Insightful Strategies for Success
Actively Managing Your Career
By Amy Hinzmann, Attorney and VP of Discovery Strategy at DiscoverReady LLC
"As a VP of Discovery Strategy at DiscoverReady, I assist our clients by designing a custom approach for each unique discovery project. DiscoverReady specializes in providing document review outsourcing and offshoring services for Fortune 500 corporate law departments. We execute projects such as first-pass e-mail and document reviews, document requests, internal investigations, or organization of documents that have been produced to our client. My role requires analytical, communication and collaborative skills that will yield practical, defensible responses to discovery requests.
A successful career requires constant management, and in my experience, this can be achieved with a few targeted strategies:
Be curious, and transform that into results.
Intellectual curiosity is the most critical factor in career success. Go beyond the surface understanding required to perform the job, and really delve deeply into the subject matter. Keep a list of new terms or topics to independently research on the internet, or to ask a senior colleague about. A thorough understanding of your field can set you apart from your peers.
Read.
I read everything I can get my hands on. Even if time is limited; use down-time to check out headlines of The Wall Street Journal or The New York Times. Industry publications are also helpful, especially if you’re starting out and still learning about your industry and its corporate “lingo.”
Take advantage of training offered by your company.
Participating in available or optional training not only enriches your expertise, it also shows your managers that you have a desire to learn, grow and take on more responsibility.
Find a mentor.
Consult a mentor about big decisions. Mentor programs are well-intentioned, but the best way to find a mentor is through a working relationship. Working with someone every day, you receive more than just advice at a monthly lunch. You observe their working style and gain first-hand knowledge of how they balance work with personal obligations. A good mentor is someone you want to emulate in many aspects, not just work. Ideally, you can cultivate a sounding board whose work, personal goals and standards match yours.
Demonstrate confidence at all times.
Demonstrating confidence is particularly critical.
Update your resume regularly.
After a big project, I always update my resume to reflect that work, especially when it differs from prior experience. It is much easier to describe achievements when they are fresh in your mind.
No matter what stage you’re at professionally, there are always opportunities for improvement and advancement. By consistently reviewing and revising your career strategies, you’ll gain the competitive edge to help you establish and maintain a high level of success in the business world."
About the Author:
In June 2008, Amy Hinzmann became VP of Discovery Strategy at DiscoverReady LLC, a leading discovery management services company which outsources document review for Fortune 500 corporate counsel. A highly skilled attorney, Hinzmann is leading and expanding DiscoverReady’s financial services practice group. Previously, Hinzmann was VP and Counsel for Merrill Lynch, Pierce, Fenner & Smith LLC.
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