Bird's Eye View

Keep Your Edge — Recap

The view is great from up here!

On November 3, 2009, the Schiff Hardin Women's Networking Group took the long view of the career horizon, from the top of the Willis Tower. Three dynamic panelists spoke in a discussion moderated by Schiff Hardin's Patty Dondanville to Schiff Hardin attorneys and their guests.

The event's panel featured:

• Caroline Ballantine, a partner with Heidrick & Struggles;
• Nancy Roberts Linder, the principal of Nancy Roberts Linder Consulting,
• Mary Lee Montague, Executive Vice President for DHR International and
• Patricia Dondanville, a partner with Schiff Hardin LLP

The panelists advised the group on key topics critical to career success at all times, but especially in challenging and uncertain economic times, including:

• Branding yourself
  Panelists urged the group to master the arts of the handshake, introductions and conversation, and emphasized the importance of valuing your colleagues, at every stage of your career.
• Networking
  Nothing is more important! Establishing an online image and using it to articulate your successes are key. Also, the panelists urged socializing both within your own industry and in a broader, more diverse group.
• Reassessing Your Career: When's the right time?
  In a word, it's ALWAYS the right time to reassess your options and consider next steps. The panelists advised staying alert to opportunities at all times.
• Advice on Changing Careers
  Panelists reminded the group that "fit" is critical to being successful in an organization (just being smart and working hard isn't enough). Go where you are valued!

Following a lively question and answer session with the panelists, participants visited the new Willis Tower Ledge at Skydeck Chicago, enjoying the view from 103 stories above the city.