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The Career Catalyst: A Professional Development Blog

Being an Effective Collaborator in the Hybrid Environment

Posted by Ryan Jacobson on Jun 27, 2023 12:29:50 PM

More than three years into the pandemic, it’s evident hybrid and fully remote environments are here to stay. However, effective collaboration and teamwork look a little different in the virtual world than they did in the pre-2020 office environment. Stopping by someone’s office or workspace for a question, having informal hallway conversations and making small talk in the breakroom are less possible when individuals are working from different locations. Today, it’s important to be intentional about how you’re building relationships and trust with teammates, while also being respectful of different work schedules and preferences. 

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Topics: Work-At-Home

Tips for Starting Your First Job: Insights from the Experts

Posted by The Jacobson Group on May 25, 2021 1:01:18 PM

As the school year ends, many new grads are starting their first professional positions. While internships and coursework have built a foundation for the professional world, there can be a steep learning curve for corporate culture and in-office best practices. We asked some of our recruiting leaders for their advice and tips to be prepared and put your best foot forward as you embark on your first role in insurance. Here’s what they had to say:

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Topics: Work-At-Home, Company Culture, Professionalism

Lights, Camera, Action! Putting Your Best Virtual Foot Forward

Posted by The Jacobson Group on Nov 30, 2020 4:20:00 PM

Welcome to the Age of Zoom! It’s likely your day now includes at least one – if not back-to-back – video calls. The use of Zoom has increased more than any other brand during the pandemic. In this new way of doing business, the ability to make a virtual impression and build relationships through a screen is an increasingly valuable art and a skill to be cultivated.

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Topics: Professional Development, Work-At-Home

Building Effective Mentoring Relationships

Posted by Phokham O'Connor and Nikki St.Martin on Oct 27, 2020 9:11:18 AM

Mentorships can play a valuable role in all stages of your professional journey. Whether these relationships are developed through formal programs or more casual arrangements, gaining insight and perspective from mentors who excel in certain areas, have navigated similar situations or have overcome comparable challenges is invaluable. Mentorships can provide you with the clarity and confidence you need to make pivotal career decisions, take on new responsibilities or build key skills.

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Topics: Professional Development, Work-At-Home, Mentorship

Maintaining Effective Communication When Working Remotely

Posted by Gillian Gryz on Apr 30, 2020 9:34:00 AM

At this point, most professionals have worked from home for many weeks and are settling into the rhythm of their new work days. Organizations that didn’t previously have remote work programs in place have quickly adapted to effectively function in the new business climate. Working from home is becoming routine and the employee-manager relationship is evolving, along with team dynamics. As it becomes more likely remote work arrangements will extend through the summer months, it’s important to take a step back and evaluate how to be most productive and effective in this new reality.

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Topics: Culture, Work-At-Home

Putting Your Best Foot Forward During Virtual Interviews

Posted by Diana Shay Milazzo on Apr 16, 2020 10:58:56 AM

In the current business climate, the majority of insurers have closed their physical offices and their employees are working remotely. This is impacting relatively all facets of business including recruiting and hiring processes. Candidates must now be able to interview for roles and even be comfortable accepting offers without meeting hiring managers or other prospective colleagues in person.

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Topics: Work-At-Home

Best Practices for Working from Home

Posted by Karen Aiello on Mar 18, 2020 10:04:00 AM

Most businesses have asked their employees to start working from home during the past week. As someone who works remotely on a full-time basis and oversees our own temporary employees at The Jacobson Group (many of them remote workers), I wanted to share a few best practices for effectively working at home. Whether you already telecommute on a regular basis, or if current circumstances have led you to self-isolate within a home office, here are a few tips for staying productive:

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Topics: Work-At-Home