Improvise: Unconventional Career Advice from an Unlikely CEO by Fred Cook

Author:Fred Cook [Cook, Fred]
Language: eng
Format: mobi
ISBN: 9781572847330
Publisher: Agate Publishing
Published: 2014-04-14T14:00:00+00:00

Leverage your parents

In the beginning, your family will be the most likely people to help you out. Your parents can introduce you to their friends in the business world, who in turn can introduce you to prospective employers. Don’t be embarrassed to leverage their connections. Every week I get a resume from a business colleague recommending the son or daughter of a friend. They always get interviewed and sometimes they get hired.

Exploit your teachers

Your teachers can also be effective advocates. I pay attention to passionate recommendations from college professors. Even if you are C student, most teachers are happy to help out, and many are well connected in their fields of study. Ask them to forward your resume with a flattering cover note. The same goes for guest lecturers. They come to campus because they want to help students entering their profession. Never let them leave without getting a business card.

Access your alumni

No matter how small or obscure, every school has successful alumni who take pride in their alma mater (and their fraternities or sororities). They may be total strangers to you, but you have a connection that is meaningful to them, even if they graduated years ago. With a little research you can find the alumni who are established in your chosen field. If you can, get an introduction from a school official who knows them. If not, track them down on your own and send an email establishing your connection and asking for help. Many prominent professionals feel a deep sense of gratitude to the institutions that enabled their prosperity. Exploit it.

Scott Farrell, the president of our corporate practice, returns once a year to speak at his alma mater, the University of Wisconsin. He even holds office hours on campus to review resumes and offer career advice, because he believes his professors were instrumental in his career. After every lecture, he tells the students he will never turn down a Badger who wants an informational interview or help networking. His only regret is that more students don’t take him up on the offer.

Tap into your friends

You should also get a little help from your friends. When I made the decision to pursue a career in PR, the first person I recruited was my pal Eric Monson, a graphic designer who was semi-famous for his iconic Tony Alva skateboard ads. Eric worked for several prestigious clients from his Century City studio, but every time I began a new venture, he would design my collateral for free.

You’ll need a designer to lay out your resume, a writer to edit your cover letter, a coach to prepare you for interviews, a stylist to make you look professional, a producer to film your video, a photographer to take your picture, a community manager to build your online profile, and maybe even a trainer to keep you in shape. Your network of friends can provide many of these services, and most will do it for free because they want the experience and may need your help someday.

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