Bolstering Your Career Savvy

Searching for a new job? UH Alumni Career Services is committed to helping you meet your career goals and offers an array of professional job assistance resources to help you compete for that perfect position.

Here are some tips to help bolster your career savvy and to keep you marketable in an ever-changing workforce.

Learn a New Skill
If you haven’t learned a new skill in the past year, it’s time. Keeping your skills fresh helps maintain your marketability and adds something new and exciting to your work.
• Take a class—check out our Continuing Education offerings
• Join a professional association
• Earn another degree

Build your Value
You may have a wonderful job, and you’ve done all that you can possibly do in your current position. Now may be the time to bring back the excitement of that first year on the job. Without changing careers or searching for greener pastures, all you may really need to do is find more ways to be more valuable in your existing job.
• Take on a new project
• Head a committee to plan an upcoming event
• Set up informational meetings to learn more about what other professionals do

Nurture your Network
Relationships matter! This is a great time to expand your network. Twenty-five percent of us will change jobs each year. Connecting with another professional can help you to manage your stress as well as gain a different perspective.
• Schedule time to meet with someone you know professionally at least once a month
• Meet fellow Cougars through the Houston Alumni Organization’s alumni networks

Explore Career Options
People often choose careers based on knowing about only a small number of jobs they have been exposed to through friends and family members. As a result, it is often years later, if ever, that they discover by chance a career option they would have loved if they’d found it earlier. Know your options. Here's how you can get started:
• Review suggestions from career assessments available through University Career Services. Set up an appointment at 713-743-5100
• Talk to a lot of people, find out what they do and ask for ideas — alumni from your college are a great resource
• Find causes and groups you identify with or products and services you love
• Explore similar job titles in different organizations
• Try a composite career — two part-time jobs

Conduct Informational Meetings
Before making a new career decision, get all the facts. People will tell you things face-to-face that you’ll never find in writing. They also may help you in unexpected ways. Do your informational meetings before choosing your next career move; you could save yourself disappointment and increase your chances of success.
• Informational meetings are short, focused discussions
• Prepare specific questions prior to the meeting to help you fill in the gap about an occupation, company or your job search

Consider University Career Services—Alumni Career Services for your career needs. Licensed counselors will work one-on-one with you—whether a recent grad or a seasoned pro, your alma mater can help you move to the next level.