Q-I’ve tried to improve myself through education and hard work. Five years ago, I earned an MBA in finance with a GPA of 3.90/4.0. Over that time, I’ve been downsized or reorganized out of a job five times. I’m currently earning $10.50 per hour at a temporary service.
Did I get the wrong degree? Are my skills and education really that worthless?
A-Employers not only look at degrees and grade point averages, but also schools. Never feel your education was a waste of time, but if you didn’t attend one of the Top 10 schools in the country, you are going to have a difficult time impressing someone with your MBA.
Five companies in five years sounds like you may not have researched the companies you worked for as thoroughly as you should have. Networking is important and may be the only way out of your situation.
Join business and social organizations and attend as many functions as you can. This can be costly, but view it as an investment in yourself. It is hoped that you will connect with someone who can directly help you or introduce you to people who can.
Q-I worked for a bank for more than 20 years. New management offered our entire office a severance package, so I left with excellent recommendations. I don’t want to work for another bank and have been trying to get a job in another professional atmosphere.
I have computer training but I’m finding that employers are hesitant to hire me because of my working at one place for so long. They feel I will not adapt to a new situation. I am only in my early 40s. How can I get them to understand that I am capable of entering a new field?
A-If prospective employers express their concerns over your adaptability, convince them otherwise.
They may, however, be concerned that you haven’t enough training or education in the new area. Nothing is wrong with changing to an unrelated field but realize that you will be competing with graduates in their 20s who will, most likely, have more energy, be willing to work longer hours for less pay, and whose knowledge in the field is fresh.
You might be better off finding a related profession where your 20 years in banking will be a positive, rather than a negative.
Readers’ note: In last week’s column, I suggested that a homemaker who wanted to re-enter the work force meet with a community college career counselor before sending out resumes.
Another source of help is the Illinois Department of Labor and the Illinois State Board of Education, which sponsor a free pre-employment program through the Women Employed Institute.
To qualify, you must have taken care of your family full-time for a number of years and now need a job; were dependent on another family member’s income by which you are no longer supported; or were dependent on federal assistance for which you are no longer eligible.
The program will help you determine what new skills will raise your earning power, write your resume and cover letter, prepare you for the interviewing process, help you develop a job-hunting plan and provide you with full-time and part-time job leads.
Call 312-782-3902, and ask to speak to the Keys to Success representative.
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Having problems on the job? Write to At Work, Chicago Tribune, 435 N. Michigan, Chicago, Ill. 60611. No phone calls will be accepted. Answers will be supplied only through the newspaper.
