I wouldn’t consider myself an “Olympic junkie,” but as the 2024 Paris Games approach, I’m looking forward to watching diving, synchronized diving, swimming, synchronized swimming, gymnastics, beach volleyball, track and field, soccer, tennis, golf … OK, maybe I am a bit of an Olympic junkie.
Having been a competitive swimmer before moving into recreational running (three marathons, the first in Paris to celebrate my 30th birthday!), I have tremendous admiration for the personal sacrifice, hard work, sweat, pain, mental fortitude, and perseverance demanded of Olympic athletes to achieve the highest levels of excellence.
[RELATED: Small Military Contingent Seeks Golden Impact for Team USA in Paris]
So, what do the Olympics have to do with career transition? Plenty.
While transition is not a competition, it is compiled of several “events” which require preparation, hard work (sweat and tears are not uncommon on this journey), and attention to detail. Instead of sporting events, consider mastering the following transition elements:
- Stellar networking skills
- A compelling brand statement
- A standout professional biography
- An impactful résumé
- Useful business cards
- On-point interviewing skills
- Top salary negotiation techniques
- Results-oriented onboarding
The Gold Medal Standard in Transition Support
Along with the above links, MOAA has carefully curated practical resources and best practices in the MOAA Transition and Career Center, where you’ll find dozens of articles, our downloadable 2024 Transition Guide, and resources exclusive to Premium and Life members – recorded webinars, member-only publications, and ways to register for 1-on-1 career consultations and résumé reviews.
You’ll also find our upcoming event schedule, including two in-person events to mark on your calendar:
- Aug. 28: MOAA’s Executive Career Transition Accelerator Seminar
- Oct. 2: Network for Success With MOAA
Registration for both events is open – click the links to learn more and join us!
Consider Coaching
Just like Olympic athletes, high-performing executives invest in coaching. A career coach can help you “win” in transition. How? Glad you asked.
A coach can accelerate your timeline to achieving success by increasing your self-awareness, discovering your true motivations, helping you break through fears or doubts, mitigating pitfalls, and/or leveling up your game in any of the critical transition elements listed above.
Coaches can also help you conquer “imposter syndrome” – the psychological experience when people think they are not really qualified for their role, or don’t deserve to be in a position despite their success. The thoughts and anxiety associated with imposter syndrome can be crippling, but working with a coach can help you break through those lies and thrive!
MOAA members receive a discount from BetterUp, a MOAA partner and the global leader in virtual coaching. Click here to see whether coaching with BetterUp can help you achieve your personal and professional gold medals!
