Wednesday, February 6, 2008

Good Counsel

When the headhunter calls and dangles a great new job possibility, or other career questions present themselves, many people turn to their spouse or significant other for guidance, according to a recent survey for Accountemps. Others look to their mentor for advice.

For instance, Marc R. Engel, an employment litigation lawyer with Lerch, Early & Brewer, depends on a couple of people for insights. First on his list is his uncle, who's a nationally known tort lawyer. "He's been my confidant and mentor going all the way back to law school," Engel said.

He also leans on two law firm consultants, Marcia Shannon and Susan Manch, who have assisted him on everything from r¿sum¿ writing to strategizing on "ambitions and abilities."

Accountemps found that 46 percent of the 150 senior executives surveyed say they turn first to their spouse or partner, 41 percent seek out their mentor first and 4 percent talk with other family members.

And yes, Engel also goes to his non-lawyer wife, although, he said, she doesn't have the legal expertise of his other counselors. "She's got great instincts for people," he said.

-- Vickie Elmer