As I read this article I was reminded again (like any of us need a reminder!) that it’s tough to find a job out there, and if we have a job we’re fortunate.
But what if you’re not entirely happy with what you’re doing now and want to move up the career ladder?
It turns out, says Linkedin, that timing is key. January, June and July are the top three months U.S. employees are promoted. This data was gleaned from 20 years’ worth of analysis of Linkedin profile changes. (By the way, if you’re not on Linkedin, I encourage you to set up a profile – it’s super easy to do and the benefits are amazing.)
What Employers Want
Employers look at accomplishments and new skill sets you’ve picked up, says the article’s author. Over the past almost 20 years I’ve been an association professional, I’ve found that to be true. And, I’ve leveraged my membership in the Alexandria Jaycees to help me learn “promotable skills” like project and people management.
Join the Jaycees
If you haven’t yet joined a professional association like Jaycees (who also have a strong community service mission), do it! What are you waiting for? You’ll meet potential friends, colleagues, and contacts for jobs. You’ll gain valuable skills. And, you’ll get the satisfaction of giving back to your community.
Jaycees = Promotable Skills
I’ve been an Alexandria Jaycee since 2002, and I can tell you without a doubt that the skills I learned there – serving as vice president in communications, membership, and management, then as president – helped me advance steadily in my career. In 2002 I was a membership manager; when I left that job 6 years later I was vice president of communications and community development.
As communications vice president, for example, I had the opportunity to write and edit articles, as well as lay out, the monthly newsletter; create email communications campaigns; and redesign the organization’s website.
Jaycees = Mentors
Along the way I had great mentors, like my good friend Kristie Kehoe, a Life Member of the Alexandria Jaycees, who was already a communications professional. She showed me the ropes and I am eternally grateful. Since my tenure as vice president, many others have served in that role and have had the same opportunities – to try new skills, find a mentor, and practice in a worry-free (no, you don’t get fired if you make a mistake in the Jaycees organization!) environment.
June & July: Aim for that Promotion
As the Linkedin gurus say… timing is key. Take steps now to pick up project and people management skills, presentation and public speaking skills (Who isn’t afraid of speaking in public? Practice with the Jaycees – I promise it will be less scary as time goes on)… and so much more. Email my good friend Lillian Cheng, the 2011 president of the Alexandria Jaycees, to find out more and how to get involved. Check out their upcoming meetings and visit!
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