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Navigating your career in your 30s, 40s, and 50s presents unique challenges and opportunities. For many professionals, these decades are a time of reassessment and growth, often marked by a desire for advancement, career change, or developing new skills to stay competitive in a rapidly evolving marketplace. However, knowing how to pivot or take the next step can be daunting, particularly when balancing personal commitments or navigating industries undergoing constant transformation.

Whether you're looking to accelerate your career progression, explore a new field, or improve your leadership abilities, mid-career professionals face specific hurdles. Competition in the job market is fierce, especially for senior-level positions. Career transitions can feel risky, and staying ahead in a globalised economy often means adapting to new technologies and working across international borders. Interviews, once routine, can become more challenging when competing for higher-level roles, and becoming a more effective leader is essential to not only personal success but also to the success of your team and organisation.

Understanding these demands, Cranfield has partnered with AlumniExtra to offer a , designed to address the unique needs of mid-career professionals. This resource provides alumni with free access to a wealth of expert advice on key areas of career growth and personal development.

Here’s how the webinars can support you in overcoming mid-career challenges and achieving your career goals:

Job hunting

For many in their 30s, 40s, and 50s, finding the right next step in a career requires more than just scanning job boards. Crafting a compelling personal brand, standing out in a competitive job market, and effectively marketing your skills are crucial. The webinars on job hunting offer practical strategies on how to present yourself, from writing a CV that resonates with top employers to utilising networking effectively. These sessions can help you develop a job search plan that reflects your skills, experience, and career aspirations.

Career transitions  

Changing careers mid-way through life can feel overwhelming, whether you're shifting industries or transitioning into a new type of role. The webinars on career transitions offer valuable insights into making these shifts more smoothly. With expert advice on identifying transferable skills, overcoming fears of the unknown, and strategically positioning yourself for a new career, you’ll feel more confident in taking that leap.

Interview techniques  

As you move into more senior roles, interviews become less about proving basic competence and more about demonstrating leadership potential, strategic thinking, and cultural fit. The interview techniques webinars help you refine your ability to handle complex interview questions, convey your leadership abilities, and leave a lasting impression on hiring managers. Whether you’re seeking a promotion or a new role, mastering this skill is essential to advancing your career.

Navigating international and portfolio careers  

For those looking to broaden their career horizons, working internationally or developing a portfolio career can offer exciting possibilities. However, both paths come with their own challenges, from managing cross-cultural communication to juggling multiple roles. The webinars in this area provide insights on how to successfully manage international careers or portfolio work, offering strategies to thrive in these diverse career landscapes.

Enhancing your leadership skills  

As a mid-career professional, advancing into leadership or improving your current leadership abilities is likely to be a priority. These webinars focus on helping you become a better boss, fostering team performance, and leading with confidence. Whether you’re stepping into a management role for the first time or refining your existing leadership style, these sessions offer the tools to improve your impact and effectiveness as a leader.

About AlumniExtra career webinars

This comprehensive webinar series is led by some of the world’s leading experts in career and personal development, including Professor Herminia Ibarra, Daniel Porot, Steve Dalton (author of ‘The 2-Hour Job Search’), Professor Jeffrey Pfeffer, and Dorie Clark, among others. Plus, as well as on-demand webinars the career series also includes the opportunity to attend live webinars.

With more than 15,000 alumni and students already taking advantage of this resource, you can join them in shaping the next stage of your career.