No matter what stage of your career you are in, there are always opportunities to learn and grow.

At the FLEX Speaker Series in November, Kat Thompson with PA CareerLink and Deb Eckelberger of the Franklin Industrial and Commercial Development Authority shared their knowledge and wisdom around career development.

Attendee ages ranged from an 18-year-old high school senior, to a President & CEO in their late 50s, and everyone was able to take away something beneficial from the presentation.

Kat touched on topics including soft and hard skills, setting goals, taking trainings and courses, and the importance of networking and getting involved in the community.

“No one starts out being perfect or knowing everything,” said Kat. “It’s essential to recognize your weaknesses, understand why it’s important to work on them, and then practice until you improve.”

Deb has worked for various organizations throughout our region and shared how she got to where she is today.

She started out planning to go to nursing school, but instead went right into the workforce. She got her Realtors license, and eventually went back to school and is now in the economic development industry.

“I always knew I wanted to work in my hometown, and now I have a job here that I absolutely love,” said Deb. “Two of the things that have contributed to my success have included networking in the community and finding great people to be my mentors.”

If you missed the Speaker Series but are looking for ways to develop in your career, you can find resources below. You can also find more photos from the Speaker Series here.

CAREER DEVELOPMENT RESOURCES

This article was published in the Future Leaders & Entrepreneurs Exchange’s (FLEX) December 2019 edition of the FLEX Your Ideas (FYI) Newsletter.