Expanding Career Possibilities
Jen T. Martínez, AVP
NF ELRP – RP National Accounts Strategy and Execution
Six years ago, a career in financial services with an array of roles across
insurance, operations, workplace benefits, and retirement plans was
an outlier. I was at the leading edge of international economic
development in Texas and had just received my MBA in sustainability. A
midwest insurance company was off my radar, yet, I’m grateful for the
serendipity that has led to enriching roles at Nationwide.
You see, by chance, I filled in as a sub for a colleague during a
Nationwide workforce development session in San Antonio because of a
reputation as a strategic thinker. After quickly delivering on commitments,
our San Antonio talent recruiter called. My initial reply was self-limiting and
centered on a mismatch of sector experiences. However, after taking time to
listen and research our company, the risk of leaping mid-career into a new
industry and geography has broadened perspective and opportunity.
In fact, this October I’ll be wrapping up my final rotation within our
Nationwide Financial Executive Leadership Rotation Program (NF ELRP). This
prestigious program has offered a palette of diverse financial services
experiences, unique sponsorship and mentorship sessions, and a chance to
directly apply big picture thinking to sales leadership. My next role is not yet
defined, however, I’m excited about the broad possibilities to leverage new
skills to help Americans prepare for and live in retirement through NF
solutions.
Here are three easy ways to ensure you are also curating new possibilities for future roles:
Own your brand.
Take an inventory of all the materials
that capture your philosophy, skills,
qualifications, achievements, education
and training. This goes beyond static
items - like a resume - to include social
media and personal blogs. Ensure they
are updated and ready to use once the
opportunity presents itself and have your
elevator speech ready.
Resources: KnockEm Dead Series,
Sell it like Serhant by Serhant; The Art of
Possibility by Zander.
Development hack: Teach yourself
design through resources like Canva.com
Want to comment or have any
questions on this article? Email us at
info@latinastyle.com
Grow where you are planted.
You may not be in that dream job,
yet, but delivering top performance in
your current role is key to opening
new opportunities. This is particularly
impactful as future organizations will seek
references from prior leaders, colleagues,
or partners to gain insight on your work
and skills.
Reading: 7 Habits of Highly Effective
People by Covey.
Development hack: Boss Files podcast
with Poppy Harlow.
Power up your business acumen.
Understanding macro trends and
industry dynamics elevates your impact
on results, provides fresh perspectives,
and accelerates your ability to identify
opportunity. Added bonus – stronger
personal brand as a business leader.
Reading: World Bank publications, Wall
Street Journal, Fast Company, Business
Model Canvas.
Development hack: Listen to
competitor/partner quarterly earnings calls.
It’s easy to fall in the trap of limiting ourselves to predetermined ideal career paths. Before
screening out unexpected companies or roles that are different than your norm, consider
how to creatively transfer experiences and how to lean into stretch opportunities that expand
your career potential. Here’s to the outliers and discovering new possibilities! LS
42 www.latinastyle.com LATINAStyle Vol. 25, No. 4, 2019
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