5 Best Career Tips for Young People

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I made a lot of mistakes at the beginning of my career.

I didn’t have a mentor or anyone to show me the ropes, so I was left to do what I thought was right. But in many cases, what I thought was a great choice ended up not being the best option. Everything worked out in the end, but I could have saved myself some headaches and stress if I had listened to quality career advice.

Here are my five best career tips for young people:

1. Taste test. You don’t have to know exactly what you want to do early in your career. In fact, it’s common not to have it all figured out. Taste test various possibilities and try out different jobs before you commit. It’s important to enjoy what you do, so don’t feel like you have to stick to your original plan.
2. Build your own ladder. It used to be that young professionals started in a low-level position and worked their way up the corporate ladder at the same company. But those days are gone--you don’t have to follow the template everyone tells you to follow. You can build your own career and chart your own path.
3. Life is too short to be miserable. You spend the majority of your time at work, so make sure it is at an organization and in a role you enjoy. Don’t spend your time being miserable. If you don’t like your job, do something about it.
4. Make your own decisions. Everyone has opinions about what you should do with your life and career. You can take their feedback, but it is important to make your own decisions. No one is going to look out for you but you, and you’re the one who has to live with the consequences of your choices.
5. Be self-aware. Be honest with yourself and take time to know your strengths and weaknesses. Find areas you excel in and areas to grow. The more self-aware you become, the more growth and opportunities you’ll see.

Starting your career is an exciting time filled with opportunities. This advice will set you on the path to success and help you find the right career course for you.

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