Module 5: Networking, Career Growth and Changes

Few people follow a perfectly linear career path. Career opportunities, personal interests, world events, economic conditions, and life circumstances often lead people in new directions. Networking, continued learning, and staying open to new opportunities can help you adapt throughout your career.

This module will help you build and strengthen your professional network, explore strategies for lifelong career growth, and prepare to navigate career changes with confidence.

ÌýÌýResources

ÌýÌýHomework

The mentor's Career Journey Timeline and the mentee's Career Resilience Plan may be shared before your meeting or discussed together during your meeting.

  • Mentor: Prepare a brief Career Journey Timeline to share with your mentee.Ìý
    • What was your first professional job?
    • What opportunities or experiences led you to your next role?
    • What career changes have surprised you?
    • Have your career goals changed over time?
    • What skills have remained valuable regardless of your position?
    • What has changed most in your field in the past five years?
  • Mentee: Develop a Career Resilience Plan to share with your mentor. You can either share in advance or talk it through at your next meeting. Consider:
    • Who are three people you could reach out to for career advice?Ìý
    • Which professional organizations or networks could you turn to?Ìý
    • What skills would you like to continue developing?Ìý
    • What professional skills or experiences would make you more adaptable if your career interests changed?
    • What financial habits (such as building an emergency fund when possible) could help you prepare for unexpected career changes?

ÌýÌýDiscussion

  • Talk about the mentor’s Career Journey Timeline. The Mentee could consider questions like:
    • Which parts of your mentor's career journey surprised you?
    • What habits or strategies have helped your mentor remain resilient and adaptable throughout their career?
    • How has this conversation changed how you think about your own career journey?
  • Talk about the mentee’s Career Resilience Plan and give feedback. The Mentor could consider questions like:Ìý
    • Which parts of the plan seem the strongest? Are there any gaps or additional resources to recommend?
    • What skills will remain valuable regardless of future job or industry changes?
    • What is one action the mentee can take in the next six months to strengthen their career resilience?

ÌýÌýExtra Credit

  • Mentee: Listen to – WorkLife with Adam Grant (TED, March 2019)
  • Mentee & Mentor: Prepare and share an elevator speech with the other person.Ìý
  • Mentee & Mentor: Find and learn about 1-2 professional organizations related to the field the mentee would like to work in.
  • Mentee: Create a digital or physical career vision board that reflects the work, organizations, locations, skills, values, or causes that inspire you. Share it with your mentor and discuss what themes or priorities emerge.

ÌýÌýModule 4: Goals and PlanningÌýAfter You Finish: Wrapping UpÌýÌý