Ten Career-Related Questions Alumnae Often Ask

1. I know that I want to change fields, but I am not certain of what I want to do. How do I start?
   
   • The best way to change fields entirely is to engage the services of a professional career counselor. Your regional alumnae career/club representative has a referral list that can be helpful. Choose only those counselors with whom you are comfortable and who will refer you to satisfied clients prior to your making a decision. Beware of "practitioners" who charge substantial initial fees.
   • E-mail Folly Patterson fpatters@wellesley.edu or call the CWS (781.283.2352) for additional advice and assistance with referrals.
   • If you choose to work independently, consult the Where Do I Begin? Section of this web site.
2. Would you review my resume and offer suggestions for improvement?
   
   • The best resume is the one that is written for a particular audience and is directed toward a specific set of responsibilities.
   • The best resources for critiquing your resume are Wellesley alumnae in your targeted field. After some initial guidance from the CWS, these alumnae can help you with the finishing touches.
   • Also consult the Wellesley Internet and Library Resources section on this site for resume writing resources.
3. I'm thinking that I need to go back to graduate school. Should I get an MBA or another type of degree?
   
   • Before deciding to pursue an advanced degree, determine how a new degree will improve or change your current situation.
   • The best "authority" to give advice is an individual who has followed the path you are considering, someone who might be in a position to hire you once your graduate degree is completed, and/or someone who has successfully reached the goal you hope to attain.
   • The best sources of these "authorities" are the W Network, a mentor, or a supervisor.
4. What is the best way to re-enter the work force after being at home with children?
   
   • If you know the type of position you are looking for, contact members of the W Network to practice presenting yourself. Ask for names of additional people who might also be helpful in your search.
   • If you are unclear about your options, consider consulting a local career counselor or call the CWS for a counseling appointment.
5. How can I turn my volunteer experience into job skills?
   
   • Remember that skills are skills, whether or not you have been paid to perform them.
   • Have an objective person help you analyze your volunteer experience for skills and leadership experience acquired.
   • Use an informational interview approach to finding a job. The W Network is a good place to start.
6. I've just learned that my company is downsizing. What is the best way for me to prepare for the possibility of losing my job?
   
   • The worst thing you can do is to take a "wait and see" approach.
   • You definitely need to adopt the role of chief advocate for yourself. Your first step is to learn everything you possibly can about the plans and timeline of your organization's change.
   • Update your resume. If you see this as a chance to explore other avenues, begin work now on exploring a career change. Remember that information gathering is not decision-making. If possible, engage the services of a professional career counselor.
7. I'm over fifty and I want to find a new career path. What is the best way to overcome the inevitable roadblocks that I know I'll face?
   
   • Changing careers or looking for a new job is usually difficult at any age. You are, however, correct in assuming that those over fifty may face a special set of challenges.
   • One of your first activities should be to gather together a support group-- two to five people who are positive, creative, and available for periodic cheerleading sessions.
   • Next, use the W Network. Contact all of the alumnae who are knowledgeable about your areas of interest and get as much advice and as many referrals as you can.
   • Many cities and towns have job hunting groups for the over-fifty crowd. Try one out.
   • Before you know it, you'll either be preparing for interviews or saying "yes" to an offer!
8. I don't have enough time to look for a new position because my current job is so demanding! Should I resign from this position and devote my time fully to job hunting?
   
   • It is far easier to get hired for a new position while you are currently employed. Hiring is risky business. If you are presently employed you are seen as less risky. Also, being unemployed places additional pressure on you to find a new position in a certain amount of time. This added burden inevitably affects the quality of your search and your presentation.
   • The extra time needed to conduct a search does present a new problem. Carefully examine your schedule and target early morning hours, the first couple of hours after normal work time, your lunch hour, and some occasional weekend hours as your job search time.
   • When you organize yourself in this fashion, you will find that you are actually getting somewhere.
9. Are the job listings on the Internet any better than those that are in the help-wanted ads in the newspaper?
   
   • For the most part, open listings, whether print or electronic, are incredibly competitive simply because they are open to so many people. They are also very impersonal. You are either reduced to an electronic response or a piece of paper, either one of which has to create enough enthusiasm so that you will be selected over potentially hundreds of other applicants.
   • If, however, the listings are specific to a certain population (monsterTRAK, for example) the viewing population is greatly reduced and your chances of a call back are somewhat improved.
   • Listings in general, however, are the least effective way to spend your time. Referrals are the most productive. Personalize your search whenever possible.
10. Should I use a headhunter or an executive search firm?
    Headhunters and search firms get paid when you are placed. If you are someone who has a background that makes you easy to place (e.g., technical, scientific, several years in sales/marketing, ten years in advertising/PR), then a search firm can be very helpful in finding possibilities for you. If not, it is unlikely that a search firm will want to spend any time finding a position for you. You will be much better off conducting your own search.