20 to 30 - A Letter to Me

While I was reflecting on life on the cusp of turning 30 and I got quite introspective. 10 years ago I had just graduated from the university and I was anxious about what life after university had to offer. Would I be successful? Would I make my parents proud? Looking back at that concerned 20 year old and seeing the self-assured 30 year old in her place, I feel she would have needed some assurance and advice. Here are the ten things I wish I knew back then....

1. Have a curious mind, learn new and exciting things, and never underestimate the power of new technology. It might seem silly and unimportant right now but trust me the knowledge would prove invaluable in the future. Never stop learning.
2. Take time out to master Microsoft Excel, Word and PowerPoint, learn the rudiments of a programming language. It helps with critical thinking and problem solving and it makes you work smarter.
3. Professional referrals are a priceless commodity in the future. You start earning it from your first job.
4. Be dependable to co-workers, clients and superiors. Always do good (great) work.
5. Push the boundaries for excellence in whatever you do. I leave you with my favorite quote “Whatever is worth doing is worth doing well”
6. In the first three years of your career, work to gain experience, skill and responsibility. Compensation should be looked upon as an advantage. Your most important career goal should be to gain as much experience and skill as possible in challenging environments. 
7. Plan your career path carefully but be flexible to change. Never be afraid to leave a workplace when the time is right and you have reached your learning potential. Plan your next step carefully, save money and leverage your skills and experience for better pay and responsibilities.
8. As you rise on the professional ladder, you start to rely on non-technical skills. The ability to successfully negotiate required outcomes, emotional intelligence, leadership and integrity start to have more relevance on your business and career decisions. Pay attention to cultivating them.
9. Talk less and master the art of constructive listening. 
10. If you only read one book in your twenties, let it be Dale Carnegie “How to Win Friends and Influence people”. 

I leave you with this, life will turn out better than you imagined. 

Stay true to yourself and your values and you will be smiling way into your thirties.