What I Wish I Knew Before Starting My Career

It’s been a year since I graduated. After battling second thoughts and uncertainties, applying to hundreds of companies, doing tons of assignments, giving dozens of interviews, and completing multiple internships, I now work with Team SmartEES Club . And here I am, writing my first blog! If I had to do it all over again, I would seriously work on these five things to achieve my career goals faster.?

Acquire Skills?

When I started my job hunt, I stressed out about “the skills required for the job”. Soon I realized that my skill-pot needs regular and consistent watering to survive the competition and be the best in the industry.

Learning is a mindset… not something you do once and move on. Learning is endless, especially in this era of infinite information. To maintain the habit of constantly retraining the brain, one must be disciplined and consistent.?

I started by

• Taking up online courses. E-learning is awesome!
• Attending seminars on my favourite topics. I explored new opportunities.
• Searching YouTube using “How to…?” queries. YouTube Academy is the best! You can learn anything from YouTube.?
• Talking to AI. I posed the same questions to AI, which I asked my seniors, mentors and friends.
• Reading books, articles, blogs, news, etc. It expanded my knowledge and vocabulary.

“Don't compare, just prepare” became my mantra.

Build a Personal Brand

Personal branding is the story you tell the world about who you are, what you do, and why you matter.

In the digital era, your resume isn't just a piece of paper; it's a flashing neon sign in the bustling marketplace of careers. And just like any good product, I needed a killer brand to stand out from the crowd. Here’s what I did.

1. Identified my niche:?What makes me?unique and valuable? Am I a data-crunching wizard or a creativity guru? I tailored my brand around it.
2. Owned my story:?I’m not afraid to?share my journey, passions, and values.?I showed the world what makes me tick and why they should care.
3. Stayed consistent:?I built my brand across?multiple platforms,?using LinkedIn and Instagram to tell a cohesive story.
4. Engaged and connected:?I didn’t just broadcast, I interacted!?Responded to comments,?shared valuable content,?and participated in online conversations.
5. Stay authentic:?Remember,?the best brands are genuine.?Be true to yourself,?your values,?and your voice.?Don't try to be someone you're not.

Expand my Professional Network

LinkedIn Connections fueled my job search. My LinkedIn network was my secret weapon. Instead of blindly applying to hundreds of postings, I actively built connections with people in my industry. Targeting specific locations like Bangalore and Mumbai (where I planned to relocate), I focused on impressive profiles and strategically crafted a valuable network.

Here’s how this strategy boosted my career:?

• I landed internships with several top digital marketing agencies,?where I honed my skills and gained valuable experience.
• My posts reached wider audiences,?getting the attention of industry experts and hiring managers.?
• My feed became a curated stream of relevant and inspiring content,?aligned with my interests and career goals.

Building a Global Network: I connected with professionals from diverse locations like London, Berlin, New Delhi, and even New York City. This opened doors to collaboration and opportunities across the globe.

My LinkedIn network is my passport to amazing opportunities!

My resume, my way!

The world is evolving, and so should your resume. Time to ditch the boring old PDFs and stand out with resumes that spark interest, and scream your personality.

Remember the developer who built a 3D website to showcase his skills? Or the graphic designer who rocked a unique template? These aren't just resumes; they're mini-masterpieces that grab attention and leave a lasting impression.

And guess what? I didn’t need coding superpowers or fancy software to join the change. I crafted my video resume using Canva and Bitmoji! It's got everything you'd expect from a traditional resume, but delivered with a dose of personality and a sprinkle of animation. Check it out and see for yourself: Click here

Ride the trend

When ChatGPT was launched, I worried that AI would take away my job. I remembered the quote from the book Who Moved My Cheese: "Adapt to change, go with the cheese! If you don't, you can become extinct."

The AI was my cheese and I ate it. I accepted the change. Everything seemed easy when I just accepted it. I began learning about the workings of Artificial Intelligence and how to get work done from it.?

The world's spinning on a digital axis, my friend, and the only constant is change. Don’t be afraid to be the early bird, or you’ll be the worm.?