Source: This article was originally published on CNBC.
Written by: Courtney Connley, CNBC Make It
Job-seekers often consider the “future” in terms of answering the question, “Where do you see yourself in five years?”
But, there’s another crucial, future-focused element of planning a career today that many employees may be overlooking entirely. In a recent interview with IAC CEO Joey Levin, the tech CEO shared the advice that he gives to every job-seeker, no matter their field.
Joey Levin’s unexpected career advice:
Organize your job search around where your industry will be in five years.
That’s right. What’s happening in your industry right now is pretty much over, given the pace of technological change.
Although it’s impossible to predict what will happen five or 10 years from now, analysts in every industry talk about the almost foreseeable future, and how products in each space will likely be designed, made, sold, distributed and purchased.
Levin’s main point is to look for jobs in those burgeoning places.
Those nascent opportunities may be few and far between at companies with very little money, but getting in early can position you for a long run of career growth and show just how forward-looking, innovative and bold you are.
Though this advice is particularly relevant to those working in ever-changing fields related to tech, Levin’s recommendation is useful to anyone, in any industry. For example, if you’re a museum curator, Joey Levin says, “art is going to be sold, displayed, talked about and distributed differently in five years.” Therefore, your job search should start out with finding out how, and going after the jobs that are just being born.
We tend to ooh and aah, over the first 1,000 employees at top companies like Google and Facebook. Levin’s advice is all about finding a way into that league.
To do so, you just have to look beyond the horizon and organize your journey to get there first.
Suzy Welch is the co-founder of the Jack Welch Management Institute and a noted business journalist, TV commentator, and public speaker. Through its online MBA program, the Jack Welch Management Institute transforms the lives of its students by providing them with the tools to become better leaders, build great teams, and help their organizations win.