Career Acceleration Notes (CAN)

IBM + Treasury Department partnership builds corporate brand

The FedExperience Transitions to Government mentioned  previously on this blog is still grabbing media attention: recently discussed on NPR's Morning Edition, and referenced in several posts from the recruiter world. While career professionals frequently discuss personal branding in reference to candidates, the topic spirals back to the origin of the branding discussion - to corporations and the "brand management."

IBM generates good will from people who start a fulfilling career in teaching or government, said Stan Litow, a former deputy chancellor for New York City schools. "It will improve people’s view of the brand," he said. "It is good business to operate this way." The way IBM operates on a daily basis—stressing collaboration internally and with suppliers in a $48 billion procurement system—makes its 350,000 employees a good source of talent for government, Litow said.

Challenges in luring people from the private sector to the government include a lack of knowledge about federal openings and a bureaucratic hiring process. Similarly, those who have dedicated many years to military or government service are frequently at a loss for translating their experience into the personal qualities and abilities that convey value to private employers. Transparency in the private and governmental processes will allow both sectors to attract talent in today's "talent war."

In the interest of our shared success, please share stories of your successes and frustrations in transition - others will benefit from your experience and ideas.  Thanks!

Network locally; Think globally...

I have so many ideas and articles saved ...so little time to organize them into a post.  So today will be the first Monday that I will look through the weekly Business Calendar published by the Philadelphia Inquirer and share upcoming events that may be of interest to local readers.  Those in other cities should be able to find comparable listings in print and online editions of their local newspapers:

Business Calendar - Philadelphia Inquirer

Philadelphia Direct Marketing Association will hold its next monthly lunch at Maggiano's Little Italy Restaurant, 205 Mall Blvd., King of Prussia; 610-642-2616 or www.the-pdma.org. Cost is $45 for PDMA members, $60 for nonmembers. 11:30 a.m-2 p.m. Wednesday, Feb 27

How to Start and Operate a Small Business presented by the Small Business Assistance Center and Kutztown University's Small Business Development Center co-sponsored by the Chester County Chapter of SCORE (Service Corps of Retired Executives). Chester County Library, next to Exton Mall, Rt. 100 and Business Rt. 30, at 450 Exton Square Pkwy., Exton; reservations call the SBAC 610-444-1721, www.kutztownsbdc.org or www.sbacnetwork.org. $15 fee. Seating is limited. 6 p.m.-8:30 p.m. Tuesday, Mar. 4

FREE*  Orientation and Business Assessment Workshop presented by The Women's Business Development Center, 1315 Walnut St., Suite 1124; 215-790-9232 or www.womensbdc.org. Preregistration is required. 6-7:30 p.m.  Monday, March 10

How to Use Success Stories to Win More Business by Gerry Lantz, Stories That Work Inc., presented by Sales and Marketing Executives of Philadelphia. Plymouth Country Club, 846 Sandy St., Plymouth Meeting; 215-396-3310 or www.smeiphiladelphia.org. $25 first-time attendees. 7:30 a.m. Tuesday, Mar. 11

This public networking doesn't take the place of "warm" networking, but it can help to give a stalled career path new energy and connections.  Click here to assess your "Networking Quotient," a quiz developed by one of the emerging personal marketing/social networking guru's, Thom Singer. 

How can professionals and executives network authentically, without giving in to the "brand bandwagon" that it sometimes promoted in a manner that is "over the top."  Your comments and links to articles, books, etc. will be appreciated by this author and community of readers!

Go forth and network... Karen@CAN, LLC

 

Blog Marketing seminar by Jason Alba

If you like reading my posts, consider the benefits of writing your own blog to market yourself.  This is a great way to manage your online identity and establish yourself as a credible expert in your field, whatever it is. 

If you don't like to noodle around and figure it out by yourself, consider attending Jason Alba's "Blog Marketing 201-501," offered on February 26th at 6pm EST.  During the 90 minute webinar, Jason will share his "techniques and tactics."

Jason promises that the presentation is NOT geared toward those who are technically-inclined.  Techno-phobics who like to write and comment on their slice of the world are welcome to join him - cost = $24.95 payable to Jason. Register at:

http://www.jibberjobber.com/blog/ceo-training

 

Philadelphia Boomers: trying-out for a Second Act

Athena D. Merritt's recent article in the Philadelphia Business Journal alerted me to an interesting partnership between IBM Corp. and the U.S. Department of Treasury: The FedExperience Transitions to Government program. 

Designed to serve as a model for other companies and federal departments and agencies, IBM will match its experienced workers who are leaving voluntarily with some of the 162,000 federal jobs that are expected to become open in 2008. This scenario looks like a variation on the familiar saying, “when a door closes, a window opens.” The retirement of fellow Boomers and new vacancies will create opportunities for those who are leaving private sector jobs, but not yet ready for the golf course…

As of January 25th, there were 642 federal job vacancies in the Philadelphia area. The Federal government offers a broad range of opportunities for experienced workers, and the government is becoming a more flexible employer: check-out the opportunities at USA Jobs®. Those considering government employment might also consider nearby state capitols: Harrisburg, PA, Trenton, NJ and Dover, DE. 

Many BabyBoomers expect to face age discrimination in their quest for their next job, especially in the corporate arena.  Consider that state and federal governments are likely to be among the most non-discriminatory of employers (Federal law prohibits discrimination based on race, gender, national origin, religion, and age; local statutes may extend protection based on other factors not related to job performance.)

Candidates whose experience has been in the private sector may find the federal and state application process to be daunting: candidates must express their value via Knowledge - Skills - Abilities (KSAs). A career professional can guide you through this process; it is similar to other assessments that are part of the “tool bag” of career strategists. Links to information about this process are available through the United States Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration.