The Main Street Network offers advice about career building for a large variety of jobs and career aspirations. Our main areas of knowledge concern industries in healthcare, law, marketing and technology, yet this list is everexpanding. What are your career goals? What do you aspire to be? We can only guide you so much. Ultimately, what you achieve is up to you. All we can do is inspire you to do your best and give you as much information as possible. With that in mind, here are some of the most important factors that we at The Main Street Network always stress when it comes to pursuing a career that is right for you:
Networking: A cliche, perhaps, but important nonetheless. The ultimate truth of work in most industries is that networking is more important than anything else — even talent. Humans are social creatures and make decisions accordingly. You need to know people in your field who can help you obtain jobs, and you need to be able to earn their respect. Whether or not this is good or bad for you depends on your ability socialize. If you are a very sociable person, this may ultimately help you overcome some of your shortcomings. If you are not a particularly social person, not to worry. There are many resources out there that can help you become more socially aware. There is no shortage of research, self-help and other types of books concerning networking that can help you in your pursuit of a greater networking ability. For most industries, this is a worthwhile endeavor. Our website has much to offer on the topic of networking. Explore our content for networking advice and begin to advance your career.
Research: As stated above, there is no lack of research and writing out there, and that doesn’t only pertain to networking. What kind of career do you want? What industry? What specific position? Many people do not do enough research. They make assumptions and have expectations that may not be in line with reality. A great way to set you apart from many people in the job market is to know what you are doing. Posts on this site, books and other online resources are the best way to do that, as well as talking to those who actually work in the industry you wish to enter or hold positions you wish to hold. Find out everything you can, from the education required to make it in that career to the typical hours worked and income earned. Will you work more in groups or spend much of the time alone? Does the job require a lot of traveling? Will you be in charge of others? Is the company you want to work for bureaucratic or does it give employees freedom to make decisions? Knowing these things is very important to assuring you pursue a job that will be a good fit for you. Many find that they end up working with many people when they would prefer to work alone. Others wish to have more freedom in their work yet are pressured to conform to the company’s bureaucratic functionality.
The social influence and knowledge that research and networking will achieve will help you immensely to pursue your dream job. Do not leave these up to chance. Browse through our website for topics relevant to your aspirations, and begin the path to success in your career.