Avoiding youthful career mistakes

If you’re young, you should be enjoying the best time of your life. Full of energy and enthusiasm. But maybe your career has stalled? Or you can’t find work? There are some critical skills and attitudes that can make a huge difference to your success.

The first’s a sense of urgency. It’s easy to think you have all the time in the world. And to let one day after another to slip by, without doing the things that push your career along. Whether it’s revising for exams, networking or an assignment at work, put every moment to work! Get up early and drop the late nights. You’re far more productive early in the day.

Don’t expect your talents to be ‘spotted’. This world’s a hard place, and only takes notice of results. Even the most gifted people had to work hard for their success. Harder and better than their competitors! So get in first every morning and over-deliver. And if you’re working for a boss who’s hard to please? Be very very glad! Working for someone who pushes your limits will help you build all the right attitudes for future success.

Never let yourself feel that things should be easy. Especially finding a job. So start early. Get internships and part time jobs while you’re still in college - even working in a fast food joint shows you can hold down a tough job, work hard, turn up on time and keep going under pressure. Young job seekers also rely far too much on online listings and adverts. Skilled jobseekers get ahead of the pack through the people they know.

NETWORKING

So network with students ahead of you - and stick with them when they get jobs, especially those who go to your target organisations. They’ll wise you up about what’s going on there - and tip you off when opportunities arise.

Develop as many business relationships as possible - and become someone who does favours and who can introduce people to one another. You’ll instantly make an impact and be remembered - and that matters. Because it’s being memorable that gets you ahead.

Develop skills that make you stand out. Perfect grammar, vivid letters, brilliant research techniques. And ‘Proficient in Microsoft Office’ doesn’t cut it anymore on a CV. Instead, become a spectacular spreadsheet expert - and proficient at stuff like HTML, CSS, PHP, MySQL, iOS, Balsamiq, Photoshop and Final Cut Pro - whatever your job.

And lay off the social media! Your Facebook profile could destroy your career. Or just one Tweet. Instead read more books - and spend less than you make, or you’ll never really make it big. Leave the fancy car and expensive apartment for the future. No matter how much money you make, spending less means you’ll be relaxed and have the flexibility to pursue your dreams.

Develop solid work experience, the right skills and attitudes, an impressive CV and a brilliant network, and your career will always be on the rise...