ARTICLES BY Sheila Curran

  • August 1, 2008
    In about a year, I will have learned all I can from this job and plan to leave for a higher-level position. My boss is very well regarded in the community. How can I leave while still maintaining our excellent relationship? Your question is timely, since to leave a job well requires significant planning. You'll want to do everything possible not to burn bridges—both within and outside the organization.
  • June 1, 2008
    I have two job offers. One would be a lateral move to a company with great name recognition. The other would be a big promotion in a start-up with high growth potential. If I go to the smaller company, will the lack of brand recognition hurt me in applying for future positions?
  • April 1, 2008
     After six years in corporate law, I have decided to go into business. I'm having a hard time getting my foot in the door. What do you advise?
  • January 31, 2008
     I was hired into my position by a wonderful man who was grooming me to become his successor. I was surprised that when he retired, I was passed over in favor of someone who is much younger and less experienced than me. I feel like I'm training her. Should I start looking for another job?
  • November 30, 2007
    Since graduation, all my jobs have come through promotions or connections. Now, I'm in the position of having to create my first professional résumé. How should it be different from the one I wrote senior year?Graduates often fall in love with the résumé that led to their first career position and just add on to it. But you're in a different market now. And that means the way you present yourself to potential employers needs to change.
  • October 1, 2007
    I'm a liberal-arts grad who graduated from Duke several years ago. Although I've developed many skills that my bosses have found useful and I've received good evaluations, I'm already on my second career and third job. Is this normal?
  • August 1, 2007
    When I joined my company two years ago, I was told that a rotational program would be good for my career. Six departments, six bosses, and six great evaluations later, I've discovered that more recent hires who've worked in a single department are to be promoted over me. Should I look for a new job outside the company?
  • June 1, 2007
    I've been told that before I accept a job, I should look at the total compensation package. What does that mean?Compensation consists of salary and benefits. If you're young and healthy, it's natural to focus on the money. But you may expose yourself to unnecessary risk and also leave money on the table.
  • April 1, 2007
    What advice do you have for a dual-career couple when one loses a job?When you first become a dual-career couple, you typically spend countless hours deciding important questions: Where do you want to live? Whose career comes first? How important is job satisfaction? Where would be the best place to start a family?
  • January 31, 2007
    After ten years in business, I've acquired a reputation as a highly competent, workaholic leader. But now that I'm about to have my first child, I see the world differently. I want to take three years off before coming back in a role that better balances work and family. I have an open offer to return to my company. Should I accept?
  • November 30, 2006
    I've spent the past five years trying to get my business off the ground, but I've decided I need another job to pay the bills. Everyone tells me to network, but I'm not sure how to get started.
  • October 1, 2006
    I've just been told I won't be hired for the sales and marketing position that I really wanted. When I asked the hiring manager why she didn't hire me, she told me she didn't think I was interested enough in the position. But it was my ideal job. Is there anything I can do?
  • August 1, 2006
     I'm a recent grad who has not yet found work. I'm looking for an events-management position in New York. Employers seem interested, but I don't get called back after the interview. What am I doing wrong?
  • June 1, 2006
    I'm a recent Duke grad who is actively seeking work. Over the past month, I've applied for more than fifty jobs through online job posting sites. To date, I haven't received any interviews, let alone job offers. What am I doing wrong?
  • March 31, 2006
    I'm coming to the end of my two-year investment-banking analyst position, and I'm totally confused. I have a job offer from one of my clients and the opportunity to go to a good business school, but what I'd really like to do is run a nonprofit organization.
  • January 31, 2006
    I work in management for a nonprofit, and am interested in a similar job in the private sector. My potential new employers want to know my current salary. Should I give it to them?
  • June 1, 2005
    Everyone tells me that once you leave Duke, the best way to get a job is through networking, but what does that really mean?
  • January 31, 2005
    If I'm asked in a job interview to list my weaknesses, how should I respond without damaging my chances of getting the job?
  • November 30, 2004
     
  • August 1, 2004
    I just graduated from Duke and I don't have a job. Help!
  • June 1, 2004
    I'm a lawyer who's never "taken" to the legal profession. Can I look forward to other career options?
  • March 31, 2004
    I'm a lawyer who's never "taken" to the legal profession. Can I look forward to other career options?

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