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[b]Since I asked for (and followed) the advice of Mark and the MT community in November 2007, several great things have developed. Below is a brief recap and an update. For now, I'll just say: WOW! MY WORLD IS ROCKED![/b]

[u][b]November 2007[/b][/u]
I asked for advice on a “Career Development discussion with SVP” in this thread: [url]http://www.manager-tools.com/forums/viewtopic.php?t=2316&postdays=0&post...

[b]Cliff notes[/b]
-I met with my SVP the discussion.
-I received some coaching and adjusting feedback. (It took the wind out of my sails a bit)
-We discussed a plan for my career
-His recommendation: MBA now while in a job that I know and can do well, then international assignment.
-My thoughts: I would prefer the opposite order, but I did “ask” for his advice and got it. After some thought, it does make sense and is not “stalling”.

[u][b]December-May 2007[/b][/u]
NOTHING. Just several months on solid hard work with focus on over-delivering his projects and improving the behaviors he mentioned. Also, I made my relationships with colleagues and clients a priority – focusing on quality of service, communication and their expectations.

[b]In my spare time:[/b]
-Visited MBA schools and classes
-Started the process of getting my company’s corporate sponsorship of my MBA in writing
-Started the application for my chosen school
-Networked like never before! Stayed in touch with everyone and actively built my network with colleagues in our corporate headquarters (where I want to work for an international assignment)
-Had 2 interviews with outside companies just to see

[b]Thoughts:[/b]
To be perfectly candid, during this time, I really questioned the path I was pursuing. If things would really happen. I doubted everything. Would the economy change our business situation substantially? Would they actually approve ~$90,000 for an MBA at my level? If they did, could I be patient and see everything through? I wasn’t sure, but figured I would get as many “irons” in the fire as possible and worst case scenario I would have to choose between 3 great options.

-Option 1: stay in current job, get an MBA then do international assignment
-Option 2: accept another job with a domestic company (and start all over with no promise of international assignment)
-Option 3: accept an international assignment with another company (least likely)

[u][b]June 2007[/b][/u]
NOTHING, but I did spend 10 days in Europe working our booth during our industry’s largest international tradeshow. (I had done this 4 years before too).

It was a great experience, I hated to leave. In my short time there, I personally caught up with most of my contacts. I was disappointed that I did not get to speak to our SVP of Global Marketing in particular (one of My SVP’s Bosses).

While there, I made it a point to ask every Sr. Manager I know if they had any projects that “Man, if I just had someone fresh out of business school, I would love for them to work on xxxx...".

No specifics projects came out of these conversations, but I felt they were good to have. Just to get them thinking.

I returned to my job in the US. Followed up with everyone. Still NOTHING.

until…

[u][b]July 2007[/b][/u]
My quarterly performance review is coming up. I do my preparation as usual and am anticipating a standard review with no career development opportunities. Not really looking forward to it, because I’m thinking nothing is ever going to happen and I am going to have to make some hard decisions. Perhaps the company is best served by keeping me in my current position.

-My boss postpones the review. No problem, schedule conflict.

-Later that day, my boss sends me a meeting request titled: Discuss career development opportunity. I’m shocked. He never does this. I am always the one bugging him on this subject.

-I go to an MT meet-up that night. Share with everyone I’ve gotten to know over the last year. My thoughts are: I’m really curious but am “staying frosty”. I have no idea what the meeting is about, but I am keeping in mind the possibility that what may be offered won’t be the right FIT.

-Next day: Great news! If we can find someone to do my job for 7 months, our Global SVP asked if I could come to Europe and replace the head of another group during that time.

[b]Thoughts:[/b]
I AM THRILLED. 7 months in Europe. Leaving just after my grad school interview. Coming back just in time to start grad school (if I get in). WOW! MY WORLD IS ROCKED!

[u][b]Why did I post this?[/b][/u]
I’m not sure things would have worked out this way without Manager-Tools. For the last 2 hours, I have been trying to find the right words to express my gratitude for everything MT has taught me. I am speechless and continue to be astounded by the effects MT has on my life. THANK YOU.

p.s. I am a long-time member (and premium subscriber) who posts under a different name for anonymity.

pmoriarty's picture
Training Badge

Congratulations! Stories like these reaffirm that following the approach laid out here really does work.

HMac's picture

MTdevotee:

Wow! And as Mark & Mike always say - YOU did the work... YOU deserve the credit!

Congrats!

-Hugh

jhack's picture

Well done. A hidden gem in this story is that you had a strategy you believed in, and because you stuck with it, it bore fruit. Career moves are rarely sudden and dramatic; they result from discipline and execution. Congrats!

John

ctomasi's picture

MTdevotee,

That's great news. Like HMac said, it's nice having M&M for inspiration... It's great having an active forum for support... In the end, you did the work and got yourself there. Nice going! I know the feeling. Enjoy it for a while, keep working hard, and start thinking of the next goal (or watch for that next opportunity.)

Nik's picture
juliahhavener's picture
Licensee Badge

Sorry my response is delayed, but CONGRATULATIONS!!

All of that took you to drive it; it's wonderful when you SEE the results of your efforts!

Thank you for sharing the status, I'm looking forward to seeing how Europe treats you!

kklogic's picture

I LOVE updates. Congrats for your hard work paying off. I remember your thread well and am just thrilled to hear that you're pleased with how it is all working out. Kudos!