5 Pieces of Career Advice You Wish You Had Before Entering The Workforce

1. Don’t be afraid to change positions or industries

The length of time you stay with an employer and sticking to positions within a specific career path don’t need to be your career priorities. While this a great way to receive promotions, raises and climb the corporate ladder, not everyone has a professional path that is quite this linear. Your first job doesn’t have to be your last job so don’t be afraid to quit for a new and different opportunity. Not only will different positions and industries diversify your resume, you will learn from new experiences and ultimately become a more interesting and valuable person. Don’t assume what you want to do when you’re 25 is what you want to do when you’re 35.

2. Don’t settle for an opportunity that doesn’t inspire you

With a fickle job market, it’s sometimes difficult to turn down any opportunity that comes your way. While most jobs can pay the bills, it’s hard to have a successful career if you’re only in it for the paycheck. Instead of taking the first job that wants you, take that first job that you want back and let your passion for your work drive your success and hard work.

3. Grad school is not a hiding place

Lost or your job or having trouble finding one? Don’t start applying to graduate programs just because you haven’t found career success yet. Graduate school isn’t a place to figure out what you want to do with your life and most programs are more valuable to those with some work experience anyway. Remember, it’s better to be unemployed than unemployed with $100,000+ in debt.

4. Networking is King

Whether you’re on the job hunt or have been working ten years, networking is the best tool to continue moving your career forward. Attend events that are relevant to the industry you work in (or want to work in). Always pay it forward: refer friends and colleagues willingly and often, you’ll see the benefit when you start to get amazing referrals and recommendations from those in your network.

5. Find a mentor who does what you want to do

Take the time to figure out what kind of career and lifestyle you want and surround yourself with people who are already doing that. Mentors can be powerful tools but only when carefully selected. To expand your reach to career experts and mentors, try using GigSesh to connect with experts in the industry of your dreams. GigSesh’s platform lets you easily find and contact professionals in the media industry for career advice and professional inspiration.