Planning and Managing Your Career: Lessons From a Master

I was looking through some of my papers the other day and I came across one of my favorite articles written by a close friend of mine, Jerry Kanter, titled: “Planning and Managing Your Career." Although this subject is not something that I typically write about, I thought it would be helpful for anyone in transition.

​Jerry was the director of the Center for Information Management Studies at Babson College. He was a prolific writer and authored nine books and countless articles on computer and information technology. He was also an accomplished teacher, philanthropist and athlete. (He was a star on the Harvard University football and track teams--a track award for Most Improved Performance bears his name.) Jerry passed away in 2010. Re-reading his article made me think of what a great mentor he had been, not only to me, but to many others.

What I like most about the article is Jerry’s insights into how to achieve your career goals while purposefully maintaining balance in your life. One day, we were talking about careers and he pulled this essay from his drawer. I read it and ask him if I could forward it to a colleague that was considering a career change. Jerry was a very private person and was initially slightly embarrassed by the request; he thought it was too “soft” compared to his other writings.  After a little encouragement he conceded and was pleased to hear of the articles' positive feedback. 

I have shared his essay with manyrecent college graduates and colleagues that were reassessing their careers. I hope you like it.  If you do, please share it with your friends and followers.  I think Jerry would be pleased to know his quiet perspective on career and life helped guide someone in your life.