For some, IR is a lifelong career. For others, IR is a stepping stone to non-IR roles. Either way, being relevant and increasing your value in current and future roles requires both self-reflection and career planning. This section offers some tools, resources and tips to help with your career development and navigating job transitions.
Chapter Resources:
In addition to our Job Bank, NIRI Chicago helps members through its career development programs. Here are some takeaway materials from past events:
NIRI National
Be sure to visit NIRI’s Career Center, where you can post your resume and search for IR jobs nationwide. In addition, you can find numerous tools and articles here, such as NIRI’s Think Tank report on the future of IR, The Disruption Opportunity, which includes templates for career assessment and planning, as well as the 2019 Korn-Ferry IR compensation survey. Other career development articles available include:
General Career Advice
Here’s some helpful information on all aspects of career planning and job hunting:
- CareerJournal.com is the Wall Street Journal’s executive career site, which goes beyond articles previously published in the paper
- Vault’s career and job-hunting site includes helpful information on interview questions
- Anne Fisher is Fortune’s long-time column on careers
- For a recruiter’s view of job-hunting, visit the “Ask the Headhunter” blog
- Ladders.com offers both advice and pep talks
- SmartBrief’s motto is “We read everything. You get what matters.” Sign up for “SmartBrief on Your Career” and other newsletters here. For an example of the info you'll find, read How to Beat the System to Get a Better Job
In-Person Networking
The vast majority of jobs are filled through networking – 85 percent, estimates one survey. So, get out there and meet people. Attend meetings or volunteer for organizations relevant to your career and industry interests.
As an IR professional, be sure to attend upcoming NIRI Chicago events or volunteer to support a chapter committee. Other professional associations whose events you may want to network at include The CFA Society Chicago, National Association of Corporate Directors (NACD) Chicago, Executives Club of Chicago and Treasury Management Association of Chicago.
Networking opportunities for those in transition or considering a job change include:
Social Networking
Today, online visibility is a must, regardless of whether you’re actively looking for a job or not. As a first step, review this classic New York Times story: How to Use Social Media in Your Career.
LinkedIn is considered the most useful professional networking site. Recruiters and companies regularly use it to find and vet job candidates. It’s also a tool for keeping up to date with your IR colleagues and networking your way into companies of interest. Here are some tips on how to leverage LinkedIn for job search, optimize online visibility and build stronger connections:
LinkedIn 101
Be Visible
Build Stronger Connections - convert virtual connections into real world job opportunities
Twitter can be another effective tool for job search
Other Job-Hunting Resources
Job search sites like Indeed.com and ZipRecruiter.com allow you to find opportunities on multiple career sites, customize your search and set up alerts. In addition, mainstream job boards, like Monster.com and CareerBuilder.com, can also be helpful.
Other sites where you can find job listings and/or helpful information include:
Crain's Chicago Business publishes company lists that may be helpful. You might also consider purchasing Crain's The Book, which contains lists and directories of essential data and company contacts.
Building Your Own Business
Or maybe, you want to be a freelance IR consultant, either temporarily or permanently. This may entail developing new skills from cash management to business development. Some helpful resources are: