Positioning

View our online networking workshop at http://www.stpaulcareers.umn.edu/workshops.html.

Positioning refers to seeking out experiences that will develop skills you know are important in your chosen career field.  It also includes seeking out opportunities to meet professionals in your chosen career.  The end result is that you will have positioned yourself to have the skills and professional contacts necessary to secure a position. Some steps you should take to position yourself for a job:

Level One Positioning – Meeting Professionals

• Conducting informational interviews to gather information

• Socializing with people in different jobs & careers

• Joining professional & business associations

• Creating small & informal support groups with peers

• Job shadowing professionals

Level Two Positioning - Indirect Work Experience

• Being active in professional & business associations

• Engaging in community service

• Taking courses, or acquiring training related to your target field

• Self-employment in a field related to your target job or career

Level Three Positioning - Direct Work Experience

• Volunteer work in your target job or career

• An internship, arranged through a college or on your own

• Temporary work - for an agency or on your own

• Being a speaker, writer, researcher, consultant, supplier, contract worker, or customer for an organization where you would like to work

• A trial work experience, at your desired place of employment