It takes a village, they say, to raise a child. I think it also takes a village to build and maintain a career.
As humans, we often need support and guidance from others to get through tough times and unscheduled mishaps. Even when things are going well, having a few “villagers” there to witness (and maybe share a glass of celebratory wine with) is wonderful.
In short, it’s nice to have a village.
This got me thinking about our careers. As careers average about 40 years, surely we all acquire a career village. Some villagers will pass through “town” quickly, but they might leave a lasting impact. Others will know you, your career values, and your professional history as well as you do—and maybe even better!
What should a career village look like? Who are the folks we meet early in our careers? Which villagers seemed like the “village witch” but may have taught us valuable lessons? Who are we missing in our career villages?
How to Build Your Career Village: Common Career Villagers
I want to introduce you to the so-called career village. These are the folks who have taught me lessons, offered support, and generally guided me through my career.
Some villagers acted as unwavering support throughout every move. Others taught us tough lessons—and maybe we’d prefer it if they moved out of our village, but a little challenge is a good thing, right?
I had so much fun exploring my career village. I found bakers, makers, beauticians, personal trainers, mayors, and many more personas who were crucial to my career journey.
Do any of these villagers look familiar to you?
The Mayor aka Your Mentor
Role: Your mentor provides guidance, shares experiences, and offers career development and advancement advice. Like a village mayor, your mentor is typically someone with more experience and familiarity with your career path or industry.
Function: Helps with setting long-term goals, overcoming challenges, and making important career decisions.
The Village Witch aka a Tough Boss
Role: Like any witch, there are good ones and bad ones. These “witches” are responsible for “scary” events in your career that ultimately became colossal learning experiences.
Function: This person teaches you tough but formative lessons, both good and bad. While this isn’t someone you necessarily wanted to be on your career journey, there they are. For example, remember that boss that was trying to get you to quit? What lessons did they teach you about leadership?
Be grateful for the tough lessons they taught, and ensure you don’t emulate their behavior in the future.
The Personal Trainer aka Your Career Coach
Role: Anyone who has ever played a sport knows that an athletic coach can be your best friend and greatest enemy in one package—often equipped with an ear-piercing whistle.
In your career, your coach offers personalized coaching to improve specific skills and performance.
Function: The trainers help with interview preparation, public speaking, leadership development, and other targeted skills.
The Innkeeper aka The Hiring Manager
Role: In the best circumstances, this person connects you with the job you have been waiting for.
Function: The innkeeper or hiring manager gets to know you in a formal interview setting and (hopefully) offers you the next big career move!
The Wise Elder aka A Career Advisor
Role: The wise elder is your secret weapon for making major decisions or navigating career crossroads. They provide expert advice on specific career-related topics, such as financial planning or industry trends.
Function: Offers insights into market demands, salary negotiations, and career transitions.
The Matchmaker aka Recruiter
Role: The matchmaker knows what career move fits you best—and they have just the job you might be looking for! The village matchmaker helps find job opportunities and matches the individual with potential employers.
Function: The matchmaker or recruiter provides job leads, assists with resume and LinkedIn profile optimization, and preps for job interviews.
The Baker aka Your Cheerleader
Role: The baker provides delicious treats through emotional support and encouragement. This is your go-to person for all big and small career conversations.
Function: Your baker or cheerleader always boosts morale, celebrates your achievements, and helps maintain motivation and confidence.
Teacher
Role: Teachers are everything, so we should seek them out. Your teacher provides education and training to develop new skills.
Function: Someone playing the role of your professional teacher will help with your professional development. This can include recommending courses, certifications, and learning resources to enhance professional knowledge and abilities.
Fellow Villager aka Professional Peer
Role: This one might seem simple, but simplicity is important. Your fellow villager or professional peer offers camaraderie and peer support.
Function: This peer shares experiences, provides feedback, and supports each other through challenges and successes. Make sure you are someone else’s fellow villager, too. This is a low-lift but highly impactful role!
Inventor aka Career Innovator
Role: Encourages creativity and innovative thinking in career planning.
Function: Helps with identifying unique opportunities, brainstorming unconventional career paths, and fostering a mindset of continuous improvement.
The Constable aka Accountability Partner
Role: You don’t want to get on the bad side of this person. Your village constable ensures that you stay on track with your career goals.
Function: A great accountability partner will set regular check-ins, help track progress, and hold you accountable for their actions and commitments. In a true partnership, you may be both holding each other accountable to your respective goals! Together, you work to unlock your respective potential!
Healer aka Mental Health Advocate
Role: Your mental health is probably the most important thing you have, so protect it. The healer is there to support your mental and emotional well-being.
Function: This crucial person (often played by a close friend or family member) provides resources for managing stress, work-life balance, and mental health challenges.
The Beautician aka Motivator
Role: Think of every “makeover” montage in a movie. Now, apply that to the career. In this montage, your beautician helps to prepare you for significant career changes. In this montage, your LinkedIn profile, resume, cover letter, networking skills, and overall career presence get the glow-up they deserve!
Function: Your motivator is there to hold you accountable for learning new skills, connecting with decision-makers in your new industry, and preparing you to make big moves.
Who Lives In Your Career Village?
Together, these personas form a holistic support system designed to help you thrive in your career. Whether you’re just starting out, looking to pivot, or aiming for the top, the Career Village is here to guide you on your journey to success.
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