Fred Dawn is a highly sought-after advisor in the area of career management, one of the best-known and respected career counselors in the San Diego area – and also one of the best-attended FENG speakers we have had in the past. His topic is one of high interest both to sitting financial executives planning their career, and to members currently in career transition.
With the ever increasing volatility of the economy and the business cycle combined with globalization, the average length of employment continues to decrease. Understanding how to conduct an effective search is – unfortunately -- a highly important skill in today’s world. Most, if not all of us, will be continuing to make job and career changes in the coming years. Being well prepared for this possibility can greatly shorten the search cycle and reduce the stress that goes with being in transition.
At any point in our professional lifetime, our careers develop as a result of decisions we make along the way. Having a well thought out strategy to guide us in the search towards the next step is crucial whether we are currently in transition or simply know that we will be at some point. Much like in a business environment, planning ahead does not ensure success, but the lack of planning almost always guarantees failure.
We are fortunate to have Fred share his insights into the current status of the job market, as well as tips on how to plan and advance your job search while integrating your experience and personal preferences into a process that maximizes your chances of success.
With 15 years experience advising professionals and senior executives on job search strategy and execution, and a number of years in business and banking before that, Fred will share best practices for strategizing and for the search process itself.
Takeaways from his talk will include:
• Understanding how the process works in today’s world
• Preparing for the search
• Building the right foundation
• Architecting your strategy
• Measuring your progress
• Successfully networking, interviewing and negotiating
As always, the meeting will be interactive and fluid, so be prepared to ask questions relevant to your situation.
Speaker
Fred Dawn Vice President, Lee Hecht Harrison, San Diego Office
About Fred Dawn
As a Vice President in Lee Hecht Harrison’s San Diego office, Fred serves primarily in a consulting capacity. He works with a wide variety of individual candidates, with a particular emphasis on senior executives, providing counseling and guidance in their career transition. Fred’s broad business background, including personally experiencing a “downsizing,” allows him to relate exceptionally well to clients at all levels. He was an executive in the banking industry where he served in such capacities as Chief Administrative Officer and Chief Credit Officer prior to transitioning into the career management field. In these assignments, he served on the bank’s executive leadership committee with specific responsibility for management of a multi office branch system, leading all marketing activities and the hiring and career development of numerous key officers. He has a total of 15 years of experience in the outplacement industry including nine with LHH. Fred holds a B.A. degree from Drake University. Fred is active in the business community including the San Diego Venture Group, MIT Enterprise Forum, and the Corporate Directors Forum. Additionally, he has been selected to serve on several Harvard Business School alumni panels focused on career management and the transition process.