For many, the rapidly evolving events of the last two years have meant that they have been given the opportunity to pause, reflect and decide where they want their career to go next.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
The journey of self-discovery, particularly within a business context, is never straightforward.
Together with French business school HEC Paris, we highlight some key areas to consider in taking your career forward in 2022.
Centre Yourself
Two years of working from home and disrupted business conditions mean that many are considering what brings fulfillment to their careers. Importantly, they are learning what they could do without. It’s a great opportunity to take stock and evaluate where they are in their career.
You might ask yourself, ‘What could I lose from my daily work and not miss? What is unnecessary and drains me?’ This kind of exercise can identify what could be holding you back, and lead to a more productive self.
Taking the time to articulate the areas in which you could be upskilling, and closing knowledge gaps, is another good exercise for ‘centring yourself’. It can also lead to realisations that can not only take your career forward, but can help develop innovative solutions which can be spun into new ventures.
An Executive MBA (EMBA), such as the one offered at HEC Paris, can be a good way of highlighting and closing knowledge gaps. They offer a number of specialised subjects that suit almost every industry and area of business, and are constantly updated to reflect the latest practice.
For a perspective on how this kind of reflection can provide lasting benefit, Julie Allison, VP of Sustainability and Transformation at ACCOR and HEC Paris EMBA alumni, recently spoke about how ‘asking the right questions‘ is vital.
Get updated
If nothing else, the events of the last two years and the global pandemic led to a wealth of new research, innovations and ways of doing business. Changes to working conditions, delivery infrastructures and app-based services are examples of how the way business is done has fundamentally changed.
That is why understanding the latest in business acumen and innovation is vital to taking your career forward. The world is moving faster than ever and the next generation of business giants will be those that understand that constant education is key.
Those pursuing an EMBA will be exposed to the latest business trends, in an environment where they will meet business leaders and fellow executives from across the world. Programmes, such as HEC Paris, also regularly feature some of the world’s most exciting business innovators, who will share their stories and ways of working.
Change your scenery
No matter how old you are, nothing spurs new understanding and a greater appreciation for things than a change of scenery. Not only will you be placed into an environment where you are required to pay attention and focus on detail, but you will be exposed to new ways of doing things and different cultural sensibilities.
Studying in a world capital can make all the difference. These places not only have a proud history of business and industry, but are centres of learning, attracting innovators from around the globe. Paris, for example, is not only the birthplace of some of the world’s most recognisable brands and cultural movements, but is a constant magnet for those wanting to make their mark – where better to learn?
Connect with others
To quote the poet and playwright John Donne, ‘No man is an island’. We are only able to grow and develop when we are exposed to the ideas of those around us. Our preconceptions are challenged, our ideas are tested and we are able to use each other as a sounding board for the messaging we want from our endeavours. Therefore, anybody seeking to refocus their career in 2022 should consider their personal network.
An EMBA is an ideal way of fostering growth, thanks to sprawling networks of alumni. These networks ensure that connecting with other EMBA participants promotes lifelong growth and learning.
HEC Paris EMBA alumni Bola Bardet credits the breadth of the alumni network she found at the school as an integral part of her success as founder of Susu, a digital health service for the African diaspora.
Hone your leadership skills
You may have had leadership positions before, but leadership in business does not consist of a static set of qualities. New trends in business mean that different skills and knowledge are required to lead effectively over the course of time. What worked pre-pandemic may not necessarily be the best way of leading now.
EMBA participants, through the course of their subjects and projects, are brought into contact with a variety of business leaders and leadership styles. Many HEC Paris EMBA alumni, such as 37-year-old Christofle CEO Émilie Viargues Metge, have spoken about how some of the most useful and long-lasting insights she gained were from interactions with thought leaders who both taught at and visited the school.
Deciding on one’s future career path is never easy. It takes a lot of hard work, dedication and time. That is why when embarking on such a journey, it’s important to have the tools you need to make up your mind. For some, such tools can be found in the course of an EMBA at HEC Paris.
