Self-assessment is essential to be aware of your growth and what you can improve on. Ask yourself, how far have you pushed yourself professionally in the last ten years? What do you see yourself achieving in the next? Professional development is crucial in this fast-paced environment. Evolving technology, client demand, and pressure for shorter deadlines mean constant improvement. AESC is here to help—whether you're brand new to the executive search and leadership consulting profession or you're looking to broaden your portfolio of skills. Here we’ll outline which program might be right for you. Ready to cross something off your goals list? How do I choose the right program for me? Here are five things to consider before choosing the right program for your needs. 1. Tenure & Role Consider your role in the profession and your current needs. The Advanced Certificate in Executive Talent Consulting from AESC and Cornell's ILR School focuses on human capital strategy, leadership, and business. The program is for individuals who have a solid foundation in executive search and leadership consulting and prior experience. Consultants and advisors could also consider the Certificate in Client Relationship Development if building a client network and maintaining relationships are a priority. If you’ve recently joined [...]

AESC is the global association for executive search firms that meet rigorous standards.  Identifying, attracting and placing executive talent is no simple task. It requires a complex suite of skills, years of expertise and carefully curated networks. Executive search firms specialize in these particular competencies, providing organizations with leadership consulting and top-tier placements in the C-suite and at the board level. Although most executive search firms follow similar processes and many have deep industry or functional knowledge, not all firms share a commitment to quality standards and ethics.   The Association of Executive Search and Leadership Consultants (AESC) was created to differentiate leaders in global executive search and leadership advisory solutions who adhere to a predetermined set of quality and ethical standards. Today, AESC is the global membership association for executive search firms that meet the highest quality standards in the executive talent industry.   Who Are AESC Members?  AESC Members are executive search firms that have undergone the rigorous membership application process and all employees, including consultants, partners, researchers, associates, admin, etc., become members of AESC. Member firms range in size from large global firms with multiple offices and thousands of employees to regional and boutique firms with single offices.   Although [...]

TCS Insights' Simon Townsend discusses the impact of evolving technology on our profession. Technological advances have forever altered the executive search process, helping talent specialists more effectively source talent, interface with clients and improve overall productivity. As we look forward to the next decade, we can only expect further evolution as AI and machine learning grow in prominence. With such an abundance of opportunity comes the issue of increased cybersecurity risks.  Simon Townsend, Director and Co-Founder of TCS Insights, explores these technological opportunities and risks for our profession in a conversation with AESC ahead of his panel discussion at the Australia Forum on Feb. 10. 1. Technology has evolved greatly over the last decade. In what ways do you feel technology has changed the search process in recent years? With so much information now available, we’re often able to paint a detailed picture of a potential candidate, particularly in areas such as tech, where examples of work can be shared and reviewed. The use of machine learning in algorithm design is making great strides in identifying and connecting multiple data sources and providing holistic profiles with contact information. While technology has, in many ways, made it easier to find people online, [...]

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Selecting the right executive search firm is a critical business decision with far-reaching implications. The search firm you choose to find and place your organization’s highest-ranking positions, including C-suite and Board Directors, impacts your company’s culture, strategy and business success.    Because the executive search firm plays such a vital role in your organization’s future, you must choose wisely. AESC’s three-year benchmark client survey asked more than 1,000 executives from around the world, “What are the most important factors when selecting an executive search firm?” The answers to this question should help other organizations navigate the executive search firm selection process.   The most important factors when choosing an executive search firm according to executives are:  1. Consultant’s Industry/Functional Knowledge  Respondents overwhelmingly indicated that the consultant’s industry and/or functional knowledge are of utmost importance. Fifty-six percent expressed that the individual they are working with directly should have a strong background in the specific area of the search.   For instance, if you are looking for a consultant with deep experience in the healthcare space, they should have the resources to back it up.  A top consultant has references to demonstrate their specific area or areas of expertise.   When interviewing firms, find out which [...]