CHARTing Your Career in 2020

We are all (hopefully) pushed and motivated in our place of work every day. We are always learning from those around us, while being asked to do more and continue to elevate our training programs. But our growth should not stop within the office. Have you ever thought to yourself…What am I doing to branch out and further myself professionally outside of the office?

For me, it has been CHART. I still remember my first conference when one of the best leaders I have ever worked with was sitting next to me and said…”You will one day be President of this organization.” We all laughed and continued our conversation. And now, almost 10 years later, I have not made it to President, just yet. But I have been more involved than I ever thought I would be. From attending local Regional Training Forums, to being a part of conference teams, to currently serving my second year on the Board of Directors, CHART has not only helped grow my professional career, it has provided so many life-long friends. 

Are you looking to push yourself in your career? Maybe you need a little bit of a nudge to get you going. Perhaps it’s just that spark to get you motivated. Reach out and we can find the best way for you to get involved. You can check out CHART.org for your local Regional Training Forum (RTF). They happen all over the U.S. and are typically free to attend. Or, take another step and become a member if you are not one already. From here you gain more access on our CHART.org website including the job board, Ask My Peers private online discussion group, and shared best practices from other great trainers, among many more benefits. 

Although CHART has been my choice as an organization to be a part of, this is not intended to be a shameless plug. There are many great organizations out there who would value your involvement. Do some research and find the best one for you. In fact, let me know what organizations you are a part of and why! What have they done for you? What could they do for others? 

We all know that the hospitality training world is small. It reminds me of Kevin Bacon and six degrees of separation, which is the idea that all people are six, or fewer, social connections away from each other. There are many other great hospitality trainers out there! Together we can continue to grow ourselves and the industry. Who knows, we may see each other at an RTF, a conference, or even working together some day!

Now go and do your research. Visit CHART.org and the other industry sites. And don’t forget to email me. Go and CHART your career! I look forward to hearing about it! 

Cheers!