A career is a marathon, not a sprint, and yours will benefit from a good strategy. Here are four smart choices you can make now that will help you reach success in the future. Choices you make in your early 20s can impact your job paths in the longer term.
Here are four smart choices you can make when you’re young that will help you reach success in the future.
1. Work with firms that specialize in your area of expertise: Having a couple of recognizable brand names on your resume, specifically brands that have a strong reputation in your sector or area of specialization can help you stand out from the crowd.
2. Decide who to work with in your network: Whether it is your first, second or third job, there are several things you need to look out for when applying for a new role – i.e. working with people, being helpful to people in your network, and staying in touch. As these people could become important contacts and references down the line.
3. Find ways to grow and stretch yourself: The first decade of your career is a great time to take risks, build transferable skills and develop technical expertise. If you’re in marketing or sales, consider moving into an adjacent field to learn more about brand and product development. Stretching yourself may seem scary at first, but you’ll come out better for it.
4. Avoid shortcuts: There are many ways to “shortcut” the hard work of gaining good experience. Some people suggest focusing on your “personal brand,” while others suggest taking the start-up route. Remember that people can see through hot air when it comes to personal branding. The truth is that there will never be a substitute for doing great work and building out strong experiences. Grow your skills, take on lateral responsibilities, and work at companies and with people who will build up your credibility.
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