Ask Matt: Finding Temporary Opportunities

Contacting one of the many staffing firms in the Twin Cities is probably the best place to go to find temporary management staffing opportunities says Matt.

By Matt Krumrie, Star Tribune Sales and Marketing

Last update: January 3, 2006 - 8:52 AM

Question: Where can I find temporary management staffing opportunities while I get my career as an independent marketing professional off the ground?

Matt: Contacting one of the many staffing firms in the Twin Cities is probably the best place to go. Companies may be hesitant to hire someone for a short-term management position because by the time you learn the ropes, you may move on. So consider contract work if possible. Additionally, be open to a range of jobs — even if they aren’t necessarily a perfect match for you. During your initial meeting with a staffing professional, be sure to communicate your goals and be clear what your project time frame is. Let the person know you are looking for temporary work while starting another career. Then, as you start your new career as a marketing professional, keep one eye on making a living through management jobs you are familiar with, but keep the other eye looking for different opportunities that may lead to increased business for your marketing career.

Question: I want to start my career over in a new field. Where should I start?

Matt: You need to figure out if you want to work to live, or live to work. Are you working for money, regardless of job satisfaction; or are you working for career satisfaction, regardless of money? Knowing what you want out of work is crucial, especially when starting a new career. Make a list of your dream jobs, and investigate how you can pursue them. Talk to people in those fields to find out if they really are the jobs you dream about, research information on the Internet, and study the skills needed to work in those fields. Can you get a part-time job to gain some skills, or do you have what it takes to delve right into this career? The main thing to do is to identify what drives you, what type of career you want, and what you need to do to get there. If that doesn’t work, taking a career assessment test at a place like St. Paul-based WomenVenture, meeting with a career counselor at a Twin Cities WorkForce Center, or consulting with a career coach can help you see the big picture and open up different avenues you originally didn’t consider.

Matt Krumrie is a freelance writer from Inver Grove Heights, and has eight years of experience reporting on the employment industry. The first Sunday of each month this column will answer readers’ questions. E-mail questions or subject ideas to askmatt@startribune.com.

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