Assumption High School Class of 1977. "Happiness at Work" by Chi Montano-Modugno.

	Chi Montano-Modugno graduated from Assumption High School in 1977. In 1983, she graduated from the University of the Philippines majoring in B.S. Tourism Management, and in 1986 from the British Columbia Institute of Technology (Vancouver) majoring in Computer Systems Technology. In 1990, she received her MBA in International Marketing & Finance from the Loyola Marymount University (L.A., California). Chi currently works for The Document Company Xerox where as Subject Matter Expert of the U.S. Sales & Marketing data base, she manages cross-functional systems enhancements and implementations, training, and transitions to web-based applications. As a board member of The Women's Alliance of Xerox, she launched (in 1995) and continues to edit a quarterly newsletter for the upstate NY chapter. It focuses on career, personal, community, and diversity issues. Chi also works in coalition with other networks like the Hispanic, Black, and Gay-Lesbian Associations. Chi is married to Joe Modugno, and apart from being the Career Adviser for the Assumption HS 1977 webpage, Chi is also our tireless Literary Editor.
"HAPPINESS AT WORK" by Chi Montano-Modugno
Position Yourself So Your Next Job Finds You As an active member of my company's women's network, I recently helped organize a seminar called "Marketing Yourself: Strategies for Success." The two-hour presentation was an invaluable experience for the attendees and me who learned more about developing a career. Presenters were female managers who had achieved a level of personal, professional, and community success and recognition because of their pro-active approach to their lives. The presenters highlighted five key strategies to marketing yourself: 1. Assess your skills and values. What are you good at? What do you need or want to be good at? For skills you lack, find opportunities to strengthen them in "volunteer" groups beyond your current job description. These could be cross-functional, task force, or quality improvement teams that focus on problem-solving, finding synergies, productivity enhancers, or other similar initiatives. New skills will be learned, and increased exposure to other decision makers can also be a benefit. Know your values and beliefs, and strive to work in an organization which supports these. 2. Build a portfolio. Package your resume and cover letter along with examples of your work and commendation letters. Express yourself through the design, and package for impact. Focus on key messages. One suggestion: refer to key management attributes, and select those expressing your identity. Create a portfolio around it. 3. Prepare an "elevator speech. The world today lives by sound bytes. Learn to verbally summarize your history in a succinct manner (a two-minute memorized speech), so if you get stuck in an elevator with your CEO, he or she will remember who you are. Include three strengths, one "weakness" (that can be construed as a positive -- for example, "I work too hard"), management style, career history, and career goals. Be current on the state and trends of your specialty. Also, understand and utilize internal corporate concepts such as "line driven" and "market connected." 4. Network. While "who you know" is important, "who knows you" is even more crucial. While looking at the available job postings regularly is wise, be aware that many jobs are "not posted." Market yourself so your next job finds you. Schedule exploratory interviews to learn more about your organization. These information-seeking meetings with managers in other areas are non-threatening to either party and are very accepted in many corporate cultures. 5. During a Job Interview: Relate the position you're striving for to your skills and accomplishments -- even non-business accomplishments. Ask a question in order to get a chance to recite part of your elevator speech. _________ Spring, 1999