Today I was a guest at a Lunch & Learn, where people from around the company gather in a conference room over lunch to ask questions in a casual manner, and learn about someone's career.
Have you ever answered a few career-oriented questions, told a few career-oriented stories, and wondered what the audience got out of it, if anything at all?
Following is an excerpt from an email of thanks I received from one of the attendees of today's event. It recaps her take aways.
- Move around to grow your network
- The great way to grow your career is to do the job, volunteer to help others, and build relationships
- Use, read and respond to postings on EMC|One (our internal collaboration network)
- Ask for what you want from your manager - ask for the job, they aren't mind readers
- Earn your seat at every table - don't be shy, share your ideas and be passionate
- Ask your manager for their goal list, and help them accomplish their goals
- When you need help from a friend or mentor on something important to you, don’t include them on the email but instead talk to them on the side
- Characteristics that managers look for: No whining, Getting things done, Positive attitude, Proposed solutions.
I loved to see that so many people came to today's Lunch & Learn -- and that they represented so many functions at EMC. People joined from sales, engineering, alliances, marketing, and more. Humbling. (Thank you.)
Yesterday, EMC held our Speed Coaching event (sort of like Speed Dating, but on career coaching.) I was delayed and didn't end up coaching -- but I did check out the room. It was like a beehive on a concert sound system. The place was packed (and obviously buzzing!) I ran into EMC's Distinguished Engineer, Steve Todd, afterward. He was glowing and said it was the most fun he'd had all week. I asked him was his career tip was. His reply?
"You know, my usual. Get your job done well and early, and then do whatever you like." (Said with a giant smile, and a nodding head.)
---------------------- Talk Back -----------------------
If you happened to be in the room for today's Lunch & Learn or yesterday's Speed Coaching, what tips struck a note with you? Please share. Spread the wisdom.
Thanks!
- Polly Pearson
http://www.pollypearson.com
