How to Be a Workplace Strategist

Workplace strategists meet with corporate bigwigs to devise plans.

Every company has a vision, objectives and a general idea of how to meet their desired organizational goals. However, not every business owner knows how, specifically, to move the company forward, analyze risks and map out the road to success. A workplace strategist is someone who is responsible for helping companies develop strategies that will render them competitive and profitable. To become a workplace strategist, you must have the appropriate background education and experience, especially if your goal is to work for major corporations.

Instructions

1. Get a four-year degree and a graduate degree in business, such as business management or business administration. Companies look for an educational background in business when hiring a workplace strategist because such degrees signify that you have the formal grooming for the business world. When acquiring a four-year or graduate degree in business, you will have to take courses in organizational strategy, risk management, business finance, organizational psychology, business management and various other business-related courses that prepare you for real-life work in a business workplace.

2. Work, intern or volunteer in the business sector of a company. Gain professional experience with developing strategies related to the business and the workforce, such as project strategies, organizational changes, financial strategies and risk management strategies. Familiarize yourself with strategic tools, such as SWOT analysis, which analyzes company strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats.

3. Start your own business as a workplace strategic consultant. A consultant is someone hired by a company for specific temporary projects, such as to help negotiate the company through downsizing, merging or globalizing. Your role in such a project is to work with the company to help them navigate through the obstacles and come up with a strategy for ensuring their success along the way.

4. Work your way up internally. If you start out at a company doing one type of job, but realize that a workplace strategist position is more desirable for you, then demonstrate your commitment to the company by offering strategic advice, participating with strategic planning committees and involving yourself -- however possible -- in company decision-making efforts. Voice your desire for a workplace strategist position to your supervisor or manager, so that she may arrange a special position for you or help you achieve your goal.

5. Maintain a current list of all the strategic projects of which you have been a part. To be a workplace strategist, you must be able to show others what you can do. Keep tally of your accomplishments and achievements as a strategist, such as if you've worked with multi-million-dollar companies or if you helped a company go global or national.

Tips & Warnings

• Find a mentor who holds a workplace strategist position who can help you prepare for the world of business strategy.

References

• Steele Foundation: Workplace Strategies