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By Moses Munene ‘You haven’t skipped a software upgrade in a decade. When was the last time you upgraded your career-ware?’ This was an ad for Columbia Business School Executive education in the January issue of the Economist. Besides the clever word play, I was intrigued by what is and how to upgrade ones career-ware. Like newer version IT software, career-ware not only enables an employee to perform his tasks well but manage more challenging projects and move up the corporate stratum. Today, an MBA may be a key differentiator in employment and progression in the workplace. However, the lessons from postgraduate school need to be refreshed regularly lest they become dated. Business is rapidly changing; new research, challenging environments, and innovative thinking require executives and middle managers to be update their repertoire of skills and knowledge. Knowledge and skill acquisition can take a variety of approaches formal and informal. Formally, intensive executive weekend or evening courses are short term fro a few weeks to couple of months and dissect select practical issues in management. For instance, the Columbia ad offers the ‘Transition to general management’ program aimed at upper level specialists seeking to develop skills for cross-functional management. HR development specialists offer/can custom design programs well as industry seminars and workshops. The employers may however be reluctant to invest especially if the likelihood of staff turnover is high. Such firms may add a ‘lock-in’ clause in the employees contract to ensure it reaps the gains of the training. And for the employee, what better way to earn some assurance on job security. It may pay to inquire what the firm’s stance and budget on professional development is. To avoid the expense barrier, the informal approach of through self-instruction, reading thought leadership publications such as The HBR, The Economist, African Banker, African Executive etc. Some businesses have well-resourced in-house libraries; check yours for publications, videos and e-learning resources. Having gained the knowledge, next is to transfer the learning into the work place. Alvin Hall (‘You and Your Money’) advises a change from routine by taking on new projects out of one’s league to nurture new ideas, energies and interests ala Tom Peters VFCJ – volunteer for crappy jobs - strategy. These jobs are unpopular or unwanted projects. The upside is that they ‘let you take independent charge of things quickly and in your own tenure.’ They are rich opportunities to showcase your resourcefulness, organisational skills, networking and negotiation abilities – turn the ugly duckling into a stealth opportunity where your imprint on the entire firm will be seen and felt. Alvin Hall also recommends developing a new look; revise the resume highlighting strengths, talents, achievements as well as fresh career objectives. In addition, a spruced up wardrobe will afford you greater attention, interest and curiosity from colleagues and clients. The maxim is to dress for the job you aspire to be in. This need not be catwalk attire but confidence inducing suits and colours. Fashionistas may add that, for men cartoon patterned socks or ties or primary colour suits are a taboo. A final piece of career-ware is networking. Beyond the technical know-how, this is technical know-who; establishing relationships with likeminded professionals at different stages of their career and in different industries - college and university alumnus, clubs and our very own N4P. In the VFCJs idea above, Peters recommends that the volunteer find a playmate - ‘a sympathetic, enthusiastic, practical conspiratorial friend.’ The network can be a testing lab for ideas, opinions and endorsements. Have you upgraded your careerware lately? Please share your ideas, experiences….what did you do different? What worked, what did not?
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