PhD’s at the Crossroads: Career Counseling and Coaching for a New Direction

MCDA Newsletter – April, 2019 Universities are producing PhDs in record numbers in all disciplines. It’s exciting to have all this brain power!  We have phenomenal technologies and research coming from university labs, while our PhDs are being groomed to continue their research and teaching. Yet, according to Nature, while the number of academic PhDsContinue reading “PhD’s at the Crossroads: Career Counseling and Coaching for a New Direction”

Career Conversations – Feeling Stuck?

Do you believe…  “My job is secure because [fill in the blank].”   “I’m stuck because I have no marketable skills.”  “My boss is looking out for me.” “I can ride a few more years before I retire.” Whether you have two or twenty years of work experience, YOU are the person who cares most aboutContinue reading “Career Conversations – Feeling Stuck?”

Phased Retirement – Make Your Case

Many companies and federal agencies offer a way to ease out of the work you love and into the next phase of your life formerly called retirement. A phased retirement strategy offers flexibility. As you approach your retirement age or time in service you can reduce your work hours or work in a different capacityContinue reading “Phased Retirement – Make Your Case”

Building Your Network from Scratch

If you think you don’t know anyone who can help with your job search, then you need to look at this from a different angle.  In most cases we don’t know that actual hiring person.  But you may know someone who does, or can connect you to them. rather than just asking “Are you (yourContinue reading “Building Your Network from Scratch”

Courageous Career Conversation

Having a tough time at work? Do you see yourself in any of these scenarios: You are having more disagreements with your boss and or team mates. You aren’t getting the assignments or work that you want; You see others getting more opportunities. You’ve ‘paid your dues’ and now just want to do your job.Continue reading “Courageous Career Conversation”

Career Conversation with My Team?

You have a great team! Routine things work smoothly and challenges are handled. There are occasional blips to manage, but overall, its business as usual. Great! This is not the time to coast.  Its the very best time to build your team’s bench strength. How well do you know each person on your team? DoContinue reading “Career Conversation with My Team?”

Bridges to Career Conversations

Career conversation can happen anytime and be about so much more than how to get a promotion. But I often hear people say they can’t initiate them without hitting a wall. If your  manager doesn’t seem warm to the conversation… What’s your history with similar conversations? Is it always about more money or a promotion?Continue reading “Bridges to Career Conversations”

Getting Real in the Job Interview

You’ve likely seen someone who was great in the interview, but turned out to be a jerk under day-to-day interactions. And the opposite also happens – the stress of the interview makes someone tongue-tied or goofy, when they would be a good asset to the team. By the time you are asked to interview (F2FContinue reading “Getting Real in the Job Interview”

Do You Deserve a Raise?

Last October I posted Ask for a Raise the Right Way  with good tips and infographic.  You absolutely must do your homework to effectively leverage your value to your employer.  Start with your accomplishments – the stand out things you did this year.  But go further. Update your inventory of the  knowledge and skills youContinue reading “Do You Deserve a Raise?”

You just had a Career Conversation

Were you paying attention? Not all career conversations are directly about you and getting ahead.  Getting personal feedback is great, but it is only one aspect of career conversations. Career Conversations come from many sources, not just bosses and mentors. They may be hiding in meetings and other conversations. If you just had a hallwayContinue reading “You just had a Career Conversation”