Education, Ceritification, Participation, Mentoring - Building a Career and a Future

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Session
Academic Track

Author
David Cowan
Executive in Residence
Georgia Institute of Technology

Description
I often ask my students "what do you want to be when you grow up?" At 50, I still ask my self that question. We are always building the platform for the next career and life opportunity. I will present some of the insights I have gleaned from my own career and the paths of the many students I have mentored over the years. This includes: - Academic Education - what degree can I get, should I get, and how do I make the most of my formal education. - Continuing Eduction - never stop learning - where, how and what is most useful - Certification - PE, Black Belt, CPMP, etc. will they truly open doors - Mentors - how to find them and Life Skills - how to build them

Abstract
I often ask my students "what do you want to be when you grow up?" At 50, I still ask my self that question. We are always building the platform for the next career and life opportunity. I will present some of the insights I have gleaned from my own career and the paths of the many students I have mentored over the years. This includes: - Academic Education - what degree can I get, should I get, and how do I make the most of my formal education. - Continuing Eduction - never stop learning - where, how and what is most useful - Certification - PE, Black Belt, CPMP, etc. will they truly open doors - Participation - Professional organization and Service organizations build your networks - Mentors - how to find them - Life Skills - how to build them There are no sure answers to any of these just wisdom gained from experience and observations. This presentation will help you gain perspective on what you have and what you may need to reach your career objectives. Some practical resources will be offered and you will be guided in the end to prepare goals and plan next steps.