38 PROFESSIONAL WOMANS MULTICULTURAL MAGAZINE WWW.PROFESSIONALWOMANMAG.COM
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ne of the biggest reasons we lose our sense of optimism in a job search is that we become convinced there is nothing out there for us. No hope, no real job possibilities that we are qualified for and would actually want. Although discouragement can hit anywhere along the way, surprisingly, it may occur at the outset of a job search, when it all seems too complicated and overwhelming to even begin. Then you get an idea from someone, or open up a website, or see an open- ing at an organization youre interested in, and you feel a glimmer of hope. Keeping that glimmer alive and turning it into a nicely banked fire is the challenging work we'll talk about here. No mistake about it: job searches take time and effort and a lot of psychic energy. We need stamina to keep going when we hit roadblocks or get discouraged. Many people find this series describes the experi- ence of job search: No no no no no no No no no no no Yes! In effect, theres no reason to become discouraged by all the nos you receive, because each one brings
How to Find Optimism in a Job Search
you closer to the eventual yes. Here are some ways to move closer to your own Yes and keep your spirits up along the way: ! Consider your skills and experience. Remind yourself of your accomplishments and what youve learned from your past school and work experience. If you keep a file of positive comments, thank you notes or testimonials about work youve done or classes youve taken, volunteer work, or other activities, pick it up and read through it. ! It can be uplifting and energizing to communicate with people youve worked with in the past. Consider setting up phone, video chat or socially distanced coffee meetings with former co-workers, managers, volunteer supervisors, instructors or others who have had influenced your work life or skill development. Or just write a note of appreciation to someone who has supported or recognized your work and feel
Tanesha Duncan, Amgen's vice president of Transformation Operations, says she's a finance person at heart. But in 2010, after business school and a career in finance, Tanesha wanted a change. "I was looking for an industry that was ripe for technological innovation and disruption where financial acumen was a critical component for success. Healthcare excited me as a dynamic intersection of science and finance," explains Tanesha. In 2020, she joined Amgen. "At Amgen, the culture of continuous improvement means we also have the muscle to deliver in new ways. I never stop learning in this complex, global environment, and I'm proud to share about the ways we serve patients." Raised by a single mom who ran her own business, Tanesha was taught to view obstacles as temporary impediments and embraced the value of hard work. But she was the first person in her family to attend college and lacked role models for succeeding in a corporate environment. "I knew I wasn't getting it, but I had no idea why," explains Tanesha about her fish-out-of-water experience in the workplace. "I was fortunate to have a mentor early on who saw my potential. He taught me about perception and networking and gave me tools I use to this day. I'm passionate about Diversity, Inclusion & Belonging because I know what it's like not to belong." At Amgen, Tanesha has been working with two employee resource groups (ERGs) that support women and Black employees. "I relate to both diversity dimensions, but I've seldom found a place that appreciates the nuanced experience of being a Black woman. It's powerful to be partnering with ERGs to actively take this on," says Tanesha, who believes the commitment to continuous improvement at Amgen inhabits all aspects of the business. "The heart of getting started is an acknowledgement that we still have work to do. Amgen is the first place I've seen with a vision for Diversity, Inclusion & Belonging that comes from the top down and includes a multiyear strategy to achieve it. And that makes me optimistic."
VALUING DIVERSE PERSPECTIVES TO CONTINUALLY IMPROVE ON OUR MISSION TO SERVE PATIENTS
TRANSFORMING THE LANGUAGE OF LIFE INTO VITAL MEDICINES.
For opportunities to join our team visit careers.amgen.com
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