After graduation, many individuals will most likely get a job. Some will start a business, while others may end up idle for quite some time. But those who are already working aspire to build their career. They want to have jobs that are sustainable for the long term.
In fact, young professionals are getting more serious about their jobs and careers nowadays. Gone were the days when young individuals were out in the streets having fun and not working. Today, the vast majority of them are focusing on finishing their education, establishing a career, and earning a living.
If you’re looking to start and build your career, here are career tips for the young professionals:
1. Start a job related to your educational background
The next course of action after graduation is to look for work. Before you can even build your career, you must start a job. However, it’s best if this initial employment is relevant to your educational background. What good is a degree if you cannot use what you’ve learned in school? In most cases, you choose a particular course because you have a career path in mind. Whether you want to become a professional doctor, lawyer, engineer, or architect, stick to your career plan.
2. Factor in your knowledge, skills, and areas of expertise
Once you’re already in the workplace, you’ll gain more knowledge and hone your skills through time. These knowledge pieces and skills will be your assets in establishing your career. That’s why you should have conscious efforts and deliberate decisions to learn as much as you can. Once you’ve developed your knowledge and skills, you’ll soon realize your area of expertise. Ultimately, your field of specialization will determine your career direction in the long run.
3. Gain as many employment experiences as possible
It’s crucial to gain as many employment experiences as possible. No, you don’t necessarily have to hop from one job to another. However, you must earn a lot of experience in your work. Why? While education can help you get a job, your employment experiences will help build your career. In addition, consider a handful of job experiences in different companies to broaden your horizon. Doing so is key to establishing your career.
4. Aspire for promotion in your current position or actively seek new opportunities
Once you have already kept a job for years, there are two paths to take: seeking promotion or grabbing a new opportunity. If you choose to stay, avoid getting comfortable with your current position and aspire for your promotion instead. On the other hand, consider professional growth outside your current company. However, you have to be highly proactive and critical. Who knows? The grass may be greener on the other side.
5. Get higher education, relevant training, and necessary certification
Young professionals who have been comfortable with where they are, start building their lives. They begin to invest their money, open a business, and travel to places. Others are preparing for a wedding or looking to get married. You’re probably browsing designer wedding dresses, wedding venues, and other related matters. Sure, you may focus on these aspects of your life. But as far as career is concerned, consider getting higher education to further your career. Or to ensure your professional growth, get relevant training and the necessary certification.
6. Have mentors for your professional growth and career advancement
Did you know that mentors are crucial to your professional growth and career advancement? Yes, you may be dealing with different people in the workplace. However, it’s best to carve good relationships with a few trusted mentors who can help build your career. No, they don’t necessarily have to be your immediate bosses. They can be professionals you look up to who are willing to mentor you. Ultimately, they can be instrumental to your career success.
7. Develop good relationships with stakeholders and build your network
Lastly, build good relationships with people inside and outside of the workplace. These include your colleagues, customers, clients, suppliers, and even competitors. It’s one of the best ways to build your network. By expanding your network, you’ll get exposed to ideas, people, and resources that can help establish your career.
At this point, you now know what it takes to start and build your career for the long term. Consider the career tips for yuppies recommended above, from kicking off a job related to your educational background to developing good relationships with stakeholders and building your networks. With a great career, you’ll have financial stability, a happy family, and the quality of life you deserve!
