WSJ [sub req] has a series of articles in the personal journal section on how to keep afloat in a turbulent job market. One of the more interesting one's I've read recently is an interview with Richard Lampman, director of H-P Labs and senior vice president of research, about the outlook for information technology.

The article itself it interesting, and focuses on some of the needs that H-P has and what it's looking for in employees, but the following point struck me, because this is something that I preach as well. Think not only of what you can do for your company with your skills and talents, but rather, what can you also do for your industry, region, town, and the world. Many employers (most) DO NOT afford their employees the means to make an impact on the world around them via the corporation, nor do they encourage it as a personal development tool. According to Richard, perhaps we should do more of both!

WSJ: What qualities are you looking for in new hires at H-P Labs?

Mr. Lampman: I'd give them two bits of advice. One is to be ambitious, and by that I don't mean in a reality-show sense. But be ambitious in your thinking about what's possible. Think about the bigger change you could make through your work. Second, keep your eye on the world. Understand what's going on in the environment… There's always the hazard of getting too internally focused … and that's a dangerous thing.