Even in these mean and lean times, when we may be forced to take on whatever work comes our way, most of us still want our work to be about more than just a paycheck. Catching up with an old classmate this week, I was inspired by the way she reinvented herself and found work that is both meaningful and fulfilling. Today, Wendy is the Sr. Executive Admin to the Research Department for a medical device company in Sunnyvale which develops medical technology and services for those who treat cardiac, neurological and chronic pain patients. She supports the Vice President of Research and his staff, setting up lyceums of visiting cardiologists. Wendy enjoys the excitement of learning about cutting-edge medical technology and knowing that she is doing her part to help others who need these devices to live healthy, productive lives.

Twenty years ago, Wendy had no idea this is where she would end up. Here’s what I call Wendy’s formula for change:

1. Be resourceful-While raising her son, Wendy felt that an administrative job would be an improvement over waiting tables. Unfortunately, she didn’t have the time or money to go to school to learn the programs she would need to use in an office setting. She didn’t even have a computer. So she borrowed friends’ computers and taught herself the programs in her spare time. Then she started applying for temp jobs where she continued to learn on the job. Don’t let perceived obstacles stand in your way.

2. Be a life-long learner-Although getting into the company didn’t require previous medical experience, Wendy wouldn’t be where she is today without some continuing education (she took classes in Bradycardia and Tachycardia) and reading medical journals on a regular basis. Take advantage of your employer’s education reimbursement programs and read industry periodicals whenever you can.

3. Be aware of emerging trends-As many jobs are being eliminated, waves of new jobs will emerge, including jobs like Wendy’s, because baby boomers are aging and technology is advancing. “Someone has to support the inventors and the cardiologists and the MDs who create these devices,” she says. Look for jobs in emerging markets rather than in sectors that will be obsolete within a few years.

4. Be willing to test the waters-After temping in various industries, Wendy was hired as a temporary buyer/planner for the medical device company. She found herself “surrounded by dedicated, happy coworkers and soon started to feel a similar sense of success and dedication.” Through the years she temped for them in a variety of departments and was finally promoted to her current post, which she feels is more exciting than admin work in other fields. The path to your dream job may not be clear-cut, but as you try different things you learn and grow and will discover what makes you happy.

We recently met with Career Coach, Graham Caulfield, to bounce some questions off of him about job searching. Caulfield has worked for companies including Zig Ziglar, Honeywell, Telstra, NEC and Philips in sales and marketing and finds great satisfaction in helping people to obtain their Dream Jobs.

HDJ-What kinds of services does a career coach offer?

Graham- Just a few of the benefits you could experience by working with a career coach include:

1. Expediting the process of determining your new career direction.
2. Helping you with a systematic approach to finding your career fit.
3. Giving you feedback and guidance from someone who has helped hundreds make career changes.

In this economy, old ways of job searching will delay your employment. Responding to Newspaper and Internet ads as your only means of searching will almost guarantee extended unemployment. But a skilled career coach can help you to develop targeted job search tools (like your professional resume), hone your skills for marketing yourself to employers, and design a strategic game plan for finding your next job.

HDJ- How else can these services help someone who is job searching?

Graham- They offer jobseekers the chance to learn how to use all of the tools at their disposal. It provides them with an understanding of how to use their time and resources to the greatest advantage. Career coaches help by listening, providing feedback, and asking powerful questions to improve the job seeker’s ability to market and sell themselves in the job market.

They can coach you on how to answer interview questions most strategically. It’s not always the most qualified person who gets the position-sometimes the person who communicates the most persuasively will get the job.

HDJ- What strategies might benefit someone searching for a job in the healthcare field?

Graham- A good career coach is going help a job seeker identify their unique selling points. With so many applicants in the Healthcare industry having similar qualifications, it is important to communicate exactly what it is that “sets you apart”. It’s not enough to assume that it’s obvious or that everyone will recognize your talents.

HDJ- Do you recommend networking? Why or why not?

Graham- Yes, absolutely. It’s not who you know, but who knows you. Job seekers should become a member of a networking group or two to meet new people and establish a presence in a supportive environment. Sharing ideas leads to exposure and opportunities for everyone.

Usually networking contacts won’t be potential employers. They will be people who know about potential employment. If one discovers that a contact is a potential employer, they should take off their networking hat and pursue employment.

Effective networking also includes being involved on social and professional networking sites such as LinkedIn and Twitter.

HDJ- What is a common job searching mistake that you see?

Graham-That’s any easy one! People don’t read the advertisement and job description carefully. Read it 324 times, then read it again. Also, analyze and use those key words from the ad and job description to ensure that your résumé matches the employer requirements.

HDJ- Thank you Graham! Follow Graham on Twitter.