AI is here to stay:

Jan 16, 2024

In a recent article Inside Higher Ed article, it noted that employees who learn how to use AI could see their pay grow as much as 35% over their peers who are not comfortable using AI. As I have noted, AI is here to stay, it is only going to get better and better as the technology advances. So, now is the time to learn how AI can help you in your career and personal life.

Read your emails

Nov 20, 2023

I’m hearing more and more complaints from a wide variety of folks about people not reading their emails. I know we get far too many emails on a daily basis – according to Prosperity Media – the average office worker receives 40 emails per day. I believe that is conservative. Personally, I get over 100 each day. While we need to work, collectively, on reducing the number of emails we receive (and send), it is so important that we read our emails, and not just with a cursory glance, but actually read them.

Preparing for a Career After Graduation

Oct 19, 2023

This month, I asked our co-op student, Rachel Mroz, who is a senior – about to finish up her coursework – to write a post about the job search. Whether you are a student about to graduate or already in the workforce and starting to look for a new position, her approach and tactics are spot on!

Yes: The bad 3-letter word

Sep 27, 2023

The word “Yes” – on the surface – is a good word. A collaborative word. However, using the word unchecked, it can be a bad word. The word “No,” on the other hand, carries with it power and the ability to stabilize. When we say no to something, we are taking control of our time, and we ensure we do not get overloaded and overwhelmed.

Advice to New Managers

Aug 30, 2023

It is exciting to get promoted to a leadership role with management responsibilities! However, most new managers are not trained or groomed for that role, some figure things out with many bumps and bruises (to the ego) along the way, while others never quite get the hang of it to become good, strong managers. Here are 7 tips for new managers!

Combatting complacency and burnout

Jul 31, 2023

If you spend any time on Linkedin, you will read many articles on how US workers are feeling complacent, overwhelmed, or burned out. While there are a couple of key structural elements to these feelings, both of which revolve around earned vacation time, this is becoming a broader issue, with consequences. Here are a number of tips to combat complacency and fight feelings of being overwhelmed and burned out.

Tactics to Fix the Broken Rung

Jun 08, 2023

There are a whole host of reasons for the leadership gender gap. However, it begins with the first opportunity to move into a leadership position, “For every 100 men who are promoted from entry level to manager, only 87 women are promoted, and only 82 women of color are promoted.” This has become known as the “broken rung,” referring to that corporate ladder. This puts women behind from the very start, which then makes it really challenging to move ahead into more senior leadership positions.

Want a good professional development activity?

May 17, 2023

Going through the job seeking and application process is arduous, but also a great professional development exercise. When you apply for a new position, if you’re doing it right, you take the time to reflect on your skills, areas for growth, and your goals. We should do this on an annual basis as part of our professional development.

2023: to stay or go

Jan 04, 2023

Each new year, plenty of people set professional goals and aspirations. Similar to personal resolutions, some will follow through on those – many will not. A common goal is to get a new job. Before you add this to your list in permanent ink, let’s talk about it.

7 Types of Rest

Nov 14, 2022

Recently, I have noticed more and more colleagues, students, and friends commenting on a lack of down time. As the holidays quickly approach, down time will be even harder to attain. Then today, a Facebook friend posted on the 7 types of rest. This really resonated with me, and I’ll go into them in a moment, but I wanted to know who came up with this amazing and spot on list. It did not take me long.  Dr. Saundra Dalton-Smith, MD is a physician and researcher. She wrote the book, Sacred Rest: Recover Your Life, Renew Your Energy, Restore Your Sanity. She has been featured on Fast Company, FOX, MSNBC, and in Psychology Today.

The Skills Matrix

Oct 03, 2022

When you get ready to apply for a new position, typically it begins with reviewing your resume or CV to ensure it is up-to-date. But to be truly ready for a job hunt that involves taking the next step up the ladder, you should begin at least a year in advance. Why? No one has every skill or required experience listed in a job description – nor should they. And as a reminder, women typically only apply for jobs where they have 100% or darn close to 100% of the requirements while men will apply holding far less. You should consider a position for which you have between 60% and 70% of the requirements, which may mean you have to build upon your skills and experience to be ready to apply for that next great position.

Making the most of coop

Sep 15, 2022

I love to share student's thoughts on career development experience. Each year, The Graduate College, hires a Spring/Summer coop student - Drexel's commitment to experiential learning is heralded through our renowned coop program. This year, Rachel Mroz joined us and worked on the Communications and Events team under the direction of Sandra Strang, Director of Communications and Events. Rachel has done amazing work for us and I asked her to share her experience with the coop program. Although Rachel is an undergraduate student, the lessons she has learned and experience she has gained through her coop experience is also highly relevant to graduate students who opt to participate in coop.

Please enjoy reading more about Rachel's experience.

Bored at work? Then take initiative

Sep 07, 2022

While many employees are feeling a bit overwhelmed managing their position and responsibilities of other positions that have not been filled for either budget reasons or the inability to hire a qualified candidate, that is not the case for some. Over the past few months, I have heard more and more folks, especially those new to the workforce, comment about being bored or not having enough work to do. If you do not have enough work to fill your time, you have an amazing opportunity knocking on your door – don’t waste it.

7 tips for gearing up for a job search

Aug 19, 2022

I’m going to be honest – searching for a job, whether you are just entering the field or looking to change positions – is not for the faint of heart! Over the past year, I have mentored and counseled a number of folks in their job search journey, and it is a process – in some cases, a long process. I want to share with you seven things to think about as you prepare to set forth on your job search journey, so you can ultimately be successful!

4 ways to beat burnout

Aug 03, 2022

One can’t help but see post after post on LinkedIn about feeling the burn and I’m not talking Bernie Sanders. More and more employees, as well as students, are feeling burned out. And, in all honesty, why wouldn’t we all feel burned out. We have been tugged, pulled, and pushed for 30 months or over 900 days due to COVID. Then add in George Floyd, how could one not feel exhausted after watching the life literally be pushed out of him? And he was not the only one! There were the impeachment hearings, the election, hybrid work, which turned more into 24/7 work, and now there is Monkey Pox and if you get sick, some unspoken expectation has emerged that you just work from home. Finally, the heat - anyone who still denies our planet is heating up due to climate change, must be living 30 feet underground.

Goal Setting in 6 Steps

Jul 19, 2022

As you scroll through LinkedIn, it is very likely about half of the posts are dedicated to people in your network announcing a new position or a promotion. Whether you just earned a promotion or took on a new role within your current employer or you are moving to a new company, now is a great time to do some goal setting!

Women in the Workplace

Jun 27, 2022

While I typically do no write about “political” issues on this blog, like many women (not all – I acknowledge that fact), the recent SCOTUS decision to overturn Roe Vs. Wade, has left me reeling. Of course, this decision has a major impact on women’s health, but it also has a huge implication for women in the workplace. At stake are the ability choose and build a career, get promoted, be viewed and valued as a leader, etc. In addition, a woman’s right to privacy is also being eroded.

Congratulations Graduates

Jun 10, 2022

I attended the Drexel graduation ceremonies over the past two days not as a faculty member or an Assistant Dean, but rather as a parent. I carefully listened to the words of encouragement and accomplishment, ones I have often delivered, and those words were wholeheartedly deserved. However, I also listened to graduates, deans, and guest speakers talk about this class, the class of 2022, and the resilience shown as this class entered college and graduate school with all the hopes and dreams of those before them. But life had other plans.

Career Growth Questions to Ask Your Manager

May 19, 2022

Planning your career growth involves a strategic approach that pulls together networking, professional development, reflection, skill attainment, and a packaging of everything to present your best self. It also involves support from your current manager or supervisor. A good manager will understand that while they hired you for a specific role, part of their job is to help facilitate your growth into other more senior roles. But they can’t, and shouldn’t, do that in a vacuum. As an employee, you are responsible for your career trajectory and need to play the biggest role in growing your skills and experience, so you can move up. A key way to do this is by asking your manager, in your 1:1 meetings, questions about how to enhance your skills and grow your experience, so you can achieve your goals.

What Kind of manager do you need?

May 10, 2022

I’ve written quite a bit about what it takes to be a good leader, but I have not focused on what kind of manager is right for YOU. Over the years, I have worked with horrible managers – throwing paper clips or worse at folks, mediocre managers who do little to assist you in growing and developing in your career, and a few who have been supportive and encouraging and work to help me achieve my goals. For the latter, I have not taken the time to think about what aspects of their leadership I needed at the time or which elements proved the most helpful.

The Value of Experience

Apr 28, 2022

This may sound odd coming from an academic, but I find students sometimes focus too much on their credit-based work, forgetting about value of other experiences. Drexel is a leader in experiential education with our co-op program. And we know that our students who go out on co-op gain incredible advantages over their peers who don’t have a co-op opportunity. This experience offers advantages that translate into full-time job offers, higher salaries, etc. because students build an incredible toolbox of skills they can’t learn in the classroom. While Drexel does offer co-op opportunities to graduate students, it is not built into the academic plan of every program, as it is at the undergraduate level, but there are still plenty of “experience” opportunities available.

Should I Apply for This Job?

Apr 18, 2022

Over the years, I have counseled countless women and men in their job search. I have always found it interesting that women and men take a very different approach when it comes to deciding whether to apply for a specific position. Often, men will apply with fewer of the required qualifications than women. And my response to the women who won’t apply unless they have 100% of the qualifications is where is the room for growth in the position? In other words, if you meet every qualification the company is looking for, then shouldn’t you be applying for a more senior role? Let's look at three approaches to determining whether to apply for a specific position.

Resume or CV?

Apr 06, 2022

In talking with students as they prepare to enter their career or change jobs because they have earned a new degree, I get asked which is better a short resume or a more comprehensive CV. It is not that simple.

Happy Mother's Day

May 06, 2021

Mother’s Day is fast approaching and what better opportunity to send some extra love to moms everywhere. Mothers are a true force to be reckoned with. Life does not slow down for anyone once they have a baby, and there are a million things to juggle every minute of the day. Raising children is no easy pursuit but raising children while working seems almost impossible. Moms are no stranger to the impossible, though.

Advice to women - just say, "no"

Apr 16, 2021

Did you know that women are far more likely to volunteer for tasks that do not lead to a promotion or a raise? According to a small-scale study conducted at the University of Pittsburgh, 696 students participated in an exercise in which they were asked to volunteer. Researchers found that women raised their hands 48% more often than their male counterparts.

Where is the grace?

Apr 01, 2021

When the pandemic interrupted our daily lives a little over a year ago, we had no idea how long the interruption would last or the lasting impact it would have. There are a number of silver linings, some of which I have discussed in prior posts, and there are – of course – challenges. But one thing that impressed me was the grace we extended to one another. Where is that grace now?

Women lose ground on jobs in 2020

Jan 14, 2021

The jobs numbers for December were anticipated to be a slight gain, but instead, according to CNN, the economy lost 140,000 jobs. And all of these losses were felt by women. Yes, men lost jobs, but they gained more than they lost in December, women just lost. And it was primarily Black and Latina women.

5 Practices To Boost Your Confidence

Jan 06, 2021

I’ve written about the imposter syndrome in the past and one of the major components of it is, especially in women, a lack of confidence. Harvard Business School’s Assistant Professor Catherine Hoffman attributes this lack of confidence in women to gender stereotypes. In an article for HBS, Dina Gerdeman writes about Hoffman’s work, specifically noting that Hoffman argues some of this is related to “occupational sorting” where women tend to choose (or are pushed toward) careers with lower wages than men, but she also attributes this to general confidence levels. For example, after taking a test, Hoffman noted that women when asked about their estimated scores, consistently underreported them versus their male counterparts.

What a year it has been...

Dec 16, 2020

Take yourself back to January last year, before any of this madness started, before the word Coronavirus was a household term we used or thought about every…single…day. Think back to before Kobe Bryant’s helicopter went down killing him, his daughter, and others. Think back before George Floyd was murdered in the street by the very same people who are supposed to protect. Think back to the moment when you were filled with the thoughts of what 2020 would bring, high school and college graduations, births, family trips, gatherings with friends, trips to the gym, marathons, sporting events, or catching the latest greatest movie with a big bucket of popcorn. My intention is not to depress you, but rather to have you see that while 2020 bit the big one in many ways, we should also see it as a period of awakening and also as a period of hope.

The impact of COVID on women in the workplace

Dec 09, 2020

As a nation and as women, we cannot allow the pandemic to strip away the gains that have been made over the past twenty-five or more years. We have to fight for one another. We have to support one another. And we have to advocate for one another. Otherwise the losses incurred will have a long-lasting effect on us and on our daughters. There is no time better than today, right now, to reach out and support one of your fellow women colleagues.

On being grateful

Nov 24, 2020

I’ve been thinking about gratitude a fair amount over the past couple of weeks as discussions about thwarted Thanksgiving plans are tossed about. This year has certainly taught us many lessons, one of which should be gratitude. And it is especially relevant in this season of giving to reflect on all that we are grateful for in our lives.

Yes, design matters

Oct 16, 2020

I am not speaking as a designer, rather I am speaking as a professor and a professional who cringes when I see poorly designed presentations or presentation materials. Keep in mind that poorly designed materials will prevent you from conveying your intended message. Follow these six tips to create presentations and presentation materials that are designed well.

Please read this!

Sep 09, 2020

Carlyn Ferrari, the author of "You Need to Leave Now, Ma'am: I was mistaken for a prostitute at my job interview," clearly laid out so many issues I have written about, such imposter syndrome, dressing for interviews, and preparing for interviews. But I never wrote about those looking through the lens of a Black woman who also felt the heavy weight of racism being pushed upon her by numerous institutions.

Tips for students learning remotely and online

Aug 27, 2020

According to the College Crisis Initiative, of the 2,078 colleges and universities who have reported plans for the fall term (Fully online, primarily online, hybrid, primarily in person, or fully in person), 47% have opted (as of this week) to offer primarily or fully online courses to their students. When you add in the 457 schools offering a hybrid model, the result is 66% of students across the US will be taking multiple online or remote synchronous (live) courses.

6 Ways to Advance Your Career in the Middle of a Pandemic

Jul 22, 2020

While health professionals refer to COVID-19 as a novel virus, it no longer feels novel to most of us. We have been dealing with the upheaval created by this virus for close to six months. And as a result, we’ve come to realize this will be our new normal for some period of time to come. But this does not mean, however, that everything needs to come to a halt like it did in March. While we need to practice social distancing, wear our masks, and follow other necessary guidelines, we can still work to advance our careers. Perhaps this is even a good time to do so.

Job vs Career: What's the Difference?

Jul 14, 2020

A career is a series of jobs that create a trajectory, a propulsion with a forward momentum, providing one with opportunities for growth, development, and purpose. However, a career for one will look very different than a career for another. Here are 3 different scenarios:

4 Ways to Manage Imposter Syndrome

Jul 29, 2020

A colleague shared an article last week with a group of us regarding self-doubt. We all question ourselves from time to time, but when these feelings of doubt invade our minds making us question our worth in an organization, it becomes known as imposter syndrome.

2020 Graduates Gain an Unexpected Skill

Jun 03, 2020

To the 2020 graduates across this country – yes, you were cheated of something you worked hard for, you deserved, and there are no words to soften that blow, but if you can let go of the disappointment for a moment, you might be able to see that you have also been given something – a skill – one that will serve you throughout your life.

5 Lessons We Can Learn From COVID

May 19, 2020

There is no doubt that COVID-19 has taken much from us, many lives, many liberties, many experiences, but there have been silver linings as well. Even when a vaccine or cure is found, this virus will have made a lasting impact on all of us. There are many lessons we can take away from our collective experience.

5 Tips to help you focus while working from home

May 13, 2020

Most of us have been working from home for at least eight weeks and most of us have adapted well, getting our work done via video conferences, chats, emails, and phone calls. However, one common thread I continually hear, “I’m have a hard time focusing.” It should not be a surprise, we are living in the most uncertain of times, nothing like we have ever experienced.

4 Best Practices for Online Learning, from an Online Student

May 06, 2020

Learn how to be a successful online student from an online student.

Online vs. Remote Learning: What's the Difference?

Apr 22, 2020

Online learning and remote learning are often used interchangeably. However, there are major differences between them.

How to Apply for a Master's Program

Apr 15, 2020

Applying for a master's program can be overwhelming, so we outlined the steps to prepare and complete the process successfully.

The Role of Grad School in Changing Careers

Apr 09, 2020

Whether you’re looking to move up in your organization or switch into a whole new field, graduate studies may provide you with the knowledge and networks needed to make those moves.

Am I too old to go to grad school?

Apr 01, 2020

Never! Whether you're 25 or 60 going to grad school can enhance your career.

A Guide to Working from Home

Mar 19, 2020

Learn how to be productive while working from home—whether it's your first time or you work remotely often—with these eight essential recommendations.

5 Ways to Recover from Bullying in the Workplace

Feb 20, 2020

While I am not a psychologist, let’s be clear, dealing with the aftermath of a bully boss is a form of Post-traumatic stress disorder. Gordon points out that targets of bullies experience panic attacks, eating disorders, depression, and even thoughts of suicide, in addition to the lesser symptoms which can include sleeplessness, stomach issues, headaches, and general stress conditions.

6 Strategies to Deal with Bullying in the Workplace

Feb 13, 2020

Bullying is hardly a new phenomenon, but did you know that bullying is fairly common in the workplace? According to The Workplace Bullying Institute, 19% of workers are bullied on an annual basis and 61% of those bullies are bosses. Given these statistics, I thought I would be important to examine this topic further.

Five Tips for Editing Your Own Writing

Jan 16, 2020

Gain tips like reading aloud and using smart tools for proofreading and editing your own writing.

Don't Do These 3 Things When you are Experiencing Chaos at Work

Jan 08, 2020

We are often in a state of flux and chaos can be present without warning. Chaos can last short bursts of time or it can hang around with no apparent departure date. Regardless of the type or the duration. While the best thing you can do is your job, there are three things you should definitely NOT do!

What's Important to You?

Dec 05, 2019

'Tis the season when many people begin to think about their resolutions and the upcoming new year and all of the opportunities it may hold. Personally, I’m not a big fan of New Year’s resolutions because according to Inc. 80% of people end up ditching their resolutions. So, instead of developing likely-to-fail resolutions, how about focusing on what is important to you.

Tis the Season to Volunteer

Nov 21, 2019

Nonprofits need volunteers throughout the year, not just during the four-to-six-weeks during the holidays. I support volunteerism whenever people can fit it into their schedules, but I encourage you to think about in January, March, and July, not just during this time of year. Nonprofits across Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, and across this country make a difference for many who would otherwise might not have access to a library book, healthcare, legal advice, clothing, a bed, or food. And these nonprofits need people like you and me to help them achieve their mission.

Critical Thinking versus Problem Solving

Oct 24, 2019

Many people lump critical thinking and problem solving together into one basket, and while there are similarities, there are also distinct differences. Critical thinking utilizes analysis, reflection, evaluation, interpretation, and inference to synthesize information that is obtained through reading, observing, communicating, or experience to answer a question. Problem-solving uses many of the same skills, but it takes the process a step further to identify obstacles, and then strategically map out a set of solutions.

3 Reasons to Avoid Meetings

Oct 03, 2019

How many meetings do you attend in a given week? You might be surprised, or not, to learn the average person spends five hours and three minutes per week in meetings and another four hours and 15 minutes preparing for those meetings. This translates to 11 million meetings every day in the United States. Now, some of these meetings are likely useful and productive, but not all of them. In fact, $37 billion is wasted on unnecessary meetings every year. Elon Musk, the CEO of Tesla and SpaceX said, “Excessive meetings are the blight of big companies and almost always get worse over time.”

Social Skills are Essential Skills

Sep 25, 2019

Social skills are soft skills, which are also known as essential skills or human skills. They are important and necessary to make you the most effective co-worker, colleague, and leader possible. They are skills that can be learned and mastered, but it starts with you and your commitment to grow and develop over time.

4 Ways to Boost Your Adaptability Skills

Sep 18, 2019

Charles Darwin’s words still very much ring true, “It is not the strongest of the species that survives, nor the most intelligent, it is the one that is most adaptable to change.” Adaptability is one of the top “human skills” otherwise known as soft or essential skills employers are seeking. Historically, little emphasis has been placed on these skills, but employers have realized that hard skills on their own are not enough. Employees need to be able to communicate, negotiate, interact with fellow colleagues, think critically and creatively, and they need to be able to adapt.

6 Ways to Become a Leader

Sep 12, 2019

Leadership roles are generally earned, which sometimes leaves young career professionals wondering how they can build leadership experience to earn such a role. It’s that old adage – if I’m required to have leadership experience for a leadership role, and I can’t get a leadership role without leadership experience, how do I get leadership experience? Well, there are six ways you can demonstrate leadership to earn a leadership role.

3 Ways to Promote Your "Soft Skills"

Aug 28, 2019

Writing, problem-solving, adaptability, work ethic, time management, communication, leadership, are just a few of the many skills commonly referred to as “soft skills” and historically viewed as less important than more technical skills. These are now considered essential skills and last week, Marina D’souza – a Drexel BS in Environmental Engineering student ’20 and President of Drexel’s chapter of the Society of Civil Engineers asked me how to best promote these essential skills on LinkedIn or on one’s resume.

The Power of Connection: 3 Ways to Build Relations

Aug 15, 2019

I don’t know anyone who has been able to succeed in their career without making and developing strong connections and relationships. Sure, we all know someone who has been promoted, maybe more than once, despite being terrible at relationship building. However, in the end, those folks usually don’t rise to the top, they don’t build a coalition of folks under and around them, they often reside on their personal island. It is the process of building connections and forging relationships that helps us succeed and grow in our careers.

We can learn more from our failures than our successes

Aug 07, 2019

In developing a failure résumé, the intent is not simply to list the failures but to focus on what lessons you learned from those failures.

Stepping Out of Your Own Experience

Jul 11, 2019

We get stuck in our own worlds, doing little to step out of our experience and that has an impact on us both personally and professionally. By broadening our experience, we open ourselves up to new ideas, new people, new perspectives, which in turn provides a space for creativity and collaboration.

Think You're Indispensable - Think Again

Jun 05, 2019

It could be a specific system only you know how to navigate or a software program unique to your job. It could be a process you have managed for years or improved over time. It could be relationships you have cultivated over time to yield results. These situations can lead employees to assume that since no one else knows the system, the program, the process, or the relationship, they cannot be replaced. This is a completely wrong assumption.

How to succeed as a team of one

May 02, 2019

Are you the only person in your whole department? Learn tips and tricks on how to be a successful team of one.

How Employers Assess Soft Skills in Job Interviews—And Why They're so Important

Apr 25, 2019

It should be no surprise employers are looking for soft skills in their new hires. In fact, according to LinkedIn’s 2019 Global Talent Trends report, 80% of the more than 5,000 talent professionals surveyed, 80% say soft skills are increasingly important to company success. They specifically identified: creativity, persuasion, collaboration, adaptability, and time management as the soft skills in highest demand. To be even more specific, 92% of the talent professionals stated soft skills are more important than hard skills, and 89% stated bad hires are usually a matter of poor soft skills.

3 Reasons to Have a Personal Board of Directors

Apr 18, 2019

I recently attended a Women’s Faculty meeting in which the topic was mentorship. In the discussion, the idea of our personal board of directors was raised. I had not thought about the people in my life: the cheer leaders, those who hold me accountable, those who push me, those who are experiencing the same struggles, or those who can connect me to people as members of my board, but that’s what they are. While the role of a corporate or nonprofit board is the management of the organization, personal boards are meant to help guide and shape the individual in their own management of their careers and personal lives.

Mentoring Part II: 5 Benefits to Mentoring

Mar 06, 2019

I might go as far as to argue that if you are not gaining something in return, then you aren’t putting enough effort into the mentor/mentee relationship. Sure, the bulk of the benefits should be for the mentee. However, I have had those mentor/mentee relationships where I feel I have been the one gaining the most benefits. That would extend to my mentoring of the Mandela Washington Fellows. Of course, part of that results from the cultural exchange.

Six Steps to Help You Think Critically

Feb 22, 2019

Six Best Practices and Tips for Being Professional on Twitter

Jan 30, 2019

Want to know how you can be more effective professionally on Twitter? Follow these guidelines.

The Benefits of Being Grateful

Nov 19, 2018

When things go haywire, get hectic, etc. thinking back on your “grateful list,” even if the items are small, can help you get through the chaos and frustration. Did you know there are benefits to being grateful? In a 2015 Psychology Today article, Amy Morin, a licensed clinical social worker and psychotherapist highlights “7 proven benefits” of being grateful.

Networking Tips for Introverts

Nov 09, 2018

We all know how important networking is to launching and furthering a career, and over the years I have counseled numerous students and colleagues, many of whom were self-proclaimed introverts, on the importance of networking. Of course, being an introvert does not automatically mean being uncomfortable in social situations, but I thought I would compile a list of tips for anyone who is uncomfortable networking.

3 Ways To Improve Eye Contact Skills

Oct 25, 2018

Maintaining good eye contact is not just about getting the job, it is also about advancing your career. I cannot recall the last time I spoke with someone in a senior leadership position who did not have excellent eye contact skills.

The Benefits of Nature

Oct 03, 2018

Take a few moments every day to notice the natural world around you. Maybe it’s a sunrise, a lone dove meandering along, or the dew dripping off a blade of grass. These moments not only pull you out of your frenzied world, they have health benefits.

First Day on the Job—Now What? 3 Important Things to Do on Your First Day of Work

Sep 27, 2018

You wrote cover letters, sent out resumes, interviewed, and was offered the job. Great! Now, today is your first day, you’ve been shown to your office, cubicle, or desk, and now what? How do you make your first day meaningful and productive?

A Strong Job Market Doesn't Give You The Right to be a Jerk!

Sep 13, 2018

The strong job market seems to be causing some people to forget some basic common courtesies. Job candidates are feeling emboldened to trash certain norms, such as showing up for a scheduled interview, and in one case a candidate was flown out at the company’s expense and didn’t bother to show up. And in other instances, new hires are forgoing their first day of work, presumably having taking a different position, while neglecting to tell the first company that hired them.

What Are Your Core Values?

Sep 06, 2018

Have you ever thought about your personal core values? If companies create core values to guide decisions and actions, then shouldn’t you have personal core values to do the same?

Lessons From John McCain's Legacy

Aug 28, 2018

John McCain passed away on Saturday, August 25th from an aggressive brain tumor, it felt sudden given the families announcement that he had decided to stop treatment came just the day before. It also felt sudden because he was an incredible American hero. This is not about being a Republican or a Democrat, a conservative or a liberal, this is about honoring a man who has an incredible legacy of serving this country. Whether in the military, politics, or simply a lay person, there are lessons we all should learn from John McCain.

On Being A Good Steward

Aug 15, 2018

Being a good steward is similar to being an ambassador. A good steward, like an ambassador, is a respected representative, one who acts on behalf of their company, promoting it. They meet and greet and engage with many people, never knowing who might later be a friend or a foe. The build and cultivate relationships.

3 Things to Never do in a Cover Letter

Aug 08, 2018

Every time I sit down to review applicant files, I am a little stunned when I get to the cover letters. In my experience, there are three types: those that are stellar – on point, well-written, provide all of the necessary information, and they structurally look good, then there are the generally good ones, and finally the ones that look like the applicant spewed information onto the page with little regard. Today, I am going to address the latter.

6 Barriers to Effective Communication

Jul 18, 2018

Since we communicate with people throughout each and every day, one would assume we'd be fairly good it. I don't believe it is any surprise that we're not. But why? Well, there are six barriers that impede our ability to communicate effectively.

The Graceful Exit

Jun 12, 2018

I have written a little bit about leaving a company in the context of not burning your bridges and leaving when you realize a position or company are a wrong fit, but I haven’t written much about actual exit. And how you exit is almost as important as how you enter.

6 Life Lessons

Jun 06, 2018

During the 20th century, when my father, grandfather, and mother were working, the lessons were few and simple. Get up, go to work, complete your work, and return home, and do it all again the next day. Times have changed. As we near 2025, a quarter of the way through the 21st century, there are more pressures, more opportunities and challenges, and a recognition that there is more to life than work.

Mid-Career Transitions

May 30, 2018

When you find yourself at a cross-roads, a diverging path– STOP – reassess before embarking down either of the paths before you.

The Rule of 3s for Informational Interviews

May 16, 2018

While an informational interview could lead to a job interview, the intent, as the term implies, is to gather information. I like to apply the rule of threes to informational interviews. There are three steps, three goals, and three post-interview musts.

So Your Boss is Leaving

May 02, 2018

Change always opens the door to the unknown, especially when it involves leadership. I’ve written before about a colleague leaving, but what happens when it’s your boss? In some instances, it could be a good thing, but for those of you who have a collaborative and supportive relationship, your boss’s departure can be anxiety provoking.

What Are Your Strengths

Apr 11, 2018

While I am an advocate for growth and turning weaknesses into strengths, I have not spent nearly as much time advocating for continuing to nurture and grow our strengths. It is not as if they will wither and die, but spending time enhancing them is also a necessary aspect of our growth process.

Is Boredom Setting In

Apr 05, 2018

There is no doubt that every job has aspects we don’t like or we find less than exciting, but overall, you should enjoy the work you do, take pride in it, and continue to seek ways to improve and grow. Your job is a very large part of your life, it represents 50% or more of our waking hours, so what we do to earn a living, should be something we also enjoy. So, what if you have become bored? Is there anything you can do?

Preparing for a Virtual Interview

Feb 21, 2018

While virtual interviews allow people to interview for positions across the globe, they also present challenges that face-to-face interviews do not. This doesn't mean you should shy away from this type of interview. Embrace it and be open to the possibilities by being prepared.

Internships Are Not Only For The Young

Feb 14, 2018

When you hear the word internship, it’s fairly common to conjure up an image of a young coed working long hours for peanuts, so s/he can gain a little bit of experience to add to his/her resume. I want to challenge that image because internships aren’t just for career-hungry college students. In fact, internships are great for anyone who is looking to break into an industry regardless of age, to get that needed experience.

Curating Your Contacts

Feb 07, 2018

Ultimately, your LinkedIn network should be that, a network of individuals who have a shared interest or industry. It is a network you can rely upon to provide information, mentorship, etc. to help you grow within your career, otherwise they take up what should be valuable space on your list of connections.

Choosing A Career With Purpose

Jan 24, 2018

There is no perfect job, but in today’s job marketplace, one must consider the benefits beyond salary and vacation. The constraints placed on us by older generations have fallen to the wayside, it is okay to switch jobs and careers, and seeking a job with purpose is now valued. If you are about to graduate from college, have been working in corporate America for a few years (or more than a few), consider the rewards and benefits of working for a nonprofit organization.

Time to Focus on Your Career

Jan 10, 2018

The holidays are over, January is in full swing, which means it’s time to switch your focus from cookies, pies, and libations to your career goals. For most, the question is: How do I start? Where to start?

Are You a Life-long Learner

Dec 05, 2017

There are many benefits to learning beyond the walls of college or graduate school. Those benefits range from cognitive, social, and spiritual, to career. Given the benefits, we should all strive to be life-long learners, but those who place significance on continued learning, are the same people who forge ahead on the corporate ladder.

Social Media Check-Up

Nov 29, 2017

There is one month to the start of a new year. For some that will mean a new exercise regimen, for others it will mean scheduling time to volunteer, and for yet others it will mean it’s time to look for a new job or career opportunity. For the latter, start now by giving yourself a social media check-up.

Finding Your Voice

Nov 08, 2017

I have written a fair amount about the Pennsylvania Conference for Women – it was a great day. Michelle Obama said, as did others, something that has stuck with me, and I’m paraphrasing here, but if you aren’t going to use your spot at the table then move over. So, what happens if a spot at the table opens up, but you haven’t quite found your voice?

Well, I’m not going to sugar coat anything – it’s time to step up.

Performance Reviews

Sep 27, 2017

Self-assessment is a valuable tool. Looking back on one’s accomplishments and one’s failures or weaknesses can, and should, provide a roadmap for future goals and growth. But the honest truth, the performance appraisal process does not facilitate that kind of growth.

Horrible bosses

Sep 14, 2017

Over the years, I have had a few good bosses, some bad ones, and even more mediocre ones. The good ones have been supportive of me and my career goals, they have encouraged me to think differently, they have pushed me to step out of my comfort zone and take on tasks and assignments I considered out of my wheel house. The mediocre bosses weren’t unsupportive, but the focus was more about simply getting the job done – punch the ticket and move on. For the most part, the bad ones were either not interested in my career goals or they didn’t support them because they thought they knew what was best for me.

How To Improve Your Time Management Skills

Aug 09, 2017

Time management is a "soft skill" — a skill highly valued by employers and necessary in virtually all aspects of our professional and personal lives. So, I spent some time thinking about my own time management skills, and here is what I consider a sensible list of recommendations to enhance your time management skills.

A New Resume Format

Jul 26, 2017

Thinking of changing to a skills-based resume? There is a push to adopt this format. Before you do, there are a few things to consider.

Embracing Millennials

Jul 19, 2017

How often have you heard – the Millennial generation is lazy, they don’t respect power structures, or they need constant reinforcement, in other words they are the generation that expects a trophy just for showing up?

Letters of recommendation

Jul 12, 2017

A good recommendation is not a bad thing, but there may be some who will be better able to write you a meaningful and strategic LOR that speaks directly to the desired skills.

Choosing a graduate program

Jun 28, 2017

Graduate school is a gift, you should take advantage of every opportunity available, but your journey has to begin with a decision about the best degree for you. There is no right or wrong program – only a right and wrong program for you.

Advice for the Device Dependent

Jun 07, 2017

Mobile devices have transformed how we work and live — mostly for the better. Still, there are some side effects to relying too much on our devices during the workday, including a decrease in productivity.

Are You Happy?

Apr 19, 2017

Most of us spend eight hours a day at work. When you add in commuting time, it means we spend nine to ten hours – on average – away from home, family, friends, hobbies, and pets. This translates to almost half of every 24-hour period, and when you account for sleeping, it means the majority of our time is spent at work.

What Is an MS in Professional Studies?

Mar 29, 2017

Students often ask me, "What is the MS in Professional Studies Program?" Conversation often tends to focus on what it is not. Therefore, I thought I would take this opportunity to talk about what it is.

The Dreaded Employment Gap

Feb 22, 2017

I get questions every so often about employment gaps and how to handle them on resumes because they can invite unwanted questions. The gaps can occur for many reasons: a lost job, a spouse’s job promotion and subsequent move, raising children, or caring for a sick child or elderly parent, to name a few. So, what is the best way to handle the gap on a resume?

How to Know When Your New Job is Not a Good Fit

Jan 25, 2017

You’re two or three months into your new job. You have the right skill sets, your new boss is happy with your performance, the pay is good, and the commute is easier, BUT…

Will I Be a Good Fit

Jan 18, 2017

The culture at one company, even if they produce the same product, can be drastically different from another. This corporate culture is defined by what the company values, which then dictates how it operates, and how its employees interact and communicate with one another.

End of year reflection

Dec 14, 2016

As we head into the holidays, most of you will have holiday parties and family gatherings to attend. Many of you will take a few extra days to reboot before starting the new year on the 2nd or 3rd of January, and number of you will create a list of New Year’s resolutions. This is also a great time to evaluate your career goals.

Creating a job search plan

Nov 16, 2016

Getting a job is a lengthy process and it requires a well-thought-out plan. I recently had the opportunity to sit down with Kim Neubauer who is a Senior Career Counselor at Lee Hecht Harrison and a Resume Coach here at Drexel in the LeBow College of Business. We talked in depth about the job search process.

Interview with Valerie Germain - Part 2

Oct 26, 2016

This is the second part of my interview with Valerie Germain, a partner with Heidrick & Struggles – a leading executive search firm.

Interview With Valerie Germain

Oct 19, 2016

Attending Conferences

Sep 14, 2016

Conferences are like a week of summer camp sans the archery or rock climbing for adults. The only hitch – there is work to be done when you return, but there are three great benefits!

Updating LinkedIn When You're In-Between Jobs

Aug 03, 2016

LinkedIn is a professional networking site, therefore if your place of employment it not up-to-date, you might lose out on a potential job or confuse people who are looking to learn more about your company or your profession.

Master Resume

Jul 27, 2016

For years I have advised students to use what I call a master resume. What do you include on the master resume? Everything! It does not need to be formatted in a certain way or look pretty, but every job and every responsibility should be included.

Don't Burn Those Bridges

Jul 13, 2016

My first job out of college was for a natural healthcare product manufacturer. I was hired to set up a Human Resources Department and do a “little” accounts receivable.

Thoughts on Choosing a Graduate Program

Jul 11, 2016

According to the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), there were an estimated 802,000 Master’s degrees conferred during this year. By Spring of 2020, that number will be just under 900,000. 

Researching Your Next Job

Jul 08, 2016

Looking for a new job is a little bit like buying a new car. Before you decide which car, you do your research, which makes/models will best suit your needs, which manufacturer gets the best safety ratings, which dealer is offering the best incentives, what colors are available, etc.

Soft Skills Wanted

Jul 01, 2016

For years, employers have focused on technical skills when making hires, however, that trend is changing. In a recent Forbes article, “9 Skills Bosses See Lacking in New Graduates” Karsten Strauss discussed some interesting data compiled by PayScale.