You can and should continue to learn after leaving school. I made the mistake of focusing a little too much on my chosen field, programming, so when I decided to shift my career into entrepreneurship it was a steep hill to climb to upskill myself in all of the little things you need to know to run a business. I had to take classes on sales, operations, marketing, etc., things that realistically I should have at least gotten some basic grounding in with courses from Coursera and the like over the time I was focusing on my career. You can always upskill yourself and you should look for ways to make yourself more well rounded to give yourself more options down the line.
I wish I understood fresh out of school the importance of doing things that scare you. Many recent grads are too focused on finding a "safe" job or staying in their comfort zone, but taking risks and pushing yourself outside your boundaries leads to career growth. I jumpstarted my career by taking on challenging cases that I initially doubted myself to handle, from a Prosecutor to building my law firm. Today, I advise recent grads to seek out opportunities that may seem daunting at first but will ultimately help them develop new skills and broaden their horizons. As my favorite quote goes, "Life begins at the end of your comfort zone." So don't be afraid to take risks and embrace challenges - it will lead you to a fulfilling and successful career path.
I wish someone had let me know that you should invest time in confirming what you are good at doing. Let that drive your career path instead of focusing on a particular role that, in today's world, may quickly evolve or become obsolete. Growth is important, so certainly explore options and opportunities early in your career, but once you are an expert in your skill set it's much easier to pivot to different roles and settings down the road.
One aspect of career building I wish I had been more aware of straight out of school is the importance of personal branding and online presence. At the time, I saw these as secondary to my real-world interactions and hard skills. However, in today’s digital age, how you present yourself online can significantly influence your career opportunities. My advice to recent graduates is to intentionally cultivate your personal brand across professional networks like LinkedIn and industry-specific forums. Share your experiences, contribute to discussions, and showcase your achievements and skills. Remember, your online persona can serve as a powerful tool in networking, job hunting, and establishing yourself as a knowledgeable individual in your field. At Simply Noted, we've leveraged our team’s personal branding to enhance our company's reputation and attract collaborations, proving the undeniable value of a strong and authentic online presence.
One specific thing I wish I knew about building a career when I just got out of school is that career growth directly correlates to the value you offer. Meaning that just because you're out of school, your learning doesn't stop...at least if you want to continue to grow your career. Continue to read, listen to podcast, go to seminars, or find a coach that can help you to continue to gain knowledge and how to use that knowledge and you will watch your career launch to incredible depths.
The one thing I wish I had known when I was just out of school is not to worry if you don't know what your ideal career is. A career journey is a lifelong journey, and with every experience, you learn more about yourself. It's not a failure if a job isn't for you; it's simply a growth learning opportunity that takes you one step closer to figuring out your true passions. Education is never wasted; even if your degree isn't your true vocational calling, it will become part of your knowledge toolbox that will add depth and meaning to the work you end up doing.
Many of my career coaching clients feel like they let their careers get shaped by default instead of directing their own careers. When you are presented with an opportunity, consider, does it really align with your goals? Do you have a good understanding of your goals? Knowing your career "north star" will guide you and keep you on track as you make various decisions throughout your career.
Reflecting on my early career, one thing I wish I understood better was the importance of taking ownership of my career path from day one. Initially, I believed my manager and the company were primarily responsible for my career development. This misconception led me to focus solely on excelling at my current tasks, without considering where my career was headed or what I truly wanted. A pivotal moment came a year into my job, during an internal reorganization. I chose to switch teams based on friendships rather than career growth. This decision, though it seemed right at the time, later felt like a setback. I realized I missed an opportunity to advance in project management, which was more aligned with my experience and interests. My advice to recent graduates is to start thinking long-term about your career. Regularly ask yourself what you want to achieve and whether your current role aligns with those goals. Identify skills you need to develop and seek opportunities that will bridge those gaps. Remember, it's not about planning every detail of your career, but about being intentional with your choices and seeking guidance when needed.
There is no such thing as a step backwards in your career. Many of you are going to be tempted to change careers when your first option out of college doesn't work out or is not what you thought it would be. Many people, unfortunately, avoid taking the step to change their career because they feel like it is a step backwards or puts them behind but in my experience this is all a matter of perspective. There are no jobs out there where you cannot take the experience form them and apply them to a different job, even if it is something totally different than what you started with. Feel free to hop around until you find something that works for you - you are always going to be building experience and expertise.
Hi, my name is Uku Tomikas, and I'm the CEO of Messente. Our messaging company's mission is to make global messaging easier, safer, and more scalable for businesses. When I was just out of grad school, I wished I had known how important it was to network and build relationships in my field. It's not about who I know; it's about who knows me and what I can bring to the table. This realization has been one of the most important lessons I've learned on my journey with Messente, and it's helped us build relationships and grow our business worldwide. My advice to recent graduates is two-fold. First, take into consideration networking. Take part in industry events, participate in relevant forums, be bold, and connect with people you admire. Secondly, focus on developing your personal brand. Networking and personal branding go hand-in-hand. It's a powerful combination that can open doors you never knew existed. Every interaction is a chance to learn something new. Be curious, be authentic, and above all, keep sight of the big picture. Your career isn't a sprint; it's a marathon.
One specific thing I wish I knew about building a career when I was just out of school is the power of leveraging income and assets to achieve financial freedom. When I entered the real estate market and bought my first triplex, I realized the potential to generate passive income and gradually free myself from the constraints of traditional employment. Understanding the concepts of financial freedom and leveraging my resources, even with limited initial capital, allowed me to build a sustainable income stream and create the lifestyle I desired. For recent grads, my advice would be to prioritize financial literacy and explore opportunities for passive income generation early on. While traditional career paths are important, exploring avenues such as real estate investment or entrepreneurship can provide additional streams of income and long-term financial security. Additionally, it's crucial to invest in ongoing education and personal development, continuously honing skills and knowledge that can open doors to new opportunities and ventures. By adopting a proactive approach to financial planning and exploring diverse income-generating avenues, recent grads can lay a strong foundation for a successful and fulfilling career journey.
It's not always a straight shot to the dream job. There will be detours, unexpected turns, and maybe even a few dead ends. But that's okay. For recent grads, my advice is to embrace the journey. Focus on gaining experience, even if it's not your ideal role. Every experience adds valuable skills and connections that will help you on your path. Don't be afraid to explore different opportunities – you might discover a hidden passion you never knew existed!
The number one advice to recent grads on building a career is to prioritize learning and networking. With an estimate of about 85% of jobs being awarded via networking, building relationships is crucial to career growth. I built a curriculum on the concept of connecting with others which is defined as an authentic attempt to learn or assist someone.
I had a very successful exit from my first construction company at 21. I'm 28 now and the first one to emigrate from my family. I started my career at 19 and I had success because I knew I needed to develop the right technical & sales skills but most importantly, I knew I needed to be around the right people. Building relationships matter. Soft skills matter more than we all think and they go further than we could ever imagine no matter the industry or profession. When you've networked and you've done the due diligence of selling your [ideally, niche] skills in casual conversations (like I had to learn to do) your name will be mentioned in rooms you're not present, creating a sustainable eco-system of opportunities always flowing to you somehow. I went to engineering school and we're not educated/trained to be people-facing but to be more analytical and focused on the outcome or a product so, in these sorts of careers, people are never really educated for business/sales which I think are 2 critical things everyone should be into if they want to pursue impactful growth in any career of any scale. Go to that convention, attend that webinar, join that study group, and accept that internship. Meet and rub shoulders with as many people as possible from the very beginning, I promise it'll pay off.
One particular thing I wanted to know about a career I take out of school is the role that networking and relations would play in my career. At the beginning of my working life, I underrated the importance of connections when finding opportunities, learning from other's experiences, and getting guidance. I would suggest that today's graduates start building a professional network immediately. Participate in industry conferences, become a member of targeted online communities, and do not be afraid to contact professionals for informational interviews. Networking is not only about getting a job, it’s about creating a society which helps us in our professional life and career. Do not forget that the networks you make can help you get the information you were unable to get on your own and open doors to opportunities.
The one lesson I stumbled upon in my career is the power of persistence. In the tech industry, breakthroughs don't always happen overnight, they're the product of endless trials and errors. For new graduates, my piece of advice is this: embrace perseverance. Don't get disheartened by failures or setbacks. Consider them stepping stones towards your goal. Prepare to grind, face challenges head-on and remain steadfast in your pursuit. Hard work coupled with consistent efforts is the secret sauce for success in any career.
Owner at Searchant
Answered 2 years ago
I wish I had known the importance of networking and building relationships early on. I underestimated it and didn't prioritize building professional connections as much as I should have. I later realize its vital role in career development, opportunities, and personal growth. My advice for recent grads would be to actively seek networking opportunities by joining professional organizations, attending industry events, and reaching out to experts in your field for mentorship, if possible. Having a strong network can open new doors of opportunities and help you go through the challenges of building your career. I'd also not underestimate what networking can do within your company. Building positive relationships with coworkers can lead to promotions and advancement opportunities in the future. Please let me know if this helps or if you have any follow-up questions. Best regards, Name: Marcus Clarke Website: https://www.searchant.co/ Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/marcusclarke82/ Contact: marcus@searchant.co Headshot: https://pbs.twimg.com/profile_images/1666472908795805696/KO2Ci0FV_400x400.jpg
I would advise fresh college grads to look at the business culture from the perspective of unanticipated events. I observed how the organization celebrated little accomplishments when I was looking for my first job. During an interview, the recruiting manager described their peculiar traditions of celebrating successes with things like ringing a bell or telling a hilarious anecdote. These little, unplanned festivities may seem insignificant, yet they revealed a lot about the workplace culture. It indicated a location where supporting one another and celebrating victories, no matter how minor, were important. Thus, my recommendation is to pay attention to those inconspicuous, nuanced indications when conducting interviews—you never know what you can learn about the company's culture from them.
Founder & CEO at PRLab
Answered 2 years ago
Early in my career, I underestimated the power of networking. I wish I knew then that relationships are just as crucial as skills for career advancement. Overcoming introversion, I realized the immense value in connecting with colleagues. Today, I advise recent grads to proactively build their networks from day one. Seek introductions, engage in activities, and harness the lateral networking potential within your organization. These connections not only broaden your knowledge but also open doors to unforeseen opportunities for career growth.
One specific thing I wish I had better understood when starting my career is the immense value of proactively building a professional network from day one. When you're freshly out of school, it's easy to become hyper-focused on just landing that first job and checking boxes in your current role. However, the relationships and connections you start cultivating early on can open up incredible future opportunities and accelerate your growth trajectory. My advice to recent grads would be to make networking a consistent priority, not an occasional chore. Identify potential mentors, join professional associations, attend events, and nurture bonds with professors, internship colleagues, etc. These early network links could become future advocates, career sponsors, business partners or even friends. Don't just connect on LinkedIn and let relationships fizzle. Find reasons to grab virtual coffees, ask insightful questions about their journeys, discuss industry trends, and provide value as a knowledge sponge. Networks must be actively maintained over years. The people you surround yourself with shape your mindset, outlook and philosophies on work and life. Your crowd uplevels your capacity to achieve bolder visions long-term. Start now developing that personal advisory cabinet of people you respect who can open doors. In an era of rapid career changes, a strong network built early provides resiliency and a pipeline to new possibilities. Networks unlock paths you can't yet fully envision as you begin navigating the work world. Prioritizing genuine relationship bonds from the onset would be my top advice for recent grads.