Wednesday, February 13, 2013

CLIMBING THE LADDER OF SUCCESS

YOU WERE NEVER MEANT TO DO IT ALONE


Some of the time I think the reference of climbing the ladder of success is a figure of speech, rather than a literal climb. But, more often than not, it’s absolutely literal. Such was the case when I picked apples for my father on our farm. It was always handy having someone at the bottom of the tall ladder when I needed some stability or help.

The same principle applies in many other areas of our lives at school, home, and work. That’s where the Alumni Mentoring Partnership (AMP) comes in.

AMP is an employer-based BYU alumni mentor network. BYU alumni are recruited from companies throughout the nation to assist interested individuals in the job search process. They promote networking opportunities, interview advice, and can provide insider company information to make sure that candidates are exceptionally prepared for life as a business person. It was Aristotle that said “The whole is greater than the sum of its parts,” and here at BYU Alumni Career Services, we’re working to facilitate every resource possible to make the job search that much easier.

"Mentoring has opened opportunities for me, that alone I could not have received," according to BYU student Jessica Flory. “The connections I made through BYU alumni were invaluable to my securing my first position following college” explains a former student. Experts agree.

"You can tap into the hidden job market by networking and volunteering. Specific to that, I also recommend that you don’t just join your local professional association, but be active in it. It helps with visibility and connections while enhancing your skills and professional knowledge. And…connect with your alumni association…collegiate loyalties are sometimes quite strong," writes Sophia Dobransky, SPHR, Frederick County Government Department of Human Resources.

There are BYU alumni scattered throughout the country among dozens of major companies at your fingertips, who are ready and willing to help you enter the job market. On record there are more than 98,000 BYU alumni spread all across the country in every conceivable industry. With a vast variety of resources, you can be sure to find help no matter your preferred area of interest.

The momentum gleaned by those using mentors in challenging professional circumstances to reap occupational success and climb the corporate ladder are just a beginning of the benefits available through the Alumni Mentoring Partnership. The connections available to benefit students and alumni alike built through BYU  Alumni Career Services are key during a job search to successfully fill positions.

At least they come in handy.