Young professionals often face a paradigm of feeling like they don’t know what they’re doing while also feeling the need to have all the answers. We all start our professional careers with an overwhelming mix of big expectations and uncertainty about what “employed and responsible adults” are supposed to do.
Everyone’s professional journey is a little different, but over the years, we all learn a thing or two that we wish someone had told us when we were starting out. Ragan Communications compiled some great advice that every young professional should follow. Here are a few of my favorites.
Establish Your Personal Brand
Creating a strong personal brand is a great way to your solidify your reputation among peers and colleagues. Decide what you want your reputation in the workplace to be, and let your actions define you.
Avoid things in your personal life that might damage your professional life (a rule that’s even more applicable today with all the risks and exposure of social media). Remember that details count, especially when getting the details right sets you apart from others.
Keep Up with the News Every Day
Know what’s going on in the world and in your industry. Not only will it make you a better member of society, your boss or clients will be impressed when you know news about your organization or industry before they ask. Make reading the paper, checking news websites and blogs, and listening to NPR on the way to work part of your daily routine.
Don’t Pass Up a Chance to Learn
Just because you’re out of school doesn’t mean you’re finished learning. Find out what your boss or leaders in your profession are reading (books, professional publications, websites, etc.) and add those to your must-read lists.
Take advantage of professional development opportunities, even if that means paying for them yourself. Whether it’s a multiday conference or a lunch and learn session once a month, both offer great opportunities for advancing your career through learning and networking. Professional organizations are also a great way to get involved and stay in the know with things going on in your industry.
Write Thank-You and Follow-Up Notes
This means the old-fashioned way — handwritten, not emailed. Technology is good, but the personal touch still matters. Handwritten notes set you apart and can leave a lasting impression.
Travel Any Chance You Get
If you’re offered a chance to travel, don’t pass it up! Whether it’s a road trip to a small town or big cities across the country or around the world, traveling teaches a lot of life lessons that you can’t get in the office and exposes you to a whole slew of new perspectives. You’ll never tell your grandchildren about that great trip you didn’t take because you were too busy at work, so don’t put it off.
Be Interested and Inquisitive
There’s no such thing as too many questions, so don’t be afraid to ask — and ask often. On the other hand, don’t be afraid to speak up when you have something to offer. Young professionals have a lot to offer a work environment — just remember to balance your enthusiasm with senior-level colleagues’ experience. You don’t want to gain the reputation for being a young, arrogant employee.
Take Risks
This might be the most important advice anyone can give you. It’s OK to mess up occasionally. No one is perfect — and no one expects you to be.
Even if you make a mistake, taking chances shows that you’re willing to take initiative on things. You can often learn more from mistakes than successes. Yes, really, you can; I promise.
If you’re interested in more great pieces of advice, check out Ragan’s full list here. And we’d love to hear from you. What’s the best piece of career advice you’ve received? What tips do you have for new employees just starting out in the workforce?
Tara Torok is a college recruiter for Burns & McDonnell. She works with universities across the country to recruit interns and top entry-level talent to join our engineering, architecture, construction and drafting teams. Connect with Tara on LinkedIn to learn more about the many opportunities available at Burns & McDonnell.
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