Further Reading
Week 6: Getting support
Week 6 Introduction
Don’t think you can do it all by yourself – ask for help! Get as many people on board as you can – family, friends and colleagues as well as support networks … They were great at telling me where I could go for help and constantly updated me on what was happening next.
Patricia McCalla, building control surveyor and career break returner
Last week you looked at work–life balance and, in doing so, you may have identified areas where you will need to get support.
This week, you’ll be finding out how to get support to help you to meet the particular challenges of returning to the workplace. Meeting these challenges is much easier if you get advice, encouragement and help from people around you. You will start by looking at strategies to boost your confidence, and then go on to look at mentoring and how others can support you in your career progression. You’ll also be learning how best to develop your networks and contacts using LinkedIn.
Now listen to Sue, who’s going to tell you what to expect from this week, as well as how mentors have helped her in her own career:
By the end of this week you will have:
- used positive thinking to increase your confidence
- reflected on formal and informal mentors who have influenced you
- identified mentors who can help you in the future
- mapped the three circles of networks and contacts
- used LinkedIn to extend your own network of contacts
- written and practised your elevator pitch.
OpenLearn - Returning to STEM
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