Is Your Career Future-Proof? Let’s Talk About It

Are You Prepared for Sudden Changes?

In your industry or company, are people making adjustments to safeguard their careers if their job or department disappears without warning?

I recently asked a college friend this question. Her response was eye-opening. Despite being in her industry for 20 years, she admitted she hadn’t been professionally prepared. Although her company recently experienced massive layoffs, she and her husband were spared—this time. Our conversation motivated her to explore her “what’s next immediately.”

Eunique Jones Gibson – Founder of Because of Them We Can and creator of #CultureTags, said on the Professional Troublemaker podcast, "Your title is rented, but you own your name, skills, and abilities." You should give this episode a listen.

The Reality of Career Instability

This week, the White House issued an executive order dismantling federal DEI (Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion) programs. Employees, contracts, partnerships, and funding tied to DEI were eliminated overnight. This sweeping change affected countless professionals. As someone who has worked in the DEI space for years and has even used Critical Race Theory (CRT) as the theoretical framework for my dissertation, I deeply empathize with those impacted.

When DEI programs and similar initiatives are attacked, the loss is multifaceted: income, opportunities, stability, and peace of mind. These shifts remind us that our jobs or departments could be eliminated without notice.

My Personal Experience with Career Loss

I’ve experienced career setbacks that caught me off guard. One instance stands out: my doctoral internship contract wasn’t renewed. Essentially, I was fired. I was angry, frustrated, and hurt. However, it was one of the best things that ever happened to me. Here’s how I dealt with it using my 24-Hour Rule:

Dr. Justin Grimes’ 24-Hour Rule

I allow myself (and encourage others) to take 24 hours to fully experience emotions: anger, frustration, tears—all of them. But after those 24 hours, it’s time to act. When my internship ended, I spent some hours venting to my parents. Then, I updated my resume, sent emails, and got into action. Within a week, I secured another doctoral internship and avoided financial setbacks.

Tips for Future-Proofing Your Career

Here are strategies from my experiences and observations to help you prepare for unexpected career shifts:

1. Identify Future Trends: Research your industry’s trajectory and the skills in demand over the next 5-10 years.
2. Specialize Wisely: Pursue graduate programs or certifications focusing on in-demand skills and providing industry-recognized credentials.
3. Document Your Value: Regularly list your accomplishments and contributions to your current organization and profession. This helps showcase your worth.
4. Schedule Monthly Professional Reviews: Dedicate one hour each month to reviewing your career goals, identifying connections to make, and tackling tasks you’ve been procrastinating on. Add 30 minutes to discuss your plans with a trusted friend for accountability.
5. Leverage Networks: Use graduate school as a platform to connect with industry leaders and mentors who can guide your career.

Networking: Don’t Be Random, Be Consistent

Networking shouldn’t be a last-minute effort during a crisis. It’s awkward to receive random messages asking for job leads when someone hasn’t maintained the relationship. Building a strong network requires consistent engagement. My network enabled me to secure a new internship quickly, proving the value of nurturing professional relationships.

You Are a Resilient, Value-Added Asset

You are a million-dollar asset. Millionaires don’t wait for opportunities to fall into their laps; they create them. The same mindset applies to your career.

At Apply to Graduate School (A2GS), we specialize in helping people navigate career transitions through graduate education. Whether prepared or unprepared, we’ll help you find opportunities that align with your goals and bring you closer to peace, purpose, and financial stability.

Don’t wait until you’re forced to pivot—plan ahead. Schedule a call with me to design a strategy for building your career resilience. Let’s future-proof your career together!