Effective job networking requires a team approach.

When Ed Zwicker, a consummate technology professional, suddenly joined the ranks of the unemployed, he found that personal – not technological - networks were the key to getting back into the interview process and landing a new job. That networking strategy paid off: six months after his separation, Ed landed the position of Application Development Manager for CIGNA.

How difficult was it to get used to networking as a means to a career?

It had been awhile since I had actively networked, and reestablishing a networking process opened my eyes to the value of ‘relationship’ in finding and winning a corporate leadership position. I learned that you have to get out from behind the computer and meet people face-to-face. There is no substitute for a real live hand shake and face-to-face conversation to help others understand you, your needs and your value.

With 25 years experience in Healthcare, John Regina successfully moved from SVP, Human Resources at Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital, to lead HR at a small privately held candy manufacturing and promotion company close to home.

KA:
How was your career transition initiated?

JR:
I knew a year in advance of my separation and began my networking during those months.  During this time I was introduced to Al Kramer through the search firm who was recruiting for my replacement.  Al lent professional support during this unofficial job search period.  When I was offered outplacement and Al introduced me to Ellen Mallin, it became clear that she could help me polish my job search skills.  I sensed from both of them that I would receive individual attention at Kelleher Associates.

A resourceful management, operations and engineering expert, William Beible recently made a successful transition from a manufacturing company that was downsizing to a newly-created position at a growing business in the same industry.  We spoke with Mr. Beible early in his tenure as the new Senior Vice President of Operations at Universal Stainless & Alloy Products, Inc.

KA:  What brought Kelleher Associates to your attention originally, and why did you decide to work with them in your recent career transition?

WB:  I had learned about Ed Kelleher from a colleague years ago and he was described to me as someone who was very well connected in the Greater Philadelphia region.  After I returned to Philadelphia, I finally met him briefly at an ExecuNet meeting a few years ago.  This past October, my employer, Carpenter Technology in Reading, went through a reduction in the leadership team and a general restructuring, and my position as vice president of integrated information systems was one of the positions affected.  I immediately thought of Ed.

Neil McCarthy recently completed a successful transition into a new role in a new industry.  It was a remarkable challenge for him, as it was the first time in over 25 years that he found himself in a career transition.  We spoke with him in his third week on the job as the new Senior IT Director at Endo Pharmaceuticals.

Dear Ed:  As I commence with the next phase of the career transition you helped me engineer, I wanted to let you know how well things have worked out and to formally express my gratitude for your guidance.

You may recall that when I retained your services in mid 2008, I was very uncertain of the timing for the revenue phase launch of my new solar energy venture, Eos Energy. I was reluctant to not see it to the potential I envisioned, but I was, at that time, quite uncomfortable entering a second year of zero revenues.

As a successful marketing executive and award-winning communicator in healthcare and higher education, Carolyn Vivaldi focused on her career transition with the same energy she employed in her life’s work.  She is happily continuing on this path as Executive Director of Communications – Alumni & Development Relations at St. Joseph’s University.

Joe Wintsch is a Sales/Marketing/General Management Executive who was seeking a comparable role, preferably without having to relocate.

John Ploener is a marketing executive with a background in the both the retail and financial services industries.  The breadth of his roles—sales, marketing, finance, total rewards, and proto-type design—presented several areas of focus.  The uniqueness of his talents culminated in landing the best fit for him and the organization (Sr. Manager, Marketing, Chase USA Care Service).