For a second, consider your life since you first started working. Look back at all your experiences and think about the lessons you’ve learned on your own. If you had a time machine and could go in time, what would you say to a younger you? Would you tell yourself to try another career path? Or maybe not to take things too personally? If I could go back in time and tell my younger me something, this would be it:
1. The sooner you discover your passion, the better
“I haven’t decided yet, but I still have time” is the most misleading sentence in your teen years. Instead of waiting for the revelation to hit you, go outside and experiment with internships and projects. Meet people from diverse industries, make their stories your inspiration and try as many activities as you can. You’ll never know what you really like until you try it. Otherwise, you’ll wind up in your early 30s regretting a poor decision and thinking that it’s too late to start a new career path. You are young, energetic and there’s no stopping you! Get out there and find your passion and then transform it into your job! Go, go, go!
2. Don’t let opportunities run by you
After finding your passion or at least a field of interest, it’s time to hunt down that job. Money is one of the deciding factors so taking any job is very tempting. But picture it like this: is it a shorter way to the new iPhone 6S or the beginning of a career? If it’s the former, bad news, they will release a new phone in 6 months, but you’ll still be stuck with the job. Finding a good job might take a while and can become stressful. If you don’t afford waiting, you can make a compromise. Start with a job in the industry you want to work in or at the company you’ve had your eye on, even if it’s not the position you want. It’s important to be in the right place, you’ll have more opportunities to get your dream job sooner.
3. Being young has its perks
If there’s one good thing about being young with no experience is that companies are willing to invest in you. Now it’s the time to fructify all those volunteering hours, exchange experiences and great academic results. These things really matter at the beginning of your career. Show them you have potential and desire to develop.
4. Network but don’t stop there
When you’re at the beginning of your career, maybe the most important thing is to connect. Look for the influencers in your field of interest and connect with them on LinkedIn, attend events and conferences where they’re speakers and exchange some ideas with them. This won’t guarantee you a job, but it will help you find out what openings are on the market.
5. Create & pitch your own projects
Even entry-level jobs require some experience. You’ll ask how to gain experience if no one wants to hire you. Well, it’s easy. Create your own experience. Start projects even if they seem meaningless. It shows you have initiative.
6. Travel as much as you can
There are some things recruiters want to see regardless the field of activity: international experience. If you want to work in a global corporation, it is essential to show soft skills and cultural adaptation. Take advantage of any opportunity you can to richen your personal development. Participate in NGO international projects, apply for scholarships like Erasmus or join student associations.
7. Learn to quantify your experience
Many young people include almost the same information in their resumes: more or less the same universities, similar internships and responsibilities. Quantify your experience and show numbers to support your statements. Add value to your work instead of saying general things like: “creating and implementing the social media strategy”. Use facts. For example, you can say that during the last 6 months under your guidance the page has increased its visits with x%.
Remember that it is a huge world out there and you can find the things you hope for. And if you don't, you have the capabilities to create it. Be brave, there’s no stopping you!
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Alexa Anghel is a copywriter and social media passionate who truly believes in the power of words. She sees herself as a word stylist, creating beautiful stories for brands and companies. Today she’s the word master for Oracle’s Brand Recruitment department, where she continues to experiment with social media and improve content strategy. Her specialties include content writing, online marketing, public relations, branding and social media. Connect with her on LinkedIn or Twitter.