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Narrowing Career Choices. Matt Ford Department of Mgt & Mkt. Agenda. Personal career progression Questions I wish I’d asked myself Using the answers… Final thoughts. Career Progression. BS Applied Science Miami University 12 years Consolidated Papers, Inc. Wisconsin Rapids, WI
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Narrowing Career Choices Matt Ford Department of Mgt & Mkt
Agenda • Personal career progression • Questions I wish I’d asked myself • Using the answers… • Final thoughts Narrowing Career Choices
Career Progression • BS Applied Science Miami University • 12 years Consolidated Papers, Inc. Wisconsin Rapids, WI Process Engineer, Production Mgr, Technical Mgr at operating divisions Chief Quality Officer (CQO) at corporate headquarters • PhD Operations Mgt University of Cincinnati • At NKU since Fall 2001 Narrowing Career Choices
Question your preferences • There’s a big opportunity set out there • Narrowing the choices even a bit focuses energy • I wish I’d done this bit of reflection as an undergrad… Narrowing Career Choices
Do you wish to stay local? • Certain industries “cluster” in this region (e.g., market research, distribution, financial services, hospitals) • If national, a particular region? • If international, have you been overseas yet? Narrowing Career Choices
Big or small organization? • People often prefer one or the other • If small seems right, you may have entrepreneurship in your veins • Some may just like smaller atmosphere • Others prefer large corporate structure • Risk:reward relationship applies Narrowing Career Choices
Manufacturing or service sector? • Do you like to make stuff (pride in workmanship)? • Do factories turn you off? • U.S. economy is 80% service Narrowing Career Choices
Profit or not-for-profit? • There’s a huge non-profit sector out there! • Government, charities, education, some healthcare, special interest groups, etc. • Many employ “directors”—much like running your own business • Usually lower pay, but can be rewarding in other ways Narrowing Career Choices
Using the answers… • Course design • Work experience (experiment) • Coop, summer jobs away from the area if you can (perspective, resume) • Network/professional groups • Ask companies if you can visit • You want to appear unique vs. The Crowd Narrowing Career Choices
Final Thoughts • A career progression often appears random and “wrong” while it is unfolding day-by-day. • But in retrospect, the path often seems scripted and “right”—as if you planned it that way right from the start! • No matter what condition the economy, there’s ALWAYS a market for talent. Narrowing Career Choices
Thanks! Narrowing Career Choices