Career Counseling 101

Yesterday I met with a career counselor. For nearly 2 hours we brainstormed about my past and future career trajectory, and I came away with a list of to-do items. This was time and money well-spent. Although I had an idea where I should look in terms of changing fields from lab-based research to medical education and writing, I had no idea that so many job listings are red herrings, mainly to satisfy EEOC regulations. Or that scanned electronic resumes rarely net one a job unless the key words match up (and the chances of that happening are close to my winning the Power Ball lottery). Most importantly, I learned that focusing my objective statement on my career aspirations make the resume, well, about me (DUH). Instead, I rewrote my objectives section into a short statement about how my previous career as a bench scientist brings skills a firm can use to meet its goals and serve its clients.

The counselor and I will meet again in 3 weeks. The time gives me a chance to set up informational interviews with targeted firms close to me. Beats crying, let me tell you, to have something positive to do.

When I returned to the office today, there was a message about one and maybe 2 potential jobs. Plus an e-mail from a former colleague who heads a medical education firm inviting me to call him tomorrow. And both messages trump no news about zero jobs any day.

Lost sock update: Since last spotted at Cinqo de Mayo celebrations in LA (thank you, sharp-eyed Fleegle!), it must be taking Route 66 home, which means it should make to Chicago by the 4th of July or thereabouts. How it gets from Chicago to NJ is its problem!