The P-I-E approach to career success

Your success in your study or current employment lays the foundation for future growth and progression. A future employer will look for a track record on which you can build. One way to develop this is to focus on your P-I-E – Performance, Image, Exposure.

Performance

• What gets you noticed (e.g. in your CV or a job application), and what builds your professional reputation.

• Is the most common thing for which you will be compared, e.g. in a promotion process.

• Signals your ability to take on more or different responsibilities.

• Must grow with you – the bar is always being raised as you progress.

Image

• Your ‘personal brand’ – how others perceive you.

• It’s the message you send before you speak, whether you intend to or not. Your image should say “I’m ready”.

• Includes how you dress, your confidence, and your demeanour – practice meeting people.

• Develops early in your career. Every interaction counts – try to make them positive.

Exposure

• How others know about your good performance.

• Be visible to those who can support you in progressing your career.

• Can be influenced by a network of employers, colleagues, champions and other contacts.

• Allows you to engage outside your immediate network, and have a greater professional impact.

• Can be good or bad – explore your opportunities and make choices that align with your values and career goals.

Read more:

• Becoming Your Best Self Through Performance, Image, and Exposure, LinkedIn