is this trend - too many players? - that it's widely acknowledged the providers have a hard time making a buck. Simply put, they need lots of eyeballs to hit their (members') pages, or advertisers will continue balking at paying higher fees. (while advertisers are predicted to increase spending 700% by 2012, according to eMarketer, most of this is stemming from more users and providers - not increased revs per Ad...)
Still, deft career seekers would be remiss not to jump on this bandwagon - as have politicians, corporate CEO's and other mover/shakers. Why? Because Social Networking works - or can work - to enhance your image, message and connections. With 400 million members already (and 70 million blogs) in the world, it's impossible to ignore the impact of social networking - even if the industry is heading into a nasty shakeout. Consider LinkedIn's relationship with Simply Hired, a clever marriage of the world's largest business networking and biggest job search-engine. There's real synergy there, and job seekers (or networkers)can communicate effectively with their affiliated community, leveraging surveys, research, articles and all kinds of timely/relevant advice.
Don't let the kiddie-candy distract you - there's real gold in Social Networking; or shall we say, Online Business Networking.
May 27, 2008
Careers: Global Considerations in Choosing Your Employer
So much emphasis is placed upon helping interviewees "sell" themselves to prospective employers, we sometimes forget that interviewing is a two-way street - that the candidates have every right to vet their interviewing partners. Which only makes sense, considering we spend 1/3 - 1/2 of our waking lives working for The Man (or increasingly these days, The Woman).
No where does this vetting take on such urgency as in the need to assess a company's status (or preparation) for going global. In previous posts (May 8 - "They're Here - Are We Ready?), I've mentioned that with the growing interconnectivity of global employers, vendors, customers, employees, business partners, media, affiliates and even governments, the so-called Global Workplace (or "Multicultural Office") is already here now - even if you're going to be sitting home in your jammies with a PC, modem and iPhone.
Not that small businesses aren't taking notice: I saw a stat recently (source unknown)that said 65% of small businesses are only doing business within the U.S., yet 92% of them would like to be doing global business. Which is sound advice - since according to the Small Business Association 96% of all exporters are small businesss.
What should a prospective employee be looking for when screening candidate employers? Well, for starters, if you stroll by Co. XYZ's booth at the job fair and they can't describe two or three things they're doing to "go global", then keep walking - they're dying on the vine and don't even know it.
You could also ask:
1. How many of XYZ's "people on the ground" (employees or channels/middlemen) know that culture; preferably, are of that culture...
2. Do XYZ's financial planners know how to calculate Cost/Benefits (or Return On Investment) of foreign ventures - which requires understanding currencies, laws and regulations, different worker productivity standards (working environment, how many holidays, etc.), risks of strikes and work stoppage, political climates, transport logistics, etc., etc. ?
3. Is that firm active with local chambers of commerce, trade associations, and governmental agencies that help to facilitate trade relations?
4. Does the firm dedicate resources - language/cultural training,libraries (Do's and Taboo's books), staff/partner presentations, etc. - to prepare employees for cross-cultural / international dealings?
This just scratches the surface. But hopefully if a career seeker is already clear on what he/she wants to do with their life, then a logical next step is to join a company that's connected to a bigger playing field - because they're going to be the survivors in coming decades.
No where does this vetting take on such urgency as in the need to assess a company's status (or preparation) for going global. In previous posts (May 8 - "They're Here - Are We Ready?), I've mentioned that with the growing interconnectivity of global employers, vendors, customers, employees, business partners, media, affiliates and even governments, the so-called Global Workplace (or "Multicultural Office") is already here now - even if you're going to be sitting home in your jammies with a PC, modem and iPhone.
Not that small businesses aren't taking notice: I saw a stat recently (source unknown)that said 65% of small businesses are only doing business within the U.S., yet 92% of them would like to be doing global business. Which is sound advice - since according to the Small Business Association 96% of all exporters are small businesss.
What should a prospective employee be looking for when screening candidate employers? Well, for starters, if you stroll by Co. XYZ's booth at the job fair and they can't describe two or three things they're doing to "go global", then keep walking - they're dying on the vine and don't even know it.
You could also ask:
1. How many of XYZ's "people on the ground" (employees or channels/middlemen) know that culture; preferably, are of that culture...
2. Do XYZ's financial planners know how to calculate Cost/Benefits (or Return On Investment) of foreign ventures - which requires understanding currencies, laws and regulations, different worker productivity standards (working environment, how many holidays, etc.), risks of strikes and work stoppage, political climates, transport logistics, etc., etc. ?
3. Is that firm active with local chambers of commerce, trade associations, and governmental agencies that help to facilitate trade relations?
4. Does the firm dedicate resources - language/cultural training,libraries (Do's and Taboo's books), staff/partner presentations, etc. - to prepare employees for cross-cultural / international dealings?
This just scratches the surface. But hopefully if a career seeker is already clear on what he/she wants to do with their life, then a logical next step is to join a company that's connected to a bigger playing field - because they're going to be the survivors in coming decades.
May 19, 2008
Careers: The Global Classroom
Here in Arizona, like many states, an intense ideological - and budgetary - battle has been going on about whether or not to fund global studies initiatives in our schools. Much of the resistance is based on sound fiscally conservative principles - where the funding will come from, what other curriculum might have to give way; and, the concern that these new classes dont' take precedence over U.S. history and government classes.
Unfortunately, much resistance also comes from those who have stated the pursuit of global studies schools and programs in Arizona were “dangerous,” “un-American” and “a step toward a U.N. takeover.”
Really? In a world where little Johnny or Susie may end up with a German boss; a Japanese employer; Brazilian partners; Indonesian customers; South African vendors; or investors from Dubai? All who think and act differently than we do? In a world that's already "connected" commercially and vocationally, the xenophobia of these elected officials is lamentable.
Last week's New York Times (May 16th, "In All the Classes, the World in All Its Variety") ran a revealing article about how school systems in New York, Connecticut, New Jersey, North Carolina and Indiana (some operating under grants from the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, some self-funded from their legistlatures) are seriously preparing students for the future that's already here now.
For example, students might have to produce research papers on North Korea's nuclear program, or the Taliban's role in the opium trade. Other projects include creating bilingual books with counterparts in Mexico; or grade-schoolers learning comparative economics by charting the multinational production of a pencil and representing G8 countries in a mock summit.
Here in Arizona, we move ahead, slowly and grudgingly... at present, the legislature has allowed some wiggle room for global studies programs - as long as they're funded by philanthropy, corporation sponsorship, etc. Perhaps that's best - but it speaks volumes about the old adage "when the people lead, the leaders will follow."
Unfortunately, much resistance also comes from those who have stated the pursuit of global studies schools and programs in Arizona were “dangerous,” “un-American” and “a step toward a U.N. takeover.”
Really? In a world where little Johnny or Susie may end up with a German boss; a Japanese employer; Brazilian partners; Indonesian customers; South African vendors; or investors from Dubai? All who think and act differently than we do? In a world that's already "connected" commercially and vocationally, the xenophobia of these elected officials is lamentable.
Last week's New York Times (May 16th, "In All the Classes, the World in All Its Variety") ran a revealing article about how school systems in New York, Connecticut, New Jersey, North Carolina and Indiana (some operating under grants from the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, some self-funded from their legistlatures) are seriously preparing students for the future that's already here now.
For example, students might have to produce research papers on North Korea's nuclear program, or the Taliban's role in the opium trade. Other projects include creating bilingual books with counterparts in Mexico; or grade-schoolers learning comparative economics by charting the multinational production of a pencil and representing G8 countries in a mock summit.
Here in Arizona, we move ahead, slowly and grudgingly... at present, the legislature has allowed some wiggle room for global studies programs - as long as they're funded by philanthropy, corporation sponsorship, etc. Perhaps that's best - but it speaks volumes about the old adage "when the people lead, the leaders will follow."
May 16, 2008
Careers: International Relations opportunities
It used to be that majoring in International Relations meant you were bound for a career with the State Service, or perhaps slogging it out with an NGO (Non-governmental organization). The latter, in particular, could often be disillusioning - under the patina of "saving the world" often came less-than-invigorating administrative/secretarial/maintenance chores.
Thankfully IR majors have a lot more to look forward to these days, courtesy of the shrinking world. Any organization, public/private, for-profit or non-profit that conducts business, cultural exchanges or diplomacy across borders needs people with a global studies/initiatives background.
In the public world, it's no longer just the State Dept. (or CIA) looking for such skills. Think Agriculture, Commerce, Peace Corps, USAID, US Information Agency and Defense, just to name a few departments. In the private world, large multinationals (or smaller companies wanting to "go global") need people with language skills (translators and interpretors) and cultural know-how in order to foster successful relationships with potential customers, vendors, employees, investors, political allies and business affiliates. Think-tanks, universities, private foundations and other research centers likewise are increasingly needing IR talent - because these days, leaving the global component off of one's business/marketing plan, teachings or research will prove to be a self-limiting and ultimately fatal decision.
Internships, or at a minimum student exchange and/or foreign travel, can certainly help in the preparations. My nephew, a student at George Washington University, finagled an internship last summer working for a British MP (Member of Parliament). This page-like assigment allowed him to pick up exciting international experience, make incredible networking connections, gather a few school credits, get paid, and of course, party-it-up in London for a summer... not a bad gig, all in all!
Thankfully IR majors have a lot more to look forward to these days, courtesy of the shrinking world. Any organization, public/private, for-profit or non-profit that conducts business, cultural exchanges or diplomacy across borders needs people with a global studies/initiatives background.
In the public world, it's no longer just the State Dept. (or CIA) looking for such skills. Think Agriculture, Commerce, Peace Corps, USAID, US Information Agency and Defense, just to name a few departments. In the private world, large multinationals (or smaller companies wanting to "go global") need people with language skills (translators and interpretors) and cultural know-how in order to foster successful relationships with potential customers, vendors, employees, investors, political allies and business affiliates. Think-tanks, universities, private foundations and other research centers likewise are increasingly needing IR talent - because these days, leaving the global component off of one's business/marketing plan, teachings or research will prove to be a self-limiting and ultimately fatal decision.
Internships, or at a minimum student exchange and/or foreign travel, can certainly help in the preparations. My nephew, a student at George Washington University, finagled an internship last summer working for a British MP (Member of Parliament). This page-like assigment allowed him to pick up exciting international experience, make incredible networking connections, gather a few school credits, get paid, and of course, party-it-up in London for a summer... not a bad gig, all in all!
May 15, 2008
Careers - Brand You in a world of TMI
When Tom Peters first coined the idea of Brand You - the mindset and practice of differentiating ourselves in our vocational (and personal !) lives - it seemed like just one more common sense cool-tool to help us stand out in the herd.
In the world of TMI - Too Much Information - Brand You is practically a field survival manual. After all, how do we get noticed in a world of 120 million websites, 30 billion active server pages, 70 million blogs, 200,000 new books each year (U.S. only), etc., etc. ???
Anyone who's ever submitted a resume into those blackholes called Careerbuilders or Monster knows that even the slickest CVs with optimized search words simply earn you the right to throw your hat in the ring with 200 - or 2,000 - other stellar (or not) applicants.
After recently rereading The 22 Immutable Laws of Marketing and Selling the Invisible, two cornerstones of modern branding, it struck me that more than ever companies and individuals need that extra edge to make others (customers, employers, etc.) stand up and take notice - and recognize their value (e.g. the benefits they provide).
Ironically, many of your young people are already grasping the subtleties of self-branding; albeit unconsciously, through social networking - what are all those likes/dislikes and "favorites" on MySpace and Facebook if not a way of differentiating (and associating)- branding - oneself? Meetup groups take it a step further with the physical community, building bonds that in addition to "good company" can provide (directly or indirectly) pathways to self-expression, resource connection - even employment?
My whimsical suggestion to educators, particularly those teaching business/marketing or "The Arts": have your charges create a Coat-of-Arms. They'll have a blast with the creativity aspect of it; and you get to vicariously prod them into examining their values, aspirations, strengths and the mirror-to-the-world they want to project. It's amazing how much of this won't change over time - even if their career choices, friends and physical locales do. More importantly, they get one step closer to tapping into to their Most Wonderful Uniqueness - a quality that's bound to reap dividends as they search for the holy grail of their "right" career.
In the world of TMI - Too Much Information - Brand You is practically a field survival manual. After all, how do we get noticed in a world of 120 million websites, 30 billion active server pages, 70 million blogs, 200,000 new books each year (U.S. only), etc., etc. ???
Anyone who's ever submitted a resume into those blackholes called Careerbuilders or Monster knows that even the slickest CVs with optimized search words simply earn you the right to throw your hat in the ring with 200 - or 2,000 - other stellar (or not) applicants.
After recently rereading The 22 Immutable Laws of Marketing and Selling the Invisible, two cornerstones of modern branding, it struck me that more than ever companies and individuals need that extra edge to make others (customers, employers, etc.) stand up and take notice - and recognize their value (e.g. the benefits they provide).
Ironically, many of your young people are already grasping the subtleties of self-branding; albeit unconsciously, through social networking - what are all those likes/dislikes and "favorites" on MySpace and Facebook if not a way of differentiating (and associating)- branding - oneself? Meetup groups take it a step further with the physical community, building bonds that in addition to "good company" can provide (directly or indirectly) pathways to self-expression, resource connection - even employment?
My whimsical suggestion to educators, particularly those teaching business/marketing or "The Arts": have your charges create a Coat-of-Arms. They'll have a blast with the creativity aspect of it; and you get to vicariously prod them into examining their values, aspirations, strengths and the mirror-to-the-world they want to project. It's amazing how much of this won't change over time - even if their career choices, friends and physical locales do. More importantly, they get one step closer to tapping into to their Most Wonderful Uniqueness - a quality that's bound to reap dividends as they search for the holy grail of their "right" career.
May 11, 2008
Careers & Gen Y / "Millennial" Global Illiteracy
Globalization strikes me as being kind of like the weather: It can be good; it can be bad; and it can be downright ugly. But like the weather, it's here now - whether we like it or not. To quote some long-dead anonymous historian, however, "ignorance is not bliss." Neither is apathy.
A few posts ago I referred to a survey by the National Geographic Society in 2006 about the geographic literacy of American people - in particular, the 18-24 year old age group. What this statisticaly valid survey found was that:
* 88% couldn't find Afghanistan on a map... 63% couldn't locate Saudi Arabia and Iraq... England? 65% No...Israel? 75% No... New York City? 50% No... the United States!? 10% No...
Furthermore, over 60% thought the population of the U.S. exceeded 750 million - and 30% said 2 billion (in fact, it's 300 million - only four and a half percent of the world's population!). 75% thought English was the world's most spoken language - although nearly twice as many speak Mandarin Chinese, and nearly as many speak Spanish and Hindi. Oh, and nearly half (48%)thought that Muslims comprised the majority of Indians - although Hindus outnumber them 9 to 1.
I guess some folks might claim that in a world where cyberspace is the final frontier, that being able to read a map is Old School. My reticence in buying this might stem from the closet-cartographer in me; or maybe from all the latitude and longitude lines I've crossed in my world romps.
Still, it seems like a potential nasty outcome for the home team when the visitors - increasingly sophisticated (and motivated) vendors, customers, lenders, affiliates, employees, employers and competitors - know a hell of a lot more about us than we do about them.. especially when we can't find our own ballfield...
It might not be our young folks' fault, but their careers are in for a nasty shock if our school curriculum, social organziations and parents don't start thinking a whole lot more about how to push our curiosity out further than the smothering arms of Uncle Sam's borders.
Being "nice" has nothing to do with it - being aware, informed and connected has everything to do with it.
A few posts ago I referred to a survey by the National Geographic Society in 2006 about the geographic literacy of American people - in particular, the 18-24 year old age group. What this statisticaly valid survey found was that:
* 88% couldn't find Afghanistan on a map... 63% couldn't locate Saudi Arabia and Iraq... England? 65% No...Israel? 75% No... New York City? 50% No... the United States!? 10% No...
Furthermore, over 60% thought the population of the U.S. exceeded 750 million - and 30% said 2 billion (in fact, it's 300 million - only four and a half percent of the world's population!). 75% thought English was the world's most spoken language - although nearly twice as many speak Mandarin Chinese, and nearly as many speak Spanish and Hindi. Oh, and nearly half (48%)thought that Muslims comprised the majority of Indians - although Hindus outnumber them 9 to 1.
I guess some folks might claim that in a world where cyberspace is the final frontier, that being able to read a map is Old School. My reticence in buying this might stem from the closet-cartographer in me; or maybe from all the latitude and longitude lines I've crossed in my world romps.
Still, it seems like a potential nasty outcome for the home team when the visitors - increasingly sophisticated (and motivated) vendors, customers, lenders, affiliates, employees, employers and competitors - know a hell of a lot more about us than we do about them.. especially when we can't find our own ballfield...
It might not be our young folks' fault, but their careers are in for a nasty shock if our school curriculum, social organziations and parents don't start thinking a whole lot more about how to push our curiosity out further than the smothering arms of Uncle Sam's borders.
Being "nice" has nothing to do with it - being aware, informed and connected has everything to do with it.
May 9, 2008
Careers: Vocation Vacations - Sign of the Times
Brian Kurth of Vocation Vacations has certainly found a way to tap into early 21st Century career angst.
His brilliantly simple mission (and business strategy) is to cater to people's vocational restlessness by letting them "kick the tires" of their dream jobs. What's your fancy - race car driving? pastry chef? landscape architect? a voice-over artist? a sommelier? He's got you covered.
Kurth has assembled an ever-growing network of professionals in careers mainstream, bohemian and in some cases, well, eccentric perhaps... at present count about 150 different vocations are covered, but growing rapidly. Over a 1-3 day period, these learned maestros will hold your hand, answer questions, calibrate your aptitude, give you insider secrets about how to prepare (including your resume and how to network), and in many cases put you in the cockpit.. or kitchen...or laboratory... OK, so maybe you can't do brain surgery or air traffic controlling on Day 1, but you'll sure get a feel for it.
About 75% of Kurth's clients are seriously considering changing careers, apparently. In fact, USA Today quotes a survey by RoperReports that found almost as many people want "learning" as "relaxation" in their leisure planning. Whether Boomer mobility or Gen X/Y entitlement, he's onto something. Hey, the dude's even been on Oprah.
What's interesting is that Vocation Vacations to date has had nearly zilch competition, something which will surely change. In any case, expect to see Kurth's selected career offerings, professional mentors - and customers - grow appreciably. It looks like "passion, profit and fun" never go out of style.
His brilliantly simple mission (and business strategy) is to cater to people's vocational restlessness by letting them "kick the tires" of their dream jobs. What's your fancy - race car driving? pastry chef? landscape architect? a voice-over artist? a sommelier? He's got you covered.
Kurth has assembled an ever-growing network of professionals in careers mainstream, bohemian and in some cases, well, eccentric perhaps... at present count about 150 different vocations are covered, but growing rapidly. Over a 1-3 day period, these learned maestros will hold your hand, answer questions, calibrate your aptitude, give you insider secrets about how to prepare (including your resume and how to network), and in many cases put you in the cockpit.. or kitchen...or laboratory... OK, so maybe you can't do brain surgery or air traffic controlling on Day 1, but you'll sure get a feel for it.
About 75% of Kurth's clients are seriously considering changing careers, apparently. In fact, USA Today quotes a survey by RoperReports that found almost as many people want "learning" as "relaxation" in their leisure planning. Whether Boomer mobility or Gen X/Y entitlement, he's onto something. Hey, the dude's even been on Oprah.
What's interesting is that Vocation Vacations to date has had nearly zilch competition, something which will surely change. In any case, expect to see Kurth's selected career offerings, professional mentors - and customers - grow appreciably. It looks like "passion, profit and fun" never go out of style.
May 8, 2008
Careers: "They're Here" - Are We Ready?
Greetings Educators, Career Professionals, Employers and Students,
My blog's mission is to help prepare career seekers for passionate, profitable and fun careers in what can only be called The Global Workplace - or perhaps, the "Multicultural Office."
It seems to me that we're sort of living in a precarious Best of Times / Worst of Times scenario for America's industrial, educational and civic leadership. The so-called "Death of Distance" brought on by converging technologies, lowering trade barriers and easier (and in some cases cheaper!) travel is creating a world full of opportunities and challenges. Since our future corporate, civic, clerical and community leaders are going to be dealing with this in ways we can barely imagine, it only makes sense to help prepare them for those opportunities and challenges.
The good news: There's never been a better time for career seekers to empower, enrich, and enjoy themselves "on the job." For example, while forecasts vary wildly, there's strong arguments that nanotechnology and the Green "movement" will be trillion$ industries in coming years; with product/service ramifications for millions of new jobs. (That will be the theme of one of my next blogs). And it's not just new technologies, but brand new roles created by changing political, economic and social factors. Can you say "retail climatologist?" - "neural marketer" - "cyber criminilogist" - "virtual concierge" ?? It's a long list... :>)
The bad news: Not only is the precipitous decline in our youths' test scores well documented (29th and 34th place out of 35, respectively in science and math, according to the international Organization for Economic and Cooperative Development), but turns out we're equally naive in our "geographic" awareness, as exemplified by National Geographic's 2006 survey of American 18-24 year olds... you know, the same ones getting ready to enter the workforce, having children and going off to fight wars in places that they literally can't find on a map.
So what's the big deal? Well, "They" - our global neighbors - are already "Here", now. They're moving aggressively into new industries and alliances, graduating well-educated, motivated students. They represent potential customers, vendors, partners, investors - and competitors. And guess what? Like the story of the Blind Men and the Elephant - they all "see" through different perspectives. Unfortunately, we know a lot less about them than they do about us - which is a trend we must reverse...
So back to the mission. I guess I come from the school that says if you want people to change, one must appeal to their higher interests and emotional hot-buttons. Which is why my public persona is as an "Edutainer", using stories, lessons learned and intriguing trivia to light a fire. Maybe it's from six continents of rambling around, or maybe from my obsession with goings-on in the world, but I'm convinced that we can definitely turn this challenge around by helping kids - and adults - to become more aware, informed and connected to ways that will excite, and embolden and enrich, them. The trick is to get the iPod out of their ear and CSI turned off, and the only way to do that is to replace those opiates with even stronger "attractors."
For example, in coming posts, I'll talk about Hot New Careers that even most guidance counselors and job fairs aren't talking about yet. These already exist, in both traditional and new fields - and many pay very, very well.
We'll also talk about how to prosper in the "Multicultural Office" - how to create productive relationships and avoid cross-cultural collisions with all those folks who see, think and act differently than us.
And we'll talk about emerging new practices (business and social), such as Conscientious Capitalism , Microcredit Lending, and Voluntourism that are truly "Lifting the World' and providing Win-Win-Win scenarios for all involved.
My blog's mission is to help prepare career seekers for passionate, profitable and fun careers in what can only be called The Global Workplace - or perhaps, the "Multicultural Office."
It seems to me that we're sort of living in a precarious Best of Times / Worst of Times scenario for America's industrial, educational and civic leadership. The so-called "Death of Distance" brought on by converging technologies, lowering trade barriers and easier (and in some cases cheaper!) travel is creating a world full of opportunities and challenges. Since our future corporate, civic, clerical and community leaders are going to be dealing with this in ways we can barely imagine, it only makes sense to help prepare them for those opportunities and challenges.
The good news: There's never been a better time for career seekers to empower, enrich, and enjoy themselves "on the job." For example, while forecasts vary wildly, there's strong arguments that nanotechnology and the Green "movement" will be trillion$ industries in coming years; with product/service ramifications for millions of new jobs. (That will be the theme of one of my next blogs). And it's not just new technologies, but brand new roles created by changing political, economic and social factors. Can you say "retail climatologist?" - "neural marketer" - "cyber criminilogist" - "virtual concierge" ?? It's a long list... :>)
The bad news: Not only is the precipitous decline in our youths' test scores well documented (29th and 34th place out of 35, respectively in science and math, according to the international Organization for Economic and Cooperative Development), but turns out we're equally naive in our "geographic" awareness, as exemplified by National Geographic's 2006 survey of American 18-24 year olds... you know, the same ones getting ready to enter the workforce, having children and going off to fight wars in places that they literally can't find on a map.
So what's the big deal? Well, "They" - our global neighbors - are already "Here", now. They're moving aggressively into new industries and alliances, graduating well-educated, motivated students. They represent potential customers, vendors, partners, investors - and competitors. And guess what? Like the story of the Blind Men and the Elephant - they all "see" through different perspectives. Unfortunately, we know a lot less about them than they do about us - which is a trend we must reverse...
So back to the mission. I guess I come from the school that says if you want people to change, one must appeal to their higher interests and emotional hot-buttons. Which is why my public persona is as an "Edutainer", using stories, lessons learned and intriguing trivia to light a fire. Maybe it's from six continents of rambling around, or maybe from my obsession with goings-on in the world, but I'm convinced that we can definitely turn this challenge around by helping kids - and adults - to become more aware, informed and connected to ways that will excite, and embolden and enrich, them. The trick is to get the iPod out of their ear and CSI turned off, and the only way to do that is to replace those opiates with even stronger "attractors."
For example, in coming posts, I'll talk about Hot New Careers that even most guidance counselors and job fairs aren't talking about yet. These already exist, in both traditional and new fields - and many pay very, very well.
We'll also talk about how to prosper in the "Multicultural Office" - how to create productive relationships and avoid cross-cultural collisions with all those folks who see, think and act differently than us.
And we'll talk about emerging new practices (business and social), such as Conscientious Capitalism , Microcredit Lending, and Voluntourism that are truly "Lifting the World' and providing Win-Win-Win scenarios for all involved.
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