Concocting the perfect resume requires you to engage in this same kind of career shadowing. The key to excelling in the business career that you pursue is tracking a professional's path and following in his or her steps. Many professors, counselors, friends, and family members will give you their takes on how your resume should look, but to really get the job you want, you must identify what needs to be done by talking to someone who is already where you want to be.
A prominent theater professor, author, and CEO once explained this quite simply. He said that the most strategic way to get ahead in any profession is to make connections with professionals who have already reached the types of career success you are aiming for.
As soon as you can, start examining the careers of influential business professionals in a specific branch that attracts you. Watch CNN and read many articles and books to find out which names and jobs are hot. Once you find a couple of professionals who fit the bill, take note of the schools they went to, the places they worked, and what patterns they followed. Piece together what they did to succeed.
Now, one could just stop here, but if possible, you should make contact with these people and learn firsthand how they became so noteworthy. If possible, look up their contact information online so that you can reach them. You would be surprised at how many people you can find with a little bit of research.
Next, contact them and ask to set up brief lunch or coffee meetings (on you, of course!) to discuss their career paths, their mentors, and advice that they can offer to you. Many professionals are flattered when others take interest in their careers. You would be surprised at how many high-profile businesspeople will spare a moment for a good cause. Just remember to be humble, gracious, and respectful of their busy schedules.
If the business or sales professional you are meeting with can see you are eager to learn from his or her background, the experience will be very rewarding for both of you. Just make sure to emphasize that the meeting is about him or her sharing knowledge with you. If you go to a meeting and start talking about yourself and eventually ask for a job, you will have shot yourself in the foot. Of course, job offers and professional relationships may develop but only at the established professional's discretion. Never shut the door on an opportunity, but do not try to pry it open yourself.
Even if a meeting does not result in an instant job offer or relationship, at least the person you have spoken with will know your name and face. Making a good impression on a reputable person is like gold—it will last forever. It is a small world, and you never know what may sprout from that brief meeting. Try to plant as many seeds as you can now because doing so will allow you to reap a good reputation and career benefits later on in life.
Besides meeting with accomplished business professionals to pick their brains for advice, taking action to jump into the world of business is important. Interning or working as soon as you can will get you in touch with the people who run the businesses; maybe even before you are even looking for a full-time job. It is far better to explore your career options while you are in school or still young; that way, if you decide you want to pursue a career in a different sector of business, you can make the change and start building relationships early on. If you establish working relationships and prove yourself early on, you will eliminate all the hassle of getting someone to hire you after school or later in life. Young business professionals and students who perform aggressively and eagerly in their internships and first jobs will already have offers waiting for them when they graduate or when they are ready to take them on.
Once you are able to get career advice from those who know best, you can begin to shape your own route. A meeting with an exemplary business professional can teach you what employers will be looking for and what is acceptable. It can really give you the upper hand as you pursue your career, allowing you to plan accordingly as soon as possible.
