In short, research is the name of the game.

Building your profile starts within academia. Following this, at the start of your career as a Strategy Analyst you are immersed in research, data gathering, market, competitor and financial analysis.

Use these core skills at the start and throughout your career to understand and (re)evaluate the dynamics of the profession and current marketplace that you are engaged in. Being truly successful within the field of corporate strategy requires not looking merely looking at strategy jobs but defining your own career strategy.

Fail to plan, plan to fail.

One of the most effective ways of being identified as a key talent in your sector is to boost your visibility. So participate actively: speaking at industry event or conferences, joining professional bodies and writing or being quoted in relevant articles or journals will help raise your standing in the profession.

Networking consistently across your industry, whether directly or via social media, is a powerful way to increase your chances of being noticed. Make an effort to stay in touch with talented and well connected colleagues, while reaching out to new contacts who will be helpful in establishing your status.

Modern day corporate strategy is a truly global affair with plenty of scope to gain international exposure with your employer or at business school. Time spent abroad will raise your international profile and show you to be outward thinking as well as being personally rewarding.

The more recognisably successful you are, the more likely you will be approached. People who stand out are easier to find. Viewing yourself as successful is not sufficient; what matters is what your colleagues and competitors think. Are there enough people out there who will recommend you if asked for their opinion?

Although the cultural fit between an individual and employer will always be a vital element of the hiring decision, a prospective employer will be looking for someone with a specific set of skills and experience. This means if you are acknowledged as a specialist, you have a much better chance of being shortlisted as somebody worth approaching. So start building a distinctive and dynamic personal brand now.

Applying to a world class organisation for an opportunity via multiple channels will only show you to be ineffective and will seldom bear fruit.

The right Executive Search firm will already have established long term relationships in place in your field of activity and will understand the nuances of the profession.

When selecting an Executive Search firm consider:

• Working with an Executive Search firm that is a specialist in the field. This will increase your understanding of the profession, marketplace and relevant opportunities. It will also readily assist with your career planning strategy. Ensure you make full use of your recruiter’s knowledge and accept mentoring. While we all like to think that we are different, the reality is that there will be more than just one person who can fulfil a role successfully. The ability to accept coaching or advice – and investing time and effort to communicate differentiation – will be invaluable.
• Focus on the relationship and not the transaction. The biggest mistake is to believe that working with an Executive Search firm is a discrete transaction that does not require relationship development. Time invested yields superior results. It may be a case of “I don’t need help at the moment”. However, nearly everyone returns to the job market at some point and those who have taken the time to engage beforehand discover they can call on greater resources and benefit accordingly. Even if you are not actively searching, feel free to refer someone who may be. This will not be forgotten.
• Using the search firm for your own strategy recruitment. One of the simplest ways of developing a relationship with an Executive Search firm is actually to use them to recruit for you in your present role. The strongest relationships are those that are truly beneficial to both parties.