How Carla Harris Suggests Crafting a Career With Purpose and Resilience

One of the most inspirational people you can hear from in the world of business is 摩根士丹利 's Carla Harris, who is a senior client adviser at the investment bank and a sought-after speaker and author. She also has a successful singing career, selling out concerts at Carnegie Hall and the Apollo Theater.

I sat down with Harris not too long ago to hear about her tips for job seekers and how to find balance in your professional life. Below are some of the highlights from my conversation with her. You can listen to the full conversation by clicking here.

Craft Your Career Agenda

Harris stresses the importance of having a "career agenda," which is a roadmap that outlines not just the job you desire but the milestones and experiences you wish to collect along the way.?

"When you're considering a seat, all of those questions should come into play," Harris says, reminding us that understanding the 'why' behind our career moves is crucial for sustained motivation and resilience.

Discovering Your 'Why'

For many, pinpointing their mission in their professional lives can be daunting. Harris' guidance? Reflect on your likes, skills, and the learning opportunities that excite you.

"Spend the time and say, 'Of all the experiences I’ve had, what are the things that I like?'"

This introspective journey is about aligning your career with your passion and curiosity, turning the job you land into a calling rather than a mere occupation.

Embracing Realism

Harris offers a lesson on realism, acknowledging that careers, like life, are prone to fluctuating fortunes.?

"You may jump out of bed today because you had seven and a half, eight hours of great sleep," she says. "You're going to feel like a different person versus if you only got two or three hours. So your perspective on that day may not be job related. It may be about everything else that's going on in your life."

She encourages a measured perspective, one that considers whether you've extracted the value you sought from your current role before leaping at the next shiny opportunity. It's a reminder to assess and reassess, ensuring your career decisions bolster your long-term agenda.

The Power of Networking

Networking is simply "connecting with someone else," says Harris.

The key, she adds, is to "activate the relationship." It's not enough to have a roster of contacts; the value comes from engaging with your network, asking for introductions, and sharing your story.

Facing Rejection with Resilience

Rejection is inevitable during careers. Yet, Harris views each setback as a stepping stone, an opportunity to refine your approach and narrative for the next opportunity.

?"Every time you interview for a job...it is now added to your experiential tool chest," she says.

The trick is to view rejections as detours — not stop signs.

By establishing a clear agenda, seeking purpose, embracing the realities of the job market, harnessing the power of your network, and meeting rejection with resilience, Harris says that job seekers can navigate their paths with confidence and clarity.

You can read a transcript of my conversation with Harris by clicking here.

Amy Schultz, who is the head of the global acquisition team at Canva, brings a wealth of knowledge on crafting resumes that both catch the eye and capture the essence of who you are as a professional. Amy joined me on the latest episode of my Get Hired podcast to discuss the evolving norms of resume design and strategies for standing out in an increasingly competitive labor market.

You can listen to the episode above or on Apple Podcasts by clicking here. A transcript of the conversation is available by clicking here.

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