Networking can serve as a catalyst to finding a new career by meeting people in different professions at networking meetings, says Pat May of the Fox Valley Chapter of Women in Careers.
”We give ideas for careers to pursue after your children grow up or while you are still at home,” said May, who works as a secretary. ”I was just 60 last year, and I`m looking forward to doing something different after retirement, maybe starting a business of my own.”
For example, one member of the group operates a rubber stamp company from her home; another sells fragrances. Hairdressers, an office manager, a buyer for retail clothing and clothing manufacturer round out some of the other professions represented by members.
After 45 minutes for networking at their monthly dinner meetings, a program is presented that can help members improve their professional lives.
”Last month we had a young lady on career motivation,” said May.
”We`ve had speakers on self-esteem for care givers, real estate profession ins and outs and tips on starting your own business by SCORE, the Senior Corps of Retired Executives.”
Programs emphasize women`s need to balance personal responsibilities with professional goals, said May: ”We do not neglect the family. Our goal is also to help a woman strike a happy medium between her home life and career. It`s a matter of necessity.”
May, who formerly belonged to a professional secretarial organization, was drawn to Women in Careers after attending another chapter.
”I wanted to expand beyond the secretarial field. I heard about Women in Careers, went to their meetings and was really impressed with what they do. They give (each chapter) a pretty loose hand. They`re national but not international, small enough to give that extra special care you wouldn`t get in a real huge organization.”
The Fox Valley Chapter is now 2 1/2 years old and has grown to 12 members.
May emphasized that women not in the traditional work force would still enjoy attending networking meetings.” We`re not just open to people in the work place,” she said. ”Housewives belong to one of the biggest professions in the world.”
