Why Risk-Taking is Essential Early in Your Professional Career — From a Current College Student

Shania Smith
Sep 6, 2018 · 3 min read

As millennials, the bulk of our upbringing is surrounded by constant suggestions on what to do, where to do it and how. All of our schooling leading up to college tends to be viewed as a straightforward roadmap that, has been pre-determined for us. So, when we finally have the chance to take a major risk, why is it that so many of us still avoid it?

Is it because of the fact that we have been conditioned to select the seemingly straightforward option? That safe career choice or job option for the hope that staying safe will benefit us in the long-run? Well, I’m here today to challenge that exact state of thinking. With many of my peers currently experiencing the job search and even internship searching process, I find that they fail to step outside of their comfort zones, and sometimes even rule out amazing opportunities because they don’t believe they’re a good fit for the position.

This state of mind is exactly what separates the ordinary from the extraordinary, and I am a firm believer that everyone has the opportunity to be extraordinary. Whether you have been encouraged since your adolescence to be great or have been discouraged to not think you are capable of accomplishing the extraordinary, it is within your ultimate power to make conscious decisions that encourage risk-taking rather than a safe option.

I myself have gone through my 4-year college career here at Drexel University, making choices that have exponentially grown in risk. What have I learned? I’ve learned that while it may seem as though I’ve got it all figured out, what I’ve truly mastered is simply going with the flow of life, taking risks, and trusting my instincts.

After returning from study-abroad in London, I was more motivated than ever to truly pursue my interests. A few months later, I am extremely happy to have made the choices that forced me outside of my comfort zone; and, I feel even more prepared to tackle uncertainty with poise.

Three tips I’d like to suggest to any young millennial still in school or recently graduated is:

  • First: acknowledge the things/possibilities that make you nervous/scared
  • Second: to challenge them daily
  • Third: to encourage others around you to do the same, and watch how your circle changes :)

The people you choose to surround yourself with have a direct influence on not only your thoughts but also your behaviours, so creating a circle that empowers risk-taking is what will assist in keeping you motivated and confident throughout your decision-making.

I believe that following these tips for success will help your motivation to grow while providing you with a new-found outlook on your career journey.

Find this article helpful? I would love to know, how you have or plan to implement practices that encourage risk-taking in your daily life!

Shania Smith

Drexel grad. Purpose Driven | Tech & Startup Enthusiast | CEO @ Invure

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