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Professional coaching - a must no matter how experienced you are

Posted by Arjun Moorthy

Nov 19, 2011 5:57:00 AM

A recent article by one of my favourite New Yorker writers, Atul Gawande, talked about the benefits of having a professional coach.  The article essentially says that no matter how senior or experienced you are in your job you can benefit from a coach, even one who might be less experienced than you.  After a few months of stumbling along in my new role of business development - a nebulous term that can mean anything from driving sales via distribution agreements, building marketing relationships or arranging for technology licensing - I decided I needed a coach as I didn't have a sales or marketing background.

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Topics: mentoring, training

Is the MBA degree worth it? A non-economic argument

Posted by Arjun Moorthy

Oct 30, 2011 8:19:00 PM

A Masters in Business Administration (MBA) degree has become quite popular in the last two decades with applications and enrollments exploding at hundreds of schools worldwide.  When awarded by a top school the degree is often seen as a reliable filter for identifying top talent and even otherwise it is seen as a way for professionals with any prior background to get a well rounded understanding of business.  Both of these are legitimate reasons to do an MBA - finding a good job and advancing up the career ladder - as well as my personal reason which was to allow flexibility in changing fields or at least provide insurance for doing so in the future.

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Topics: career path, Education

Politics at work - inevitable and not necessarily bad

Posted by Arjun Moorthy

Oct 16, 2011 6:32:00 PM

At a previous company I faced a crucial decision a couple years into my tenure.  My boss was leaving the firm and my job was being redefined by the recently appointed CEO.  As my scope of responsibilities was being dramatically changed I was faced with a question – should I go for my boss’s job or accept the fate of whatever role I settle into?  The answer proved to be my undoing and I learned the most valuable political lessons of my career here.

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Topics: career path, management

5 practical tips to negotiate better deals from a 28-year veteran

Posted by Arjun Moorthy

Oct 8, 2011 10:32:00 AM

Nearly every business school student or professional takes a negotiations course in their lifetime.  But I can’t remember the first thing from my negotiation class today and indeed I “lost” in most of the in-class negotiation exercises.  So when I was hired as VP of Infrastructure at SunGard I was apprehensive to get a job where my primary function was negotiating real estate and energy supply deals.  

Thankfully I was fortunate to have a great teacher in David Gordon, SunGard’s 15+ year real estate broker.  David taught me several principles, often saliently, about how to negotiate effectively.  I remember these better than any class and I hope they can be of assistance to you as well.

 

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Topics: first job, negotiation

Why the executive team at a company is like the NBA

Posted by Arjun Moorthy

Sep 20, 2011 6:55:00 PM

When I recently joined HubSpot as a VP I was excited for a number of reasons, particularly the chance to work with a phenomenal executive team whom I'd met during the interviews.  I knew the role would entail long hours but I did not realize exactly what kind of commitment I had signed up for then.

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Topics: career path, career advice

5 tips to better written business communications

Posted by Arjun Moorthy

Sep 10, 2011 3:11:00 PM

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Topics: feedback, presentations

8 of Steve Jobs's best quotes and why they are special to me

Posted by Arjun Moorthy

Aug 25, 2011 5:06:00 AM

With Steve Jobs stepping down as CEO from Apple, the Wall Street Journal put together some of his very best quotes.  The whole collection is beautiful - inspiring, insightful, legendary.  But there are 8 that are particularly special to me and that I hope will move you, the reader, as well.

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Topics: career path, career advice

How much salary is enough? Apparently, $75,000/year

Posted by Arjun Moorthy

Aug 17, 2011 7:12:00 PM

When I finished my undergrad degree in computer engineering in 1999 I got a job paying $54,000 a year, based in Seattle.  This seemed like way too much money for a new grad and indeed I was able to save 15-20% while living well.  My calculations at the time said if I reach that clichéd milestone of a six-figure salary I'd have more money that I would know what to do.  Well, 12 years later I've surpassed that milestone but financial bliss hasn't transpired; on the contrary I spend less time doing some things I love outside work and more time worrying about saving for the future.  How did my financial finish line move and how much salary do I need to be happy - now and for the future?

 

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Topics: career path, career advice

Choosing your career for love or to put food on the table

Posted by Arjun Moorthy

Aug 6, 2011 7:03:00 PM

Perhaps the most alarming statement an Indian-born adolescent can make to his parents is that he is going to study liberal arts at college.  "What was that son?!"  "You're not choosing from the holy triumvirate of engineering/medicine/economics?" (the last one only recently gaining popularity with the rise of investment banking but still somewhat looked upon suspiciously).  When asked why one would make such an incredulous choice the answer "it's what I love doing" is almost certain to be met with a smack upside the head.  Yet growing up in America choosing a career you love is exactly what you're taught to search for.  Which is right and when?

Ratatouille - doing what you love for a job

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Topics: career path, Education

Case interviews and the flaws of common interview techniques

Posted by Arjun Moorthy

Jul 31, 2011 5:23:00 PM

Until recently I prided myself on having a reputation as a tough job interviewer.  I've espoused the importance of design problems and case interviews (a style thoroughly ingrained in me while at BCG) as these questions cannot be completely prepared for and so I believed they truly tested the candidate.  However, when I got tripped up on a very casual case-like question at a dinner party last week, I began to wonder if this was a good method and what in fact was the best interview technique.

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Topics: first job, transitioning

Career Advice I Wish I Knew Earlier 

Hello.  I started this blog to distribute some of the best career advice I have been given over the many jobs I've had.  I've been fortunate to work for and with some great bosses like Brian Halligan, Francis DeSouzaNancy Kamei, and Rick Roberge, and some unique companies, like The Boston Consulting Group, that invest heavily in making each employee a success even after leaving the firm.

The advice and training I received here stands in contrast to my experiences with some not-so-great bosses and companies I've also worked for.  I'm continualy amazed at how valuable good advice has been in my career so I hope to pass on the good advice, and insights from mistakes I've made, via this blog. 

Thanks in advance for your comments, particularly when you can improve upon the ideas posted.

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