Charting Your Career: Tips for Gen Z Graduates

I love the energy of graduation season. As Gen Z enters the workforce, it’s a time of big opportunities and big decisions. As a mother, an aunt, a mentor, and Upwork's CMO, I’ve had plenty of real talks with young people about this exciting moment in kicking off their careers.?

Drawing from these conversations, and inspired by Upwork 's UpNext campaign , I’m excited to share my top five pieces of advice for those of you stepping into professional life. Here’s how you can play to your strengths and carve out a successful path in today’s dynamic work environment to turn your unique talents into satisfying careers.

1. Do It Afraid: Doing something new is intimidating because it's unfamiliar, not because you're incapable. Fear of failure is natural, but embrace the discomfort that comes with venturing into the unknown. Fear shouldn't prevent you from pursuing new roles and opportunities, instead it’s a sign that you're on the brink of growth! This mindset isn't just for early-career professionals; it's valuable at any career stage. I’ve witnessed countless success stories born out of individuals daring to take leaps in the face of their apprehensions. The world of work is no longer about following a set path, but creating one. While the road less traveled may be daunting, it will lead to the most rewarding destinations.
2. Resilience Comes Through Exposure: The more you do, the more you learn. Forget "follow your passion" – what if your passion to date has been scrolling through TikTok recipes or attempting the latest dance trend? It’s okay not to know exactly what you want to do right now — it’s important that you keep trying things until you do know. Gaining diverse experiences can help you figure out what really clicks for you. Whether it's freelancing, embarking on side projects, or diving into different work environments, each experience opens up the aperture of what’s possible, and it builds your innovation mindset and resilience muscles. Trust the process and the path will reveal itself.?
3. Build Your Personal Board of Directors: Surround yourself with a trusted circle of mentors, advisors, and allies who have your back and can provide guidance and support as you navigate the complexities of your career. In those phone-a-friend moments, you can lean on your board to steer you in the right direction. Building a strong professional network is one of the simplest ways to turbocharge your career. Ask each new connection to introduce you to three more people in their network. Boom – instant network expansion! Mentors don’t only have to be the people who have walked the path before you, they should also be those who walk alongside you. It’s just as important to nurture the connections you build with your peers during college, internships and early work experiences because they will be the people who you can turn to day-after-day for big advice or the smallest questions.
4. Don’t Forget the Basics of Business Communication: Emails these days are more like texts or tweets, and while Gen Z’s creativity is off the charts, the art of professional correspondence is slipping. According to @Fortune, 60% of companies are planning to provide etiquette training for employees to address this. Simple stuff like email formatting, eye contact, and appropriate office attire are crucial. Your mentors and personal board of directors are the perfect people to help you polish these skills and stand out as a young pro who’s got the basics down pat.
5. Stay Curious: Education isn’t confined to classrooms, and it definitely doesn’t end with graduation. The most successful pros see education as a lifelong quest. Cultivate a mindset of lifelong learning by seeking out opportunities to expand your knowledge and skills. Whether through formal education, self-study, or hands-on experiences, platforms like Upwork offer endless avenues for growth. Stay curious, stay hungry for knowledge, and keep exploring new horizons.

One of the coolest things about this generation and the future of work is the openness to leading a portfolio life, showcasing a mosaic of your talents and skills. As you embark on your career journey, embrace the challenges, seize the opportunities, and never stop learning and growing. By integrating these insights into your professional toolkit, you’ll be ready to navigate the ever-evolving workplace. Here’s to the future success of Gen Z professionals and congratulations to all the new graduates this season! ??