Summary
MSLs had the opportunity to receive career advice from Adjunct Professor Tom Bluth, a C-Suite manufacturing product executive, during a special session held during the Spring I Power Week. Catch up on some of the session takeaways and see how Northwestern Law faculty members are bringing value to MSL students outside of the classroom.
You must become comfortable with being uncomfortable if you want to grow.
This bit of advice was one of many gems shared with MSL students by Adjunct Professor Thomas Bluth during a special presentation on career development. Bluth currently teaches Global Product Development in the MSL program, and he is always willing to share his wisdom with MSL students outside of the classroom. He recently conducted a lunchtime session open to all MSL students focused on strategies and practical tips for managing careers at the intersection of law, business, and technology.
During his talk, Bluth spoke about his own professional journey as a global business executive, which included serving as a vice president and corporate officer at Caterpillar, the equipment manufacturing company. Bluth talked both about the highs he’s experienced throughout his career, and also about challenges he encountered along the way and roles that didn’t come quite as easily to him.
Bluth’s session demonstrates the practical and applicable advice our students can absorb from their Northwestern professors while earning their MSL law degree. Keep reading for five career tips shared by adjunct professor Tom Bluth.
Tip No. 1: Be Willing to Take Risks – Consider Jobs That are a Stretch
Bluth is no stranger to landing roles in which he didn’t have all the qualifications required for the position, and he is all good with that outcome.
Often when someone lands a new job, they will not check every box on the requirement list, and that’s OK, Bluth says. In fact, it’s quite common.
Whether you are jumping into a new industry or taking on unfamiliar responsibilities, addressing elements of a new role or particular duties you haven’t yet mastered can be critical to achieving the next level of growth in your career. While it can feel risky not having all the answers when starting a new role, the situation can also reap some serious rewards.
“You have to become comfortable with discomfort if you want to grow,” he says.
Bluth is quick to acknowledge that every individual has their own level of comfort when it comes to taking risks – especially at work. However, if you try to avoid risk altogether, you may be impeding your potential.
“I would say if you don’t have a pit in your stomach,” Bluth says, “then you’re not expanding. You’re not learning.”
Tip No. 2: Acknowledge Your Mistakes – Then Correct Course
It’s normal to make mistakes, especially during a period of growth or in a new role that requires you to stretch your skills.
Bluth’s advice for when you mess up: Be like a goldfish – well, figuratively.
Don’t dwell on your mistakes — Goldfish are known for having short-term memories (although research may prove otherwise). However, similar to how a goldfish would stereotypically respond, try to forget about your mistake as soon as possible. Note the mistake, own that it happened, but then adjust and move on. By doing so, you will prevent the mistake from hindering your self-confidence and you can build off the experience instead.
When starting a new job – especially if it’s a stretch role – you are going to make mistakes while you are learning. If you have a good manager, they won’t expect perfection; however, they will expect you to be up-front about the mistake, learn from it, and correct course.
Tip No. 3: Be in the Zone
Think about the times when you felt you were working at the top of your game, and use the answers to help guide your job search process.
Bluth’s advice: Be smart enough to put yourself in positions where you’re going to feel driven and productive, and where you feel you are making a positive impact. Try to figure out the type of work that is fulfilling, lights your fire, and challenges you. Choose positions will allow you to find the zone and stay in it.
Tip No. 4: Anticipate Change
Change is an inevitable part of business, whether due to shifting company policies, market forces, deliberate staffing adjustments, unpredictable occurrences, or a variety of other factors. Try to be flexible; don’t let change within your company or on your team scare you or allow it to have a negative impact on your work or productivity.
Bluth has a tip for dealing with workplace change: Try to be the person who can recognize and embrace it. Allow space for the unexpected on a daily basis. Proactive tactics – such as blocking out time on your calendar for brainstorming, reworking plans, or developing problem solving skills – can help you adapt when surprises arise.
Tip No. 5: Take Responsibility for Professional Relationships
At the end of the day, you are responsible for your relationship with your manager and colleagues. If you’re having trouble communicating with your manager, try to figure out what you can do better to change that. And if you’re part of a team, focus on decisions that will shape and impact the team as a whole. Try to leave your team better than you found it and help to pave the way for those who come after you.
Bonus Tip: Stay Humble
It’s normal to not have all the answers when you’re starting in a new role. Acknowledge this, refrain from arrogance, and don’t be afraid to ask questions.
