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Let's say
you want to work in a field that you are completely passionate about.
Maybe it's soaring to the stars as an astronaut or saving the lives of
animals as a veterinarian? How about tracking down clues as a private
investigator or directing a
Hollywood
mystery about one? Or maybe not so dramatic, but no less ambitious,
exploring a new job opportunity within the company you're already
employed with?
No matter what you want to accomplish or where you wish to fulfill
your life's work you may have no idea of how to begin or what to do in
order to make your dream job a reality.
Perhaps the best way to help you explore the possibilities and
pitfalls or to ignite and generate the enthusiastic fuel necessary to
bring your dream job into fruition and practicality is to seek out a
mentor.
Naturally, this process begins by finding someone who does the work
you want to do. However, don't just settle for a person who is doing
what you want to do, most importantly, make sure they are truly
passionate about the work they are doing.
In my coaching experience, I have come across clients who have
succeeded in identifying individuals who do the type of work they are
looking for, but absolutely hate it. Thus, by following their negative
example they wind up thinking they would despise their potential dream
job just as much.
It stands to reason that the only way to properly complete this
assignment, is to find someone who is truly in love with his or her
job because only they are capable of conveying the true essence of
their passions--and in the process giving you the information and
inspiration essential to keep your dreams alive.
Just like reviewing applicants for a vacant position, the most logical
way to select the most qualified potential mentor candidate is to
conduct an interview. So, of course, in order to make the most of your
time with them, you'll have to come up with some valid questions to
ask such as:
* What personally led you into this field?
* What kind of qualifications do companies look for when filling this
position?
* What are your major responsibilities?
* Is there a solid future and potential for advancement in this
particular occupation?
* What do you most enjoy about what you do and the company you work
for?
* What are the major problem areas that constantly need attention in
this type of work?
* What resources are available to help you get the job done?
* How many hours to do you generally work in one week?
* If you could do anything differently to advance to this level faster
what would you do?
As you interview them, chances are you'll find a part of yourself in
the advice they give which in turn could be the spark that burns the
dream even clearer in your mind's eye, than you could ever have
imagined by yourself. Also, it's possible they found their job in an
unconventional manner and counseling with them can help you understand
how this process worked so you can replicate this procedure in order
to accelerate your own career transition within your company or to a
totally different job outside of it.
Finally, having a personally fulfilled mentor gives you, not just the
advantage of moral support to sustain your dream, but the hope to
realize it is truly possible to do what this person is doing. At the
very least, this exercise may help to give you even more ideas to
reshape your job to incorporate more of the qualities you crave.
But its up to you to make it happen. Start right now:
1. List three people who have jobs you might like along with their
individual job titles.
2. List any qualities or activities about their jobs you like?
3. Finally, come up with creative ways to incorporate these
qualities/activities into the job you already have.
Not only will this increase your positive view of yourself and your
capabilities, but it could also increase your profile within in the
company and pave the way for a promotion when the opportunity presents
itself.
Why put it off any longer? Take an action step in the positive
direction by sending this article to some potential mentor candidates
right now and then begin to interview all interested candidates ASAP!
If you are waiting for a mentor to find you, chances are you'll be
waiting for a very long time and postponing a future with unlimited
potential. |
