Dear Experts, I am looking to go back to graduate school since I haven't even sniffed a relevant job opportunity since I was laid off a few months ago. No matter what I do, I can't find work. I was originally just going to get my MBA with a marketing concentration, but then a friend of mine brought up the idea of getting a Masters in Industrial/Organizational Psychology or something close to it. I found it to be an interesting thought. Does the skill set and knowledge between these two degrees overlap at all, or would one be better than the other assuming that my end-all career goal is to be in marketing/advertising? I have always loved psychology and the question of why people do the things they do, just never thought of possible career opportunities in the business world. Here is how our T.A.P. experts answered this question:@jtodonnellQ#150 IO degree is very popular right now. You'll need major internships to land a job after you get degree. @DebraWheatmanQ#150 Strengthen exp. w/ language. Visit historical places; absorb the culture which is good in a diverse professional envt. @keppie_careersQ#150 B4 U go to school b/c job search isn't going well, seek prof advice-it's cheaper! https://bit.ly/tN7pH@keppie_careersQ#150 MBA tends to earn more $, but read this re: state of MBA degree: https://bit.ly/Y5ngj (expand) Cont... @keppie_careersQ#150 Careful of spending $ for grad school. Investigate job opps. Research/ info interviews first. Cont... @DebraWheatmanQ#150 Mktg/Adv. is your goal - go for the MBA. You will get the business bkgd. and consumer insights exp. from the degree. @heatherhuhman: Q#150 Have you tried speaking to the director of the program about job opps? Pros & cons to grad school. @kgrantcareersQ#150 Both r good. MBA = understding bigger picture w cost breakdown. MAIP = understding customer, then big picture. @beneubanksQ#150 If mkting is your goal, get the mkting degree. Career opps for I/O Psych are tougher 2 find but not imposs. Our Twitter Advice Project (T.A.P.) is no longer an active campaign. To find an answer to the above question, please use the "Search" box in the right-hand column of this website.
Everyone has heard of New Year's resolutions. You know, those promises we make to ourselves about things we'll do better in the year ahead. Sometimes these resolutions work, while other times we end up with gym memberships we never use! But have you ever heard of a career resolution? It's actually the same thing as a New Year's resolution, only career-focused.
However, with something as important as a career, you don't want to break these resolutions. That's why it's important to keep these goals manageable.
Here are four simple career resolutions that are easy to stick to and achieve.
Be Self-Aware Of Where You Stand In Your Career
BigstockBeing honest and self-aware of where you are in your career is the most important step in making strong career resolutions. If your career is going nowhere and you're unhappy, then it may be time to consider a career change, which will take you down a different path entirely.
But if you're happy and in good standing with your career, it's a lot easier to set goals for the year and build out a long-term career plan.
Find A Way To Grow Your Career
BigstockCareer growth is a very broad spectrum that means something different to everyone. It could be something as simple as improving on a weakness or building on a strength. It could also be learning a new skill or taking on additional responsibilities at work.
On a larger level, it could be seeking a promotion or moving into a leadership role.
Whatever the goal is, make sure it includes growing professionally. The worst thing you can do is stay the same! If you're not growing your career, you're dying—and becoming a lot less valuable to your employer. There are always ways to upskill!
Better Serve Your Professional Network
With current colleagues, former colleagues, and other professional acquaintances, you've probably built a solid professional network through the years. A strong professional network can come in handy if you lose your job or are looking to make a career change. However, you shouldn't just rely on your network when you're in need!
It's important to find ways to offer value to your network. This could include checking in with members of your network from time to time. Exchange messages on LinkedIn to see how they're doing or share relevant content of interest. If you can help someone in your network going through a career challenge, you should!
Maintaining a strong professional network is like an investment. If you want it to pay off, you have to put some time into it and be consistent.
Take Care Of Yourself
Bigstock
Working on your career is hard work! It's okay to be selfish sometimes. Whether you're working to grow your career or looking for a new job, it's important to find balance.
Your family and health always come first, so make sure your career goals don't interfere with that. If you want to set aside time during the week to work on your career that's fine, but don't miss important family events or milestones.
Don't let your career goals get in the way of your health goals. Go to the gym, take a walk, or go for a jog. Balance is key to maintaining healthy career and life goals. Sometimes you just need to adjust that balance as you go.
Need help sticking to your career resolutions?
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This article was originally published at an earlier date.