Chun Siew, Senior Sharepoint Administrator
Chun Siew successfully completed a career change after being laid off in December 2008 from his position as a Systems Engineer 1, Messaging & Collaboration. In May 2009, he became a Senior Sharepoint Administrator for a new employer.
It had been more than 11 years since he last sought a job. Still, he viewed his situation as an opportunity to begin a new chapter of his life and resolved to remain positive.
To stay focused and motivated, he quickly established a daily and a weekly routine. The organizations that formed the basis of those routines were GO! Network St. Louis and BounceBack St. Louis. Also, his former employer provided him with access to HRMC, a placement firm located in Brentwood. “HRMC was a great resource for information about current job-hunting trends and tactics, especially in this depressed economy,” Chun said.
Networking is a key component of today’s job search, and Chun had been actively networking even before being displaced. However, he stepped up his efforts by using his LinkedIn profile and attending targeted networking events. “Because the rules have changed,” Chun said, “the biggest hurdle for me was getting out of my comfort zone and thinking outside the box. Meeting strangers and asking for help without seeming desperate was certainly a challenge. However, you must continuously nurture your network, even after you land a job.”
Chun discovered that he needed to be realistic, focused and particular. “No one can possibly attend every networking event, nor would that be beneficial. You have to figure out what works for your own situation—and what doesn’t.” He also learned to be persistent and keep faith.
What began as a “cold email lead” evolved into a web of personal contacts that eventually led Chun to his new occupation. Now, as he begins this next phase of his career, he thanks the GO! Network team for being upbeat and helpful and for providing a comfortable but purposeful place for those in transition to network with and learn from one another.
He also advises job seekers to push themselves beyond their comfort zones, be patient, and focus on what is truly important: family, faith, health, self-fulfillment and happiness.
Congratulations, Chun, and continued success!