by Steve Terusaki, MBA 89, Haas Alumni Forums Director
Y our career is a journey, and like any journey, it is not always easy. There are ups and downs, twists and turns, and unexpected detours. Sometimes it can be difficult to navigate through the challenges, address the lack of visibility and recognition, tackle the burn-out that comes with not being supported, and the feeling of no longer being a contributing force in moving the efforts forward.
That’s when being a member of a peer forum is invaluable. A peer forum is a group of like-minded professionals who come together to share knowledge, insights, and experiences. They offer a supportive community of peers who can provide feedback, offer advice through experience-sharing, and help each other face challenges and overcome obstacles.
Forum is a space that encourages self-reflection and self-actualization. Have you set aside the time to truly find your passion? What about acting on a dream that feels out of reach? Forum provides dedicated time for self-exploration. Articulating what matters most with other colleagues and peers promotes a greater commitment to future action for yourself.
Often when faced with job-ending events that are thrust upon you, the first response is to find “a job.” It is the natural response to having one’s life sent adrift. A “job” is how one often measures and defines one’s self-worth and therefore when “cut” from the workplace there is a void that needs to be replaced. Moreover, work provides the financial resources to continue one’s quality of life and therefore a knee-jerk impulse is to find a job where revenue and benefits such as medical care can be quickly replaced.
However, these periods of career transitions can also offer an opportunity for a career re-evaluation, redirection and potentially a career pivot to something new and challenging.
Fear and self-doubt creep into the decision to take the “leap.” It is exactly when it is important to have a supportive group where those fears can be addressed and overcome. Here are concrete reasons why Forum can be so powerful when reevaluating your career choices:
- A brave place to be open and vulnerable based on the foundational principle of confidentiality, allowing connections to be in a deep and meaningful way;
- Conversations in the 5% focusing discussions on topics and concerns that can’t be held elsewhere with others who may not have the sensitivity and empathy that Forum members bring to the table;
- Conversations in the 1st person – allowing 2personal narratives to be the source of new perspectives on addressing your immediate challenge rather than 2nd person advice-giving.
By joining Forum, you are surrounded with fellow colleagues who are committed to professional growth and development. Members push each other to set goals, take on new challenges, and strive for excellence. When confronted with critical and challenging times in your career journey it is this combination that provides the platform that is so valuable in helping you determine what your next right path should be.
If you’re ready to take your career to the next level, click here and start on your path to a new future.
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About Haas Alumni Forums
Haas Leadership Forums are comprised of 8-12 alumni who meet monthly—currently online only—to gain perspective and insight on the challenging issues they face as business leaders.
Forums are confidential settings where open discussion can lead to transformational professional and personal growth.
Find more information about the program:
