What Happens When You Ask MS Copilot for Career Options?

In my 30+ years of senior level executive search, work I've absolutely loved doing, I have mentored, coached, and advised literally a few thousand executives on career possibilities, opportunities, choices, risks, decisions. One question almost always come up: "Adam, with my background, experience and expertise, what else could I do, should I consider doing, if I want to change my career direction?"

This is never an easy question to address but it certainly opens some interesting and often soul-searching conversations. And may create months or more of research and homework for those who sincerely seek an answer to discover new energy and meaning in their work lives.

Given some of my recent interest and exploration into AI models I thought this would be a great test question for LLMs. Here's my question to MS Copilot:

You have 30 years of experience conducting c-level executive search. You have developed all the skills that make you successful in that field of work. Now you want to do something else for your professional work. In what jobs / roles / industries can you apply those skills?

Here's what I learned about the options and possibilities that might be open to me:

After three decades of honing skills in the high-stakes world of C-level executive search, a professional in this field possesses a unique set of abilities that are highly transferable and sought after in various industries and roles. The expertise gained from executive search includes deep knowledge of corporate governance, strategic talent acquisition, and a robust network of industry contacts, all of which can be invaluable assets in a new career trajectory.

Here are some potential avenues where executive search skills could be highly beneficial:

1. Corporate Leadership Roles:

With a thorough understanding of what makes an effective C-suite leader, professionals can transition into corporate governance roles, such as board members or advisors, where they can guide strategy and leadership development.

2. Consulting:

Leveraging their extensive knowledge of organizational needs and leadership qualities, executive search professionals can provide consulting services to firms looking to refine their talent acquisition strategies or undergo organizational restructuring.

3. Talent Development and Coaching:

Professionals can use their insights into executive capabilities and performance to coach upcoming leaders, helping them to develop the skills necessary for C-level positions.

4. Human Resources Executive:

The transition to a senior HR role would be seamless, given the experience in talent scouting and acquisition, understanding of compensation trends, and knowledge of legal compliance issues related to hiring.

5. Entrepreneurship:

Those with a knack for identifying talent and opportunities might find entrepreneurship appealing, starting a business that capitalizes on gaps in the market identified through their executive search experience.

6. Education and Training:

Developing and leading executive education programs or corporate training initiatives could be a natural fit, allowing professionals to share their wealth of knowledge with a broader audience.

7. Non-Profit Leadership:

Executive search skills are also applicable in the non-profit sector, particularly in roles focused on organizational development, fundraising, and board management.

8. Industry-Specific Roles:

Professionals might also consider roles that are specific to the industries they have become experts in throughout their executive search career, such as healthcare, finance, or technology.

9. Digital Transformation:

With many companies seeking to modernize their operations, professionals with executive search experience could guide digital transformation efforts, ensuring the right leadership is in place to drive change.

The skills developed in executive search are not only about finding the right candidate but also about understanding the broader market and strategic needs of organizations. This makes these professionals well-equipped to handle a variety of roles that require insight into people management, strategic planning, and industry trends. Whether it's through guiding companies in a consultancy capacity, coaching future leaders, or taking on a direct leadership role themselves, the possibilities are vast for those looking to pivot their careers after a successful stint in executive search.

"... looking to pivot their careers." I like that. Not sure if I've learned anything new from this exercise and none of the career options mentions deep sea fishing here in the Gulf of Naples, but I guess there is some food for thought here. Entertaining at least, no?

Perhaps you'd find it interesting to run your own question through one of the LLMs to see what comes up. Because you never know.

Let me know how your experiment works out...