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Reflecting on my short-lived career as a 7th-grade science teacher, I've become a champion of the unicellular Paramecium as a role model for job seekers and career changers. Amoebas and paramecium, members of the Protista kingdom captured my imagination more than 10 years ago; their image has informed my conversations with clients ever since.

Let's consider why these animalcules, a living organism of the lowest order, may serve as a role model for the "wise humans" of the mammalian species?

*The organisms are tenacious in their movement through a watery environment; tenacity is a required characteristic of successful job seekers and career changers in all industries and at all levels.

*Paramecium and their cousins, the amoeba, avoid obstacles with their tiny cilia, and move in what appears to be a purposeful direction. Those who are in transition use their presentation skills to navigate a defined path toward their goals.

*Most importantly, these critters are constantly taking in new material that enable them to grow, feeding their large nucleus, which in-turn receives instructions from the micro-nuclei that are part of this single-cell organism. This macronucleus is like a "brand:" it is sustained by accomplishments, interests, and abilities.

A successful job seeker or career changer can emulate the behavior of the paramecium in this way: constantly and vigorously take-in new information, reach-out to others, ask for feedback, respond to clues, read voraciously. Unlike the members of the Protist kingdom, the Homo sapiens can develop and grow beyond his environment, indeed becoming a "knowing human."
 
Karen P. Katz is a career strategist who offers career change and success strategies to executives and professionals. With more than 10 years Human Resources experience with Fortune 200 companies, a successful stint as an Educational Consultant and Sales Manager, and 10 years as teacher, trainer, and career counselor in corporate outplacement and academia, Karen proposes practical solutions to career challenges.

The Career Acceleration Network (CAN) is the channel through with Karen implements cutting edge strategies that effectively empower clients to take control of their long-term career goals. A proponent of lifelong learning, Karen has earned industry certification as a Credential Career Manager; she was awarded a Master's in Adult Learning & Organizational Development in 2005. Contact Karen at CareerAcceleration.net.