Career Path Development

If you see someone who has been "open to work" for a 6+ months and they still show up on this platform with a positive attitude, adding value to those around them, and continuing to highlight the impact they can have, that’s top talent. Resume gaps are high on the list of "red flags" but it's 2025. We’re 5 years into the most volatile period of most of our lives. Layoffs have become the norm, hiring processes can take months, and the average job search taking 6+ months Being unemployed is terrifying and people's livelihood, and the well-being of their families is on the line. A lot of people in that situation could shut down, spend their energy complaining and placing blame and focusing on the negative. But these folks are still managing to give grace to those around them, provide encouragement to others, share job opportunities with others, congratulate the people who get the same jobs they were applying for, and continually upskilling, starting small businesses...that’s A-player behavior. Your company is probably talking about all the buzzy stuff right now - AI adoption, T-shaped talent, adaptability and resilience as you face numerous re-orgs and implementations. You probably need people who can navigate ambiguity in these situations, stay positive when things are tough, and bring new ideas to navigate these challenges. So in interviews, you might ask candidates about a time they struggled to meet a goal and they’ll talk about that time a snowstorm threatened the annual event they’d spent 12 months planning and you’ll score their answer against all the other similar responses you’ve heard. But don’t lose sight of the fact that at a time when they could respond with anger and frustration, instead they’ve spent the last 6 months teaching themselves SQL, built 3 websites from scratch for local non-profits, and grew a social media account to 10k sharing insights for product marketers. For too long, those resume gaps have been seen as red flags, and sometimes they are. But often this may be a period where someone has recharged and leveled up their skillset in ways that will bring a lot of upside to your company. Instead of seeing the gaps as red flags, consider leading with curiosity. If someone checks off every other box on your list a resume gap isn't a reason not to consider them, and in fact that gap could be the thing that shows what a great asset they'd be to your team!

I’ve coached thousands of job seekers who felt lost and overwhelmed. Here are the 10 steps we start with to find the right path: 1. Your #1 Priority Clarity should be the first thing you invest in. It makes career success SO much easier (at every stage). When you have clarity, you can invest 100% of your energy into that goal. So before you start applying to jobs or grad school? Find your path. 2. The Myth Of “Passion” People think passion is a lightning bolt that suddenly hits you. One day you wake up knowing what you're supposed to do. That's BS. Passion stems from action. It's the result of trying new things. If you want to find your path? You need to act. 3. Map Out Your Ideal Lifestyle Career happiness doesn't come from a job title. It stems from the ability to meet your lifestyle needs: – Target salary – Ideal living situation – Surrounded by people you love – Work that fills your cup Start by defining all of these things. 4. Label Your Energy Next, grab a piece of paper. Make two columns: 1. Energy Creators 2. Energy Drainers Now list out every single activity, task, and project you've worked on. Label each as a creator or drainer. Your career path should be filled with energy creators. 5. Clarify Your Strengths Success is easier when your path plays to natural strengths. I recommend the High 5 Test. It's a 15 minute quiz that will define your top strengths. It'll tell you what each means and how to harness it. Talent: A natural way of thinking, feeling, behaving × Investment: Time spent practicing, developing your skills, or building a knowledge base = Strength: The ability to consistently provide near-perfect performance 6. Find People Doing "Cool" Stuff Now you've created clarity around your strengths, energy, and ideal lifestyle. Next, I want you to find people already living that life. Who has a job you admire? What jobs have seemed “cool” to you in the past? Make a list of 30+ contacts. 7. Reach Out & Learn Make a daily habit of reaching out to one person. Be honest about your situation and desire for clarity. Then make sure to build up their achievements and mention why you admire them. Here's the email template I used when I was on this journey: The Winning Template: Subject: Quick Question  Hi [Name], My name is [Your Name] and I came across your information on LinkedIn while I was looking for people who transitioned into [Industry/Field] from a non-traditional background. Your background is really impressive! I saw you do different fields and [Industry/Field] really piqued my interest. If you have a few minutes, I’d love to hear more about your journey and how you landed in your role today. I know that’s a big ask so no worries if it’s too much. I totally understand. Either way, hope you have a great rest of the week!  

Think the interview starts when you shake hands or log onto that video call? Think again! Landing your dream job is about more than just skills on paper—it's about strategic preparation that starts long before you step into the interview room (virtual or otherwise!). Here's how to take charge and set yourself up for success: Pre-Interview Power Moves: ✅ Do Your Homework: Research the company and the role thoroughly. Understanding their values, challenges, and goals will help you tailor your answers and demonstrate your genuine interest. ✅ Anticipate and Practice: Go beyond the usual interview questions. Think about the specific skills and experiences this role requires and prepare compelling examples that showcase your abilities. ✅ Craft Your Narrative: Develop a concise and engaging personal statement that highlights your key accomplishments and career aspirations. This will help you stand out and leave a lasting impression. ✅ Prepare Thoughtful Questions: Having insightful questions ready shows your engagement and genuine interest in the opportunity. ✅ Project Confidence: Take a moment to breathe and center yourself before the interview. Confidence is key to making a great first impression. Remember, preparation is the key to interview success! By taking these steps, you'll not only showcase your skills and experience but also demonstrate your initiative, curiosity, and genuine enthusiasm for the role.

Here’s a hard truth I share often: no one is going to care more about your career than you do. Not a supervisor, manager, or boss—no matter how great they are. You have to own your narrative and your path, and if a new opportunity or role genuinely interests you, you have to share it out loud. This has always been true—but it’s even more true now, given the increased level of agency people have today. AI is putting more power into individuals’ hands. You can learn new skills faster than ever before and explore new paths more easily. That creates opportunity—but only if you’re willing to be curious, speak up, and take ownership of where you want to go. At the same time, organizations must continue to create environments that encourage growth—not cultures where people are afraid to raise their hands or express ambition. The strongest cultures empower individuals to take responsibility for their careers, AND empowers leaders to help create the conditions for growth. What’s one intentional move you’ve made to grow in your career?

If you have 20 plus years of experience, how are you planning your next role in today’s market? Over the past week, I had a few conversations with professionals who have 20 plus years of experience and are thinking about their next move. Most of them are in mid management or leadership roles and are finding that the market is very different from what it was ten years ago. At this stage, changing jobs is not a one or two month exercise. Expectations are higher, salaries are higher, and companies want clear evidence of value before hiring. It is practical to give yourself a six to nine month window to find the right role. Also, your aspirational title alone is not enough. The market must see a strong and logical fit between your past experience and the role you are targeting. To bring structure to this process, I usually suggest a simple matrix approach. First, list the domains where you have real expertise. There will be one or two core domains where you have deep experience, and a few adjacent domains that you have worked in along the way. For example, someone may have started in cloud computing and later worked on analytics, artificial intelligence, security, or data center initiatives. Next, list the roles you have performed over the years. These are your horizontal capabilities, such as product management, program management, presales, sales, or solution consulting. Some of these will be strong areas where you have led teams and delivered outcomes. Others may be areas where you have partial exposure. Now create a simple matrix with domains on one axis and roles on the other. At each intersection, assess your strength. Where both your domain expertise and role experience are strong, treat that as your primary target. Where you have moderate overlap and can reasonably stretch, treat that as a secondary option. Where the fit is weak or unrealistic, do not spend time targeting those roles. After this, validate demand in the market. Check job portals and company career pages to see which combinations are actually hiring. This step prevents you from applying randomly and helps you focus your networking and referrals on roles where you have both strong fit and visible demand. If you are planning your next move at a leadership level, take the time to build this matrix. Spend a few weeks refining it. Give yourself a six to nine month window. The clarity you gain will reduce anxiety and improve your hit rate significantly. I write about #artificialintelligence | #technology | #startups | #mentoring | #leadership | #financialindependence   PS: All views are personal

Entering the job market as a fresher can be daunting, but with the right approach, you can stand out and secure your first job. Here’s a comprehensive guide to help you navigate this crucial phase of your career: 𝟏. 𝐓𝐚𝐢𝐥𝐨𝐫𝐞𝐝 𝐑𝐞𝐬𝐮𝐦𝐞: Customize your resume for each job application, highlighting relevant skills and projects. Use keywords from the job description to increase your chances of passing through applicant tracking systems (ATS). 𝟐. 𝐔𝐩𝐬𝐤𝐢𝐥𝐥 𝐂𝐨𝐧𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐮𝐨𝐮𝐬𝐥𝐲:Take online courses and certifications to stay updated and relevant in your chosen field. 𝟑. 𝐈𝐧𝐭𝐞𝐫𝐧𝐬𝐡𝐢𝐩𝐬 & 𝐕𝐨𝐥𝐮𝐧𝐭𝐞𝐞𝐫𝐢𝐧𝐠: Gaining practical experience is crucial. Internships and volunteer work provide hands-on experience and demonstrate your commitment to your field. 𝟒. 𝐍𝐞𝐭𝐰𝐨𝐫𝐤 𝐄𝐟𝐟𝐞𝐜𝐭𝐢𝐯𝐞𝐥𝐲: Networking is a powerful tool in job hunting. Create a professional LinkedIn profile and connect with industry professionals. Attend virtual and in-person industry events, seminars, and webinars. 𝟓. 𝐂𝐫𝐚𝐟𝐭 𝐚 𝐂𝐨𝐦𝐩𝐞𝐥𝐥𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐂𝐨𝐯𝐞𝐫 𝐋𝐞𝐭𝐭𝐞𝐫: A well-written cover letter can set you apart from other candidates. Use it to showcase your enthusiasm for the role and explain how your skills and experiences make you a perfect fit for the company. 𝟔. 𝐏𝐫𝐞𝐩𝐚𝐫𝐞 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐈𝐧𝐭𝐞𝐫𝐯𝐢𝐞𝐰𝐬: Practice common interview questions, and research the company to impress your interviewers. 𝟕. 𝐒𝐡𝐨𝐰𝐜𝐚𝐬𝐞 𝐏𝐫𝐨𝐣𝐞𝐜𝐭𝐬: Create a portfolio of your projects to demonstrate your skills and accomplishments. 𝟖. 𝐒𝐭𝐚𝐲 𝐏𝐨𝐬𝐢𝐭𝐢𝐯𝐞 & 𝐏𝐞𝐫𝐬𝐢𝐬𝐭𝐞𝐧𝐭: The job search process can be challenging and filled with rejections. It’s important to stay positive and persistent. Learn from each experience, seek feedback, and continuously improve. 𝟗. 𝐄𝐧𝐡𝐚𝐧𝐜𝐞 𝐘𝐨𝐮𝐫 𝐒𝐨𝐟𝐭 𝐒𝐤𝐢𝐥𝐥𝐬: Employers value soft skills such as communication, teamwork, and problem-solving. Participate in group projects, join clubs or organizations, and take on leadership roles to develop these skills. 𝟏𝟎. 𝐁𝐮𝐢𝐥𝐝 𝐚𝐧 𝐎𝐧𝐥𝐢𝐧𝐞 𝐏𝐫𝐞𝐬𝐞𝐧𝐜𝐞:In addition to LinkedIn, consider creating a personal website or blog where you can showcase your projects, write about industry trends, and share your thoughts on relevant topics. 𝟏𝟏. 𝐑𝐞𝐬𝐞𝐚𝐫𝐜𝐡 𝐏𝐨𝐭𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐢𝐚𝐥 𝐄𝐦𝐩𝐥𝐨𝐲𝐞𝐫𝐬: Before applying, research potential employers to understand their values, culture, and the skills they prioritize. Tailor your application to reflect how you align with their needs and demonstrate your genuine interest in working for them. Always seek feedback from interviews and use it to improve for your next opportunity. Starting your career journey may seem overwhelming, but with these strategies, you’ll be well-equipped to secure your first job. Remember, every step you take is a learning experience that brings you closer to your goal. #fresher #job #interview #learning #experience #carrer #resume

He had 12 years of experience, and still companies kept rejecting his resume because of a career gap. There was a 11-month gap. And because it had no context, no explanation. Just a silent break between two senior roles. Recruiters kept rejecting it. At mid-career, hiring isn’t about skills. It’s about risk mitigation. When you’re applying for senior IC, Staff, Principal, or PM roles, hiring managers think differently: – “Why was this person out for so long?” – “Were they managed out?” – “Are their skills stale?” – “Will they leave again?” They won’t ask you. They’ll just move on. Here’s what strong mid-career candidates do differently. They don’t label it “Career Break.” They frame it strategically. Example: Strategic Sabbatical (Jan 2023 – Oct 2023) • Advised 2 startups on cloud migration strategy • Completed GCP Professional Architect certification • Led open-source contributions to X (2k+ stars) Or: Role impacted by company-wide restructuring (Jan 2024) Followed immediately by measurable activity. Why this works at mid-level: 1️⃣ It shows continued relevance 2️⃣ It signals network strength (advising, consulting) 3️⃣ It removes performance ambiguity 4️⃣ It reinforces senior positioning At 10+ years, silence is expensive. You’re no longer being evaluated for competence. You’re being evaluated for stability and leadership continuity. That’s the level most people miss. A gap won’t disqualify you. But a gap without signal will. If you’re mid-career and worried your resume is not landing interviews, DM me. I’ll tell you exactly how to fix your resume to land more interviews.

Stuck isn’t a place—it’s a mindset. For years, I thought the perfect career would simply find me. Spoiler: it didn’t. It took courage, curiosity, and a few missteps to realize that staying stuck wasn’t an option—and neither is it for you. Here’s the truth: you have the power to rewrite your story. If 2025 feels like the year to pivot, explore, or reignite your passion, here are 25 practical ways to get started: 1. Align with your values: What truly matters to you? 2. Get curious: What sparks your interest? Follow that thread. 3. Reconnect with your network: Reach out to mentors, colleagues, or peers. 4. Experiment: Test-drive new roles or skills through freelance work or volunteering. 5. Create a side project: Showcase your talents on your terms. 6. Invest in learning: Take a course, read a book, or attend a workshop. 7. Job shadow: Observe someone in a role you aspire to. 8. Update your CV and LinkedIn: Tell your story clearly and authentically. 9. Explore new industries: What field has always intrigued you? Dive in. 10. Set realistic goals: Start with small, actionable steps. 11. Join communities: Surround yourself with people who inspire you. 12. Reflect often: Ask yourself, “What’s working? What’s not?” 13. Prioritize self-care: Don’t let burnout derail your journey. 14. Ask for feedback: From colleagues or trusted friends—it’s invaluable. 15. Attend industry events: Meet people and learn what’s trending. 16. Embrace imperfections: No job (or career pivot) will be flawless. 17. Find a mentor: A guide can make all the difference. 18. Use online resources: Platforms like LinkedIn Learning or Coursera are gold mines. 19. Research company cultures: Do they align with your values? 20. Develop soft skills: Communication, adaptability, and empathy are timeless. 21. Track your progress: Celebrate every step forward. 22. Stay flexible: Your dream job might look different than you imagine. 23. Consider coaching: A career coach can provide clarity and structure. 24. Take risks: Growth lives outside your comfort zone. 25. Keep going: The journey to your dream career is worth it. I’ve seen it firsthand: when you take brave, intentional steps, amazing opportunities unfold. So, if you’re feeling stuck, don’t wait for the perfect moment. Take one small step today. Who knows? Your next big adventure might be closer than you think. 💬 What’s one thing you’ve done to get ‘unstuck’ in your career? ♻️ Think this post could help someone in your network? Share it! 👋🏼 Hey, I’m Utkarsh—Executive Coach and lifelong learner. I share insights on leadership, growth, and living courageously. Follow along for more thoughts and strategies.

The Hard (and Surprisingly Popular) Way to Fail at Getting into Data Science: 1. Start by watching endless tutorials on every data-related topic, hoping the knowledge sticks through osmosis. 2. Panic after a couple of rejections and consider switching to a completely unrelated field—dog grooming, maybe? 3. Assume your resume will do the heavy lifting while completely ignoring the power of networking (spoiler: networking > resume). 4. Chase the next trendy tool like it’s a magic wand, without building a solid foundation in engineering or math. 5. Follow the crowd, focusing on what’s “hot” instead of what actually interests you, and end up with a cookie-cutter portfolio. 6. Apply to anything with “data” in the title, even if it’s an admin job or involves staring at spreadsheets all day. 7. Stuff your resume with buzzwords like “Spark” and “Big Data” even though the closest you’ve come to using them is reading a Medium article. 8. Set an unrealistic timeline: “If I’m not hired in six months, I’m throwing in the towel.” 9. Blame the universe for every rejection instead of adjusting your game plan. A Better, Smarter Approach to Breaking into Data Science: 1. Choose your adventure. Focus on areas that genuinely pique your interest—whether it’s NLP, computer vision, or something else that gets you excited. 2. Make networking your superpower. Building relationships with people in the industry can open doors you didn’t even know existed. 3. Learn from actual professionals. Forget just instructors—talk to people already doing the job to find out what skills they really use. 4. Work on projects that matter to you. When you’re passionate about a problem, your project will naturally stand out. 5. Find a mentor early. A good mentor can fast-track your learning and help you avoid costly mistakes. 6. Share your learning journey. Post regularly about what you’re working on, and you’ll build a community that supports you. 7. Consistency beats burnout. Slow and steady progress is better than trying to cram everything into a few intense weeks. 8. Get real-world experience early. Whether it’s freelancing, internships, or contributing to open-source projects, applying your skills is key. 9. Play the long game. Breaking into data science is a marathon, not a sprint. Persistence is what separates those who make it from those who quit too soon. Bottom Line: It’s about enjoying the process, learning along the way, and staying the course. There’s no magic formula—just perseverance and patience.

Many professionals get derailed in their search by focusing their efforts exclusively on one step (locating job postings) or one tool (developing a resume). Job seekers often overlook the fact that a job search is a multifaceted journey of various activities and actions that must be strategically planned and executed to increase success. Focusing all efforts on one ‘basket’ will produce lackluster results. Instead, a diversified job search approach is required. Items to consider: 🔔 Pick a target before you execute. A shot fired in the dark is unlikely to hit a target. Identify a clear job target before you commence a search to avoid spinning your wheels in frustration. General job searches rarely work. 🔔 Know what sets you apart. You can’t sell something if you don’t know what makes it worthy of investment. Identify notable career achievements - and be prepared to articulate them - to support your value. 🔔 Research job requirements and understand employers’ buying motivators. This will help you keep content and communications targeted. Research people and companies on sites like LinkedIn. Understand their needs and work to position yourself as a solution. 🔔 Get career documents perfectly polished Create a resume, cover letter, LinkedIn profile, executive biography, references sheet, and thank you letter. Yes, potentially all of these. Identify the documents that will be valued in your process. 🔔 Beef up your online presence. Keep your online information on-brand and highly professional. If you aren’t very active on LinkedIn, start engaging regularly. Build connections. Share thought leadership. 🔔 Iron out ‘wrinkles’ or employment barriers. Missing skill sets? No related experience? Fired in the past? What challenges are you likely to face in the journey, and how are you prepared to deal with them? 🔔 Prepare for the interview. This involves practice and preparation. There is no other way around it. If you want to nail this critical step in the process - you must invest. 🔔 Network. Both online and off. One of the biggest ROI in a job search is networking and referrals. People don't hire resumes, they hire people -- so talk to more people! 🔔 Finally, seek assistance if you need it. You don’t need to tackle this journey alone. Be open to suggestions, align yourself with people who can help, and invest – fully! You can’t just dip your toe in the employment waters and expect a quick and well-suited bite. Nor can you invest in just one step or tool and expect results. Take action and explore all avenues!