Next Meeting: Thursday 24 Oct 2024 at 9:00 – 9:30pm
Next Guest: Sam Soyombo
Theme: Breaking Barriers in Your Career
In this powerful episode, our guest shares his journey of breaking through racial and societal barriers to build a successful career in IT—during a time when few Black professionals held white-collar jobs, and many were confined to roles as cleaners, train officers, and care workers. He reflects on the unique challenges he faced, from racial discrimination to limited opportunities, and how he navigated these obstacles to rise in a predominantly white industry. Now, as a mentor, he dedicates his time to helping aspiring IT professionals from underrepresented backgrounds, offering guidance on overcoming similar barriers. This episode offers not only inspiration but also practical advice on breaking through limitations, regardless of background, and achieving career success.
Link to Register: https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZ0vdOqurz8uHdbxjsvbYzr9-V1b0TrSC4Dh
The Career Catalyst: Ignite Your Professional Journey
Overview: This engaging meeting focuses on empowering individuals to take charge of their career trajectories. Participants will explore actionable strategies, resources, and insights to enhance their professional development and ignite their passions. The event aims to create a dynamic environment where attendees can share experiences, network, and gain clarity on their career goals. A special feature of this meeting will be Becoming TV, a talk show segment highlighting personal career journeys and the challenges faced along the way.
Register here: https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZ0vdOqurz8uHdbxjsvbYzr9-V1b0TrSC4Dh
Focus of the programme
- Self-Assessment and Reflection:
- CV Creation and Review
- Encourage participants to evaluate their current skills, strengths, and areas for growth.
- Facilitate activities that promote self-awareness and help individuals identify their career aspirations.
- Interview Skills and Preparation
- Setting Clear Goals:
- Guide attendees in establishing SMART (Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, Time-bound) career goals.
- Discuss the importance of aligning personal values with career objectives to ensure fulfillment.
- Skill Development:
- Introduce various skill-building workshops focused on communication, leadership, networking, and industry-specific competencies.
- Highlight the significance of continuous learning and professional certifications in today’s competitive job market.
- Networking and Mentorship:
- Create opportunities for participants to connect with industry professionals and potential mentors.
- Discuss effective networking strategies, both online and offline, to build meaningful professional relationships.
- Becoming TV Segment:
- Feature inspiring stories from successful professionals in a talk-show format, allowing them to share their career journeys.
- Discuss the challenges they encountered, how they navigated obstacles, and the lessons learned along the way.
- Facilitate a Q&A session where participants can interact with the guests, gaining insights and advice tailored to their own career paths.
- Navigating Career Transitions:
- Offer guidance on how to approach career changes, whether it’s moving up within an organization or transitioning to a new field.
- Share success stories and case studies of individuals who have successfully navigated career shifts.
- Leveraging Technology and Online Presence:
- Explore how to utilize platforms like LinkedIn for personal branding and job searching.
- Discuss the importance of maintaining a professional online presence and engaging with industry-related content.
- Creating an Action Plan:
- Help participants develop a personalized action plan outlining steps to achieve their career goals.
- Emphasize accountability and the importance of regular check-ins to track progress.
Format:
- Interactive Workshops: Include breakout sessions and group discussions to foster collaboration and idea-sharing.
- Guest Speakers: Invite industry experts and successful professionals to share their insights and experiences.
- Becoming TV Episodes: Capture live interviews or discussions during the meeting to showcase on the talk show, allowing attendees to see real-life applications of the concepts discussed.
- Networking Opportunities: Allow time for participants to mingle and connect with peers and mentors.
Target Audience:
- Professionals at various career stages, including recent graduates, mid-career professionals, and those considering career transitions.
Conclusion: “The Career Catalyst: Ignite Your Professional Journey” is more than just a meeting; it’s a transformative experience designed to inspire and equip participants with the tools needed to ignite their careers. By featuring Becoming TV, we highlight real-life stories of resilience and success, fostering a supportive community that empowers attendees to take meaningful steps toward achieving their professional goals. Participants will leave motivated and inspired, armed with insights and strategies to navigate their own career paths effectively