For the mid career professional, career and job changes have increasingly become a way of life. The Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that over the past 25 years, Baby Boomers have held an average of 10.5 jobs. That's moving to a new position every 2.5 years! The impact to work/life balance, skills development, managing change and transition is significant. So what does this mean for the mid career professional, in terms of developing and preparing for this shift in job/career management?

We are seeing this seismic shift to more knowledge based vs. skills based workers. Today, your skills and experiences are simply a point of entry. It is the knowledge of your industry and emerging trends, integrated with your skills, that will be the lever which "makes you interesting" in the eyes of a potential employer. Your approach to obtaining a new position has to change from, "look at what I've done" to "look at what I can contribute based on what I know".

To begin your future as a knowledge worker, what actions can you take to build/enhance your knowledge of your current position, trends in your industry, even your company's competitiveness? Where could you obtain more information? Who could you contact to gain additional insights?

Here are some suggestions where you can take action, immediately!

• Check local library resources for industry and job related information and trends
• Conduct informational interviews with marketing strategy, operations heads and key leaders in your company
• Check out magazines relevant to your business/industry online, at the library or on the newsstands
• Join associations who provide thought leadership for your area of interest/industry (ask for "leads" during your information interviews)

Now that you have some suggestions and resources to gather knowledge, how will you use your newly acquired data? Knowledge, until you use it, is just a set of interesting facts and trivia. How can you make it useful and create more value for both you and your company? Who could you share this knowledge with?

Some considerations:

• Participate in or start an online blog that discusses your area of interest/industry
• Present your knowledge at conferences, association meetings, network meetings

Your existing or new career development plan is a great way to identify, track your progress and it will support you in increasing your earning potential as a valued knowledge worker!

Once again...knowledge is power...

About the Author

Chris Makell is your career development expert, coach, consultant and author dedicated to the professional development of mid career professionals and women executives. When you visit http://aspirecareerservices.com/ and subscribe to Aspirations Career Journal for actionable tips and techniques, you'll receive "Telling Your Story Thru Resumes" e-book free.