In 2007, as the economy was just beginning to sputter, I took stock of my career. Just over 30, I had two Masters degrees, a resume that included the White House and several large technology companies. My personal network and leadership skills seemed impressive and my income had been going up every year. Yet, with all this, it was clear that breaking out of current income tier and moving into significant income ($200,000 was my goal) was simply not within my grasp.
So, I pondered. Should I just keep working hard and try to climb a corporate ladder somewhere? Get another professional certification? Go for my MBA? It was during this period of reflection that someone suggested I investigate something called The Aji Network.
It turns out that The Aji Network offers a Business Professional’s Course; a 2-year study of business philosophy – kind of an alternative MBA program. Graduates of that program can move into LEIP, which stands for Leadership, Entrepreneurship, Innovation, and Power. Throughout the US, they host workshops. Plus, they’re just starting a web-based version of their methodology for professional reflection and growth called Aji Space, which also gets you access to the network of professionals who are Aji students.
As a result of my professional association with Aji, I’ve established a large number of new personal relationships with successful business leaders. I don’t just exchange business cards and rub shoulders with these folks. I am in regular conversations and study groups with Senior Executives of companies whose names you’d recognize (Fortune 50) and with some of the most talented and success-oriented entrepreneurs out there. The members of Aji are all successful business people spanning a vast array of industries.
After five years of involvement, I am fully confident that I have the ability to design a career that suits me and will enable me to fulfill my ambitions. Since I established my own business along the way, I should mention that I’ve also been glad to have a network of smart, talented, and accomplished people to lean on for help and guidance as I find my entrepreneurial footing.
Today, I run my own successful technology consulting practice, advising corporations and venture capitalists on IT Risk Mitigation strategies. I have a strong professional identity befitting my role, professional accomplishments galore, and I am landing lucrative contracts from big-name clients.
Being a member of The Aji Network been a good decision for me, but you have to figure out what’s right for you. Regardless, my advice to everyone reading this is to invest in your career by being a part of powerful professional network.