I've been pondering about career advice lately. What would an older and wiser me say to this young student 19 years ago?
Work with the right people
Yes, the company, their vision, values and your tasks are important, but don't forget your future colleagues.
Work with people you can learn and grow from. You adopt the thoughts, attitudes and standards of the people around you.
Working with the right people is one of the best educations you can get.
The team you choose to join, and your boss, are huge factors in the value of a professional experience early in your career.
Simply do the basics well
Take initiative. Take ownership. Do what you say you will do. Be the one that people can count on to show up and figure things out. Ask questions. Get along with people. Do more than you are asked.
Care about your colleagues. Be humble. Listen to understand. Be on time. Be proactive in seeking new information, knowledge, and skills. Being willing to change things.
These basic things stand out. It's character. It's the result of your little choices and little actions, and they are completely under your control.
And I believe they will help unlock your potential.
Add communication and non-sales selling into your mixture
In addition to whatever your professional skill is, add communication, either written or verbal, into your mixture.
Learn how to formulate and tell clear, concise narratives. Good stories beat good spreadsheets.
Also learn yourself non-sales selling. You sell ideas, a vision, a strategy, a solution, even yourself.
These are skills for life that will be valuable in any role.
Find something to hold on to
You will face uncertainty, changes, and chaos. For me, having a set of personal values to hold onto has been a savior. A compass.
What's most important to you?
When you face situations where you have no idea what to do, hold on to your values and use them to guide your next steps.
Don't stress. It took me years to figure this out.
Take care of yourself
Breathe. Take care of yourself today, mentally and physically. Take rest seriously. It plants the seeds for a healthier, happier life decades later.
Follow your energy. When you have energy for something, go for it.
Find a balance between things that give you energy and things that drain you of energy.
Reflect and write down the things that stress you out and the things that make you happy.
Use your colleagues, they are here for you.
What's your career advice?
