Good leaders have succession plans. They take time to mentor subordinates.

by Dawn Rasmussen | September 13, 2011 | (1)

THE CLASS OF 2011 IS COMING. Freshly minted and full of idealism, these new grads will try to break into the toughest job market in recent history—which may be a challenge for them, but it’s an opportunity for you. Be a good leader and prepare these young guns for a future in meetings and events, mentor new graduates, give informational interviews and offer job advice.

Good leaders have succession plans. They take time to mentor subordinates. Instead of fearing younger, cheaper workers, they consider the future—and the need for skilled labor moving forward. After all, it doesn’t cost anything. Here are six ways you can influence the meeting industry of tomorrow by working with the novice of today.

1. Speak at local schools. As a guest presenter, you are the face of the meeting industry. You can inspire today’s students to be tomorrow’s meeting professionals. Give advice, career tips and insights on lessons learned. You’ll be surprised how many students listen.

2. Create a job shadow experience. Many schools have job shadow days. Invite a student to follow you around for a day, provide unique exposure to the meeting industry and positively affect student job choices.

3. Set up an internship. An extra pair of hands can lighten the workload if you’re running lean due to staff cutbacks. Offer a stipend to make the internship much more attractive. Students will be grateful for the opportunity to sharpen their skills while gaining valuable work experience.

4. Participate in informational interviews. As you advance your career, you may come up in conversation as someone to “go talk to.” Don’t be surprised when you receive inquiring emails or phone calls from new graduates or current students. Take the time to meet. Remember, leaders are experts who share generously, and by being helpful and resourceful, you will solidify your reputation as exactly that.

5. Offer to be a resource. Too often, we graduate and move on, forgetting that we could be an invaluable resource to those who follow in our footsteps. Oftentimes, career centers and alumni departments struggle with connecting new graduates or current students with alumni who can act as amazing career bridges. 

6. Mentor. I formerly taught at a community college as adjunct faculty in the hospitality program. One of the students approached me looking for advice on becoming a meeting planner. I helped brush up her résumé and connected her to some internships. Another meeting planner and I decided to split her MPI membership, and she flourished. It was an incredibly rewarding experience for me. 

We can guide the future of our industry by taking an active role in the careers of our youth and ensuring that the meeting industry is passed into capable hands. One+

Dawn Rasmussen

Dawn Rasmussen, CMP, is the president of Portland, Ore.-based Pathfinder Writing and Career Services. Clients from across the United States and Canada and from all career levels have benefited from Dawn’s highly- focused and results-oriented résumé, cover letter, and job search coaching services. Many professional groups as well as colleges and universities have appreciated the insights and expertise she shares during presentations on topics, and she is a frequently requested national speaker as a result. Dawn also shares her knowledge as the official “Get the Job” columnist for One+ Magazine distributed to over 26,000 meeting professionals worldwide, and Talentzoo.com, a job site for creative and marketing professionals. Recently, she was quoted on CBS MoneyWatch and also in the Chicago Tribune. Additionally, Dawn is a recognized career expert on Careerealism.com, which is a top 10 world contributor to TalentCulture.com’s weekly meeting #tchat ‘meeting of the career industry minds’ on Twitter. When not helping clients, you will also find Dawn quietly donating time at the Oregon Employment Department as a volunteer teaching unemployed workers how to build compelling career documents as part of her ‘Pay it Forward’ philosophy. With Dawn’s coaching expertise, caring nature, and well-connected networking, she is known as the meeting and hospitality industry’s leading career management partner.

TAGS: One+ September 2011 , career development , quest for talent , column , job search