By Darla Mayse,Sourcing & Recruitment Marketing Specialist
Dictionary.com defines resources as, "a source of supply, support, or aid, especially one that can be readily drawn upon when needed."
One of the (many) reasons I enjoy working for Sodexo is the abundance of resources available to employees. Whether for career advancement, professional and/or personal growth, the resources are there in many forms. Not only applicable programs to run our operations, but also people resources like our Mentoring Programs and Network Groups. I’ve mentioned in previous posts of my opportunity to participate on a diverse number of projects. Some of which, I had limited skills, knowledge or background. However the resources were there to get me up to speed, thoroughly and quickly.
One particular project came to mind as I was writing this post – the Sodexo Future Leaders Internship Program. During my work with this program, I assisted Michelle Robinson, Director, College and External Relations, by facilitating workshops for our interns. As I prepared for each workshop, I was amazed at the extensive library of books, recordings and webinars available via Sodexo University. I especially, appreciate (then and now) the "Crisp 50 Minute Books." I learned about the series via yet another Sodexo resource - this time a people resource and one of our market Vice Presidents of Communications. I reached out to her first because there was a relationship and secondly, I like her style. She graciously gave me an hour of her busy day to offer suggestions, tips and additional resources that would make my presentation to our interns a success.
My point in all of this is that we must leverage our resources. Take inventory of what you know, who you know and how you can learn more or get to know more people. The holidays are not a time to slow down your job search efforts. I'll bet you have more resources than you think you do. The holidays are a great time to either leverage a few resources or gain a few new ones. Don’t dread the office party, use it as an opportunity to get to know your co-workers a little better or meet new people in the organization. It’s an opportunity to network – in person. Accept those invitations to holiday parties hosted by neighbors or friends through outside interest. You never know who may show or what you may find out during the small talk.
If you are looking for a job because you're unemployed or because you want to advance your career and your efforts have not been successful; ask your (people) resources for feedback to find out what you are lacking and how you can improve. It's doesn't hurt anyone to ask but, it may hurt you if you do not! Bottom line you must always look for ways to leverage your resources and seek out new ones that will help you in your job search or career growth. For example, that graphic design course that you have been toying around with signing up for just may be what you need to propel your career to the next level.
There is one other (people) resource who I run into from time to time at larger meetings, and I always admired how effortlessly she speaks during presentations to large and small audiences. When I finally asked her how she became such a natural at public speaking she told me that she joined a local Toastmasters Club to develop and improve her speaking and presentation skills. As part of my career development plan this year I'll be joining my local Toastmasters Club. This will be a step out of my comfort zone, because I don’t particularly like to speak in front of an audiences. But I know that sometimes in order to grow, we have to do what is not convenient or comfortable.
One of the (many) reasons I enjoy working for Sodexo is the abundance of resources available to employees. Whether for career advancement, professional and/or personal growth, the resources are there in many forms. Not only applicable programs to run our operations, but also people resources like our Mentoring Programs and Network Groups. I’ve mentioned in previous posts of my opportunity to participate on a diverse number of projects. Some of which, I had limited skills, knowledge or background. However the resources were there to get me up to speed, thoroughly and quickly.
One particular project came to mind as I was writing this post – the Sodexo Future Leaders Internship Program. During my work with this program, I assisted Michelle Robinson, Director, College and External Relations, by facilitating workshops for our interns. As I prepared for each workshop, I was amazed at the extensive library of books, recordings and webinars available via Sodexo University. I especially, appreciate (then and now) the "Crisp 50 Minute Books." I learned about the series via yet another Sodexo resource - this time a people resource and one of our market Vice Presidents of Communications. I reached out to her first because there was a relationship and secondly, I like her style. She graciously gave me an hour of her busy day to offer suggestions, tips and additional resources that would make my presentation to our interns a success.
My point in all of this is that we must leverage our resources. Take inventory of what you know, who you know and how you can learn more or get to know more people. The holidays are not a time to slow down your job search efforts. I'll bet you have more resources than you think you do. The holidays are a great time to either leverage a few resources or gain a few new ones. Don’t dread the office party, use it as an opportunity to get to know your co-workers a little better or meet new people in the organization. It’s an opportunity to network – in person. Accept those invitations to holiday parties hosted by neighbors or friends through outside interest. You never know who may show or what you may find out during the small talk.
If you are looking for a job because you're unemployed or because you want to advance your career and your efforts have not been successful; ask your (people) resources for feedback to find out what you are lacking and how you can improve. It's doesn't hurt anyone to ask but, it may hurt you if you do not! Bottom line you must always look for ways to leverage your resources and seek out new ones that will help you in your job search or career growth. For example, that graphic design course that you have been toying around with signing up for just may be what you need to propel your career to the next level.
There is one other (people) resource who I run into from time to time at larger meetings, and I always admired how effortlessly she speaks during presentations to large and small audiences. When I finally asked her how she became such a natural at public speaking she told me that she joined a local Toastmasters Club to develop and improve her speaking and presentation skills. As part of my career development plan this year I'll be joining my local Toastmasters Club. This will be a step out of my comfort zone, because I don’t particularly like to speak in front of an audiences. But I know that sometimes in order to grow, we have to do what is not convenient or comfortable.
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What will you do out of your comfort zone in 2011?
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After more than 10 years of sourcing and recruiting top talent for Sodexo as a Sr. Recruiter, Darla Mayse most recently accepted the role of Sourcing and Recruitment Marketing Specialist. She looks forward to continuing to brand Sodexo as an employer of choice through exciting and innovative marketing initiatives. Connect with Darla via Twitter (@dmayse), Facebook, and LinkedIn.
