Find Your Niche and Grow: Career Tips from Geotrace CEO Bill Schrom

When the economy is not in great shape, the adage seems to be, “Take whatever job you can get.” Right? Wrong. Even in a weak economy you can still pursue your passions and build a successful career. It may seem like there is not a single opportunity to be found, but if you take an interest, set a goal and commit yourself to achieving it, you can actually create opportunities for yourself. Take Bill Schrom as an example.

Schrom is the CEO of Geotrace, a reservoir services company that performs data processing and integration for the energy industry. After a merger left him without his old job, Schrom recognized new opportunity and growth potential in Geotrace, and since joining the organization, has transformed it from a small technology company to a leader in its field. Just like Schrom, individuals across the globe are creating new, exciting opportunities for both organizations and themselves by pursuing what they love, working hard and seizing opportunities.

Your Dream Career is A Labor of Love

An exciting, innovative and successful career begins with knowing what career path will be both fulfilling and challenging. In other words, find your niche. When you know your talents, skills and goals, you can begin implementing a system and strategy for achieving the career you want. Have a vision for what you want, commit to a plan of action for achieving it and take advantage of opportunities along the way. When carving out your niche, remember to be adaptable and view challenges as opportunities instead of setbacks.

Growing in Your Niche

For a successful, fulfilling and influential career, maximize the skills and effort you put forth in your role. Develop your communication skills so you can tell people what you expect from them; that way you build strong relationships and work together to enhance and promote the organization. Schrom also suggests setting personal goals so that when you’re given a task or objective you “grab the idea and run with it.” Then you become the employee that exceeds expectations, which amplifies your impact on the bottom line. Observe what is going on, and be willing to take risks in order to advance your role and career. You can also grow your niche by pursuing an advanced degree to intellectually challenge yourself and add to what you can contribute to your company.

No matter where you are in your career, find ways to keep carving out your niche and challenging yourself so you continue to enjoy what you do and have goals to keep you on track, focused and motivated. Whether you’re a dynamic salesman or an introverted engineer, if you pursue your passion and work hard, your dream career will be within your reach.

For more from Bill Schrom, listen to the entire show below or visit www.geotrace.com.

To jumpstart your job search and career advancement today, visit www.betterjobbetterlife.org.