Robert Stephens

1. ROBERT STEPHENS, MNM
DIRECTOR OF ADMISSIONS
BAYLOR COLLEGE OF MEDICINE
GRADUATE SCHOOL OF BIOMEDICAL SCIENCES
Should I Stay or Should I Go?
Making the right career and job choices for you!

2. CAREER EXPERIENCE
• 15 years of experience in higher education.
• 10 years of experience with graduate students.
• Experience with nonprofit, for-profit, undergraduate,
graduate, private, and public institutions.
• Everyone’s experience/situation will be different.
Let’s make this interactive!

3. OVERVIEW
• Discussion questions
• Labor statistics
• Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs/Motivation
• Marketing yourself
• Avoiding mistakes
• Factors to consider when making a job change
• Relocation

4. HOW MOST OF US FEEL ABOUT
APPLYING FOR A NEW JOB!

5. DISCUSSION QUESTIONS
• How many years of experience do you have?
• In the same position?
• Who is looking to change jobs in the next 5
years?
• What concerns you the most when thinking
about switching jobs?

6. LABOR STATISTICS
• 21% of full time employees want to change jobs (largest
increase since 2008)
• Today, the average person changes jobs between 10-
15 times (average is 12) during their career
• As of 2016, U.S. workers have been in their current job
for a median of 4.2 years. Up from 3.7 years in 2002.
• Age Matters:
• 5.1 Years for those aged 25
• 7.9 Years for those aged 45-54
• 10 Years for those 55 and over
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics

7. WHAT DO THESE STATS MEAN?
• Concerning numbers for those seeking a job change
• Overall workforce enjoys job security
• More people in the workforce & less jobs available
• Issues with succession planning
• Systemic issue in higher education

8. MASLOW’S HIERARCHY OF NEEDS

9. MOTIVATIONS
• Younger workers typically are looking to satisfy the
lower end of the hierarchy: Basic needs, security.
• Adequate wages, stable income, benefits
• As we age, workers are typically looking to satisfy the
upper end of the hierarchy: social, esteem, and most
importantly self-actualization
• Respect, recognition, integrity, promotion

10. DON’T BECOME THIS GUY!

11. MARKETING YOURSELF
• Network/Professional development
• Conferences, workshops, & on campus
opportunities through HR
• Learn as much as you can about the industry
• Volunteer for committees
• Find a mentor
• Constantly update your resume & LinkedIn profiles

12. JOB CHANGING MISTAKES TO
AVOID
• Not having a plan
• Because you hate the current one
• Money/benefits
• The success of others
• Without having self reflection/conducting pros/cons

13. INTERVIEW PREP
• Research the company’s website.
• Study the job description thoroughly.
• Anticipate questions the potential employer may ask.
• Highlight your skillsets/abilities.
• Ask the right questions as a potential employee:
• Why did the previous person leave?
• How do you measure success in this position?
• How does this position fit into the mission of the
organization?

14. ACTIVITY
Work in groups to come up with a
variety of interview questions you would
ask as a prospective employee?

15. FACTORS TO CONSIDER WHEN
MAKING A JOB CHANGE
• What is it about my current job that isn’t working?
• What are the long term opportunities with the new job?
• Will the new job ignite my passion?
• Is the new job financially stable?
• What are the potential learning curves/struggles I may
face?
• Will this job move me one step closer to my ultimate
goals?

16. RELOCATION
• Research cities/states before applying. Know what
you are getting yourself into!
• Cost of Living
• Quality of Life
• Schools/Family
• Be prepared to answer interview questions about the
city the potential job is located.
• Write pros/cons (conduct a SWOT if necessary) if
offered position.
• Use your support system and mentors to help make a
decision.

17. SUMMARY
• Deciding to make a career or job change is not an easy
decision!
• Proceed with caution!
• Get involved!
• Fit should be mutual between yourself and new employer.
• Use your resources!
• Be Prepared!
• Don’t be afraid to take a risk….Especially if it feels right!
• Most Importantly…..Good Luck!!!!

18. THANK YOU!
Robert Stephens
Director of Admissions
Baylor College of Medicine
Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences
robert.stephens@bcm.edu