April 26th Bring Your Child to Work and Mentor Every Day.

Career Advice for Senior Executives Applies to Young Adults Just Starting Out

BOSTON -- Essex Partners, a Boston-based career management firm that works exclusively with senior executives, advises that the career guidance offered to leaders also proves applicable to kids - especially those graduating from college, high school seniors moving on to universities, and for parents preparing for 'Bring Your Child to Work Day' on April 26.

"Parents play an important role in shaping their children's lives and opportunities for success, and exposing children at an early age to the business world helps them draw the connections between the value of education and the limitless number of career options," said Jeff Crown, managing partner of Essex Partners. "By serving as a role model, providing regular guidance and advice, parents can help young adults shape their career paths."

'Bring Your Child to Work Day' is designed to expand opportunities for children, expose them to what the adults in their lives do during the work day, show them the value of their education, and provide an opportunity to help them envision their future. Crown continues, "The advice we provide to senior executives is fundamentally applicable at any stage of a career, including an individual's first career." The 10 key career tips adjusted for recent graduates are:

1. It is about the people. Choose education, a first job or next job based on the experience needed or knowledge one needs to gain. Pick an environment that will provide the best type of mentoring community for achievement. Know the best place to meet the most people and form the deepest connections that will help with short- and long-term success. Once there, get involved and stay connected.

2. Learn time management skills. Juggling tasks is critical for success in college and the work place. Every job requires a delicate balance of priorities and time. Come up with systems that successfully allow for effective workload management including how to take on additional responsibilities. If you are out of the office, do not fall prey to "out off office, out of mind" (and out of raises and promotions).

3. Continue to seek out advisors and mentors. In college, seek out professors with real-world experience, friends' parents, and alumni - especially those working in your target companies or industries. Ask questions and listen! The power of networking is important: use it to your full advantage. Networking is responsible for 80% of job placements. Continue adding and modifying your "personal advisory board" with each career progression and change.

4. Become expert at communication skills. It is never too early (or late!) to take classes, seminars, or seek coaching to improve writing and presentation skills. Regardless of role or function in an organization, the importance of superior communication skills must not be underestimated: these skills are paramount to effective selling, negotiating, analyzing, and leading.

5. Manage your online reputation - and start early! At one time background checks were limited to arrest records and financial stability; today it is commonplace for colleges, recruiters, and employers to do informal inquiries using online sources. For students, think hard before setting up a MySpace page, Facebook listing, or personal blog, and put a critical eye toward the content posted as well as personal photos of yourself and those who post on your page. Remember, the internet has a long life, so does one's profile. For example, www.archive.org has internet information frozen in time since 1995. Google yourself - others are!

6. Find a passion - life is short. It is normal to try many things before identifying true passions: the process leads to big rewards. Tap into what really 'gets your blood flowing' and build a career around it. Take Myers Briggs-type personality tests or talk to a career or life coach. These help set a career course and assist with interacting with colleagues and constituencies with different, and sometimes opposite, styles.

7. Information is power. Become a trend watcher - stay one-step ahead of others - map a 5-10 year career path. Become the advisor that others, like friends and colleagues, seek out. Read avidly! Most executives scan at least three papers a day Regularly check out websites and publications that track new ideas such as www.trendwatcher.org or Fast Company.

8. Humble vs. hubris. Lead and inspire others with words and actions - lead by example not by boasting self-importance or personal accomplishments. Display confidence, and check your ego at the door. Be self aware and realize, "it's not all about you, and how good you are". Great leaders give their teams the credit.

9. Be persistent. Calvin Coolidge said it best, "Nothing in the world can take the place of persistence. Talent will not; nothing is more common than unsuccessful men with talent. Genius will not; unrewarded genius is almost a proverb. Education will not; the world is full of educated derelicts. Persistence and determination alone are omnipotent. The slogan 'Press On' has solved and always will solve the problems of the human race."

10. Have a plan. The statement "A goal without a plan is only a dream" is completely accurate. Make a plan for each career stage and adjust is as needed. Like sailing to a destination, set a course and adjust with the winds (of industry).

ABOUT ESSEX PARTNERS

Headquartered in Boston, Mass., Essex Partners is a career management firm serving senior executives. Essex provides highly personalized career management services for the most senior-level executives. Corporate clients represent a broad range of industries and include many of Boston's most prestigious firms. Essex's senior partners work one-on-one with each client to tailor a career plan that is right for him or her; one that will successfully transition the executive to the next stage of life - whether it be new corporate employment, entrepreneurship, consulting, board membership, not-for-profit leadership or a blend of pursuits. For more information on Essex Partners, visit www.essexpartners.com (http://www.essexpartners.com). Essex Partners is a division of Keystone Partners.