You’re Doing What With Your Major?

 

Spotlight on UK Alumnus John Henry

Major: Art

Current Career: Sculptor

Please provide a short summary of your career path from college to present.

Went to University of Kentucky 1961-62, transferred to School of the Art Institute of Chicago graduated in 1969 with honors. 

Professor of Sculpture at University of Iowa, University of Wisconsin and University of Chicago. 

Became an International Artist by 1990 exhibiting and in collections worldwide.

Did you have a mentor? If yes, how was this helpful for you?

Several mentors – Kenneth Campbell famous stone carver, showed me how to work.  Richard Hunt taught me the professional artist regimen.  Steve Urry gave me the principles of freedom to go beyond the boundaries. 

Describe your best boss/supervisor.

My father when I worked for him as a teenager.

What do you do for networking and professional development?

Stay in touch with colleagues and clients who have become friends and supporters.  Networking is probably the most important activity which supports the career day by day.

How would you describe a successful job search strategy?

Have never looked for a job but have hired many.  Go first for a job that you know you can do successfully and then stretch out and work toward things that challenge your abilities. 

When going through the hiring process, what do you look for in a job candidate?

Straight forwardness and honesty, and of course, ability.

What career advice would you give to students and alumni?

There is no substitute for hard work and knowing everything possible about the career you intend to pursue.  Learn the language, the history, the players and the nuances of the matrix of the profession.  No matter how talented you might be don’t try to be a professional artist without having a strong foundation in art history and how the art world functions. 

Career Killers to Avoid

Career Killers to Avoid

According to a survey of top executives and hiring officials conducted by career counselor Robin Ryan and author of What To Do With The Rest Of Your Life, there are some common ways that people tend to sabotage their own careers. Ms. Ryan identified several traits, standards and characteristics that successful leaders seek in developing their workforce. Take the time this year to look closer and focus on goal setting in these strategic areas.

Not producing results or solving company problems. According to top executives, you must not only be good at what you do, but you have to be able to proactively solve company problems, get things done, and produce. When it comes to promotions or avoiding a layoff, these are critical factors. In essence, does your resume contain quantifiable statistics (i.e. #, $, %)?

Not working at a job you’re passionate about. By discovering your passion and then finding a way to work in that area, you will be not only healthier and happier, but much more successful. Life is too short to waste it on an unfulfilling job

Seeking job security. In today’s world of work, there is no such thing as job security! Each of us must not only constantly build and nurture our network, but we must also consciously develop a portfolio of marketable skills that we take from job to job. The Bureau of Labor Statistics estimates that Americans will make a job change (by choice or not) about every 3.5 years. This equates to twelve or more job or career changes during your working lifetime. What skill or talent do you possess that employers desire?

Thinking that money is everything. Through working with hundreds of career clients, it doesn’t take long to see that money does not buy happiness. Most people are willing to take a salary cut in order to obtain more job satisfaction or a better quality of life. Be cautious of chasing money only.

Waiting for employers to notice you. Too many clients timidly wait for a raise or promotion, and then are disappointed when they are overlooked. Often it takes being much more proactive. Have direct conversations with your supervisor or mentor about your career path and clearly articulate your desire for advancement or other opportunities. This may result in rewriting your job description, taking on additional responsibilities, updating your resume, and testing the job market.