First, you must be clear on what you want. For example, after talking with several professional recruiters, a number of them commented that they are approached often by people who have skipped this process. When they ask these people, "What do you want to do?" a typical response is, "I want to get into management." Recruiters follow-up with "What do you want to manage"? The responses to this question range from unintelligible stammers, to blank stares, to "I don't know." If you are not certain about what you want to do, how can you expect someone else to know? You can avoid a similar scenario if you are seriously thinking about a management career by reading some of the literature from the list below.
Second, talk with people who are doing what you think you would like to do. This may sound simplistic, but it is one of the best methods of gaining insight into issues that may not be apparent to someone on the outside. Include people with different levels of responsibility in your attempts to gather information, and take note of those that encourage you and seem willing to help you. They may provide more information or assistance later on.
Third, formulate a plan, a strategy, for moving from your current status to your envisioned future status. Planning helps you to chart alternative courses for reaching goals when you encounter barriers as well as a means of tracking and measuring progress. Once you have girded yourself with the appropriate equipment for entering the playing field, you are ready and set to jump!
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Minority Career Network
P.O. Box 1131
Sugar Land, TX 77487-1131
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