This week’s 5 browseworthy links…
1. Yesterday, July 2nd was the anniversary of the Civil Rights Act of 1964. One of the issues the bill was enacted to ban was discrimination in the workplace. Since then women and minorities have made significant headway in breaking the “glass ceiling”, however there are still many obstacles and discrepancies for women – especially in the IT sector. To learn more, check out two in-depth reports published by the Anita Borg Institute for Women in Technology:
- Climbing the Technical Ladder: Obstacles and Solutions for Mid-Level Women in Technology, and
- Obstacles and Solutions for Underrepresented Minorities in Technology
2. For anyone whose ever questioned the value of an informational interview here’s an article that will help you get the most of the experience. I found The Informational Interview: What Not to Say and More on the blog Wise Bread. Wise Bread shares tips and resources on how to “live large on a small budget.”
3. I am an extreme fan of any underdog story, I cry when I watch Rudy (keep that between you and me). I love this Famous Failures short video posted on YouTube. It thrills me to know that one of the greatest athletes ever was cut from the high school basketball team because it shows the power of determination, drive and refusal to let other people’s perspective limit you.
4. The title states that it is an “Open Letter to Recent College Grads,” but the points in the article are good for any one navigating the current career maze. Pam Slim’s post begins…
Living with constraints and challenges is one of the best learning opportunities you will ever get. By succeeding in a tough economy, you will be much better prepared for life than peers who graduate with offer letters waived under their noses the moment they cross the stage to collect their diploma. Constraints breed creativity. Creativity is the single most useful skill you will ever develop.
My favorite points from her article: Don’t chase the market, there is no perfect job, and don’t be afraid to skip a step.
5. When it comes to creating a positive professional image, we get advice about what to wear (or what not to wear), make up and grooming tips, and even tips on body language. We also hear about the impression that a handshake can make. I came across a brilliant article on the JobMob site called 21 Tips to a Better Handshake. The article gives tips on timing, position, and even texture.
As “The Career Makeover Coach”, Tai Goodwin is on a mission to help ambitious individuals reinvent their professional lives by centering on their passion and purpose. Holding as a core belief that we are all called to divine purpose and gifted with a unique passion, Tai uses a results driven, spiritually grounded approach to help clients create career paths to support the lifestyle they desire. Whether it’s helping people go from embittered to empowered professionals or making the transition from employee to entrepreneur, Tai is committed to helping clients tap into their own potential for brilliance. Tai has been empowering others through teaching and coaching for over 14 years. A gifted and insightful communicator, Tai holds a Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education from Drexel University and a Master of Science in Education from Capella University. She has completed ASTD’s (American Society for Training and Development) Coaching Certificate program and is pursuing professional coaching certification through the International Coach Academy. Originally from Philadelphia, Tai currently lives in Delaware with her daughter. She is currently working on her first book: Reclaiming Your Brilliance: Seven Ways to Take Your Life from Bright to Brilliant.
Web site: http://www.careermakeovercoach.com
