My Strategic Plan

This past Saturday, I volunteered as a mediator for Booz Allen’s Strategic Career Planning program for Marshall High School students. Minus the fact that I had to be up at 6 am on a Saturday morning to participate, it was a really fun and rewarding experience. I was impressed with the motivation and focus of the students. When I was in high school, I didn’t know what Booz Allen was, let alone what goes into planning a career in consulting or business (and I was a pretty motivated high-schooler!)

One girl determined to flaunt the tradition of her traditional roots by resisting arranged marriage so that she could pursue economic development in India from the ground up--without relying on NGOs. One boy learned the importance of being a role model in all he does after his baby sister was born, while another admitted that financial compensation is what motivates his hard work. Yet another girl confessed her preference to do things herself, as well as her tendency to quickly judge others, which fueled her desire to start her own company and become self-reliant. They were very self-aware, admitting their strengths, weaknesses, and personal challenges without inhibition, and were eager to hear my meager advice about career, family, college, and grad school.

The program also reminded me that you need a strategic plan at all ages! Even though life never goes according to plan (and I emphasized this in my session with them), it still helps to have one in place. These kids had a plan--down to when to start a family, where they wanted to travel, and what kind of degrees they wanted under their belts. They made me feel behind, even though I knew their priorities would change over time.

So, I’m going to write a strategic plan of my own—or maybe more of a to-do list. :) Life is short! And I'm a little tired of floating around and taking what comes my way.