Stephen S. Fuller Institute

The Washington Post of Monday, January 20, 2017 highlighted The Stephen S. Fuller Institute and its predictions for the DC area for 2017 and beyond. Stephen S. Fuller is the former head of George Mason University's Center for Regional Analysis. He semi-retired in 2015 and now runs his own shop, so to speak.

 I recommend, for any DC area followers, subscribing to his monthly analysis called "Washington Economic Watch". His predictions are most interesting especially in light of our current "business-friendly" new presidential administration. The analysis is free.

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Where do we go in 2017?

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A new president was inaugurated late last week. Many of my clients are asking me what will happen to the American job market. I can make generalizations but really...no one knows.

Mr. Trump is known to be friendly to business. He is a businessperson himself and has employed a lot of people. He has make many statements  about how his administration will help American business.

The facts, however, are these. Our economy is changing. Automation, globalization, artificial intelligence and technology have all been bearing down. Industries are disappearing and new ones are born every day. The pace is rapid. Skills are of maximum important. The ability to learn and to continue learning is paramount for each individual, and much of this learning must be self initiated. One cannot wait for the employer to direct.

The economy of future is now. Be ready.

Keeping up with trends.

Falling Unemployment Rate

It has been quite a bit of time since my last post. I am happy to say that I now have more time to devote to my blog and much more to say about career development and all its joys and pitfalls.

Perhaps a good place to start is the present job market. Once again the media is touting the falling unemployment rate...and once again I ask "and what kinds of jobs are they talking about?"

The bottom line is ....follow the money. If you are searching for a position where you can stay and grow, look at the industries where there is need, consider the tradeoffs, and then go for it. Bite the bullet;, seek out further training (which does not have to be graduate school, depending on the field) realize that you may have to work evenings and weekends, depending on the industry, and do it. There is a huge need for healthcare professionals in the country, and not just nurses.....cybersecurity continues to grow. These are just a few.  Evaluate yourself, your resources and skills, prepare to work hard and you  find your way. 

Following Your Passion

I recently read an article from "Brazen Careerist" about following one's career passion. In the past, career coaches and counselors always advised their clients to follow their passions. The article pointed out, and justifiably so, that today, that is not enough. It is not about you...it is about your customers. Can you convince your customers that your passion should become theirs? If you can, go for it...but you still need to realize that 1) it is not about you and 2) you need to differentiate yourself from everyone else in order for that "customer" or interviewer or hiring manager to go with you rather than someone else. That means getting a firm handle on your personal brand that is...just what you have to sell, and then being able to communicate it. If you found this post useful and interesting, please consider sharing via the buttons below.

MOOCs (Massive Open Online Courses)

Have you taken a MOOC? MOOC's are offered by accredited universities at little to no money and are open to anyone. Most are credit-less; however, some offer professional recognition. Such courses can grow or solidify your skills set and for that reason alone they are something to consider. Here are a few of the many online options available: www.coursera.org; mooc-list.com; online-Stanford.edu. If you found this post useful and interesting, please consider sharing via the buttons below.

Blogging!

Today, a potential client told me he has actually read  my blog. I have been hearing from other clients about this too. I am so happy to hear that this blog is actually in service to people, and it seems that they like what I say.

I will continue to talk about what I consider pertinent subjects in career development. I will continue to harp on the need for every working adult to take a "career checkup" every year, just as we take an annual medical exam. I will continue to encourage attention to your network. Thinking that you can just snatch a network out of the air when looking for a new job or career is delusional. I will continue to encourage every one of us to be open to all opportunities, further education, whatever it may take to add to a skills base.

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This is Not About You Today: It is About the Employer

The modern job search is not all about you, and that it still hard to believe especially for those living in parts of the US where the economy has been relatively strong during the economic downturn. The modern job search is about the employer and the skills that he/she needs. If you have those skills, you will be hired. If you do not, you will not be hired.

What are the skills that a modern worker needs? Remember that there are hard and soft skills and employers want both. If you are lacking in some, you will not be hired, because employers today can always find someone who has the total package. Therefore, you as the job searcher must find out what hard and soft skills are needed and get them. Period. It will mean research first, perhaps working with a career coach, perhaps going back to school in some way.

Your career voyage will not yet be done. Prepare to become a lifetime learner. Constantly researching and acquiring new skills will be the ticket into the future.

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