If I Am 16 Again: Building Your Career After Graduating
I haven’t been the most consistent writer on Medium, but today I felt compelled to share some valuable career insights with the community. We’re going to talk about building your career — the path to success after high school.
It’s never too early to start planning for your future. So, let’s get started!
My Journey Through and Beyond High School
I was a high school student who loved exploring different career pathways. My school offered us amazing career-pathways programs, and I made sure to take full advantage of them. It was eye-opening and I was soaking up all the knowledge and information about what awaited me after graduation.
And guess what? I didn’t stop there.
I spent countless hours researching and watching YouTube videos on different side hustles, skills I should have before graduating, and ways to improve my chances of getting hired. I even preferred “self-study” on Youtube over chilling after a long day at school. If there was an opportunity to explore different careers, you bet I grabbed it!
Building Connections and Taking Initiative
Fast forward to after high school. I realized that it wasn’t enough to just dream about my future career — I needed to take action. So, I started cold emailing professionals in the industries I was passionate about. I also leveraged social media communities, especially local Facebook groups, to connect with experts in the film industry (which was my dream job at the time).
And you know what? It worked! Some of my early gigs came from these connections.
But here’s the thing. As I was going through my old emails recently, I noticed a stark difference in the way I used to communicate back then. My language and tone have evolved so much since those early days. And that brings me to my first tip:
Tip 1: Be mindful of the language you use. Understand how you can provide value to professionals when reaching out to them. It goes a long way!
Embracing the Learning Journey
Now, I’m not saying you need to have your entire career mapped out right now. Heck, most of my peers don’t!
But having a rough idea can definitely set you on the right path. Apart from networking, I spent a good amount of time exploring free educational resources like Coursera, edX, Google Digital Garage, YouTube, and more. These platforms allowed me to learn about various subjects that piqued my interest.
The result? A broader understanding of the industry I was diving into and an expanded skill set.
Tip 2: Keep learning, my friends! Never stop exploring new topics and expanding your knowledge. It’s a game-changer.
If you are looking for a way to level up your career on the go, download Continuum. We provide free, short-form educational courses that helps Gen Zs accelerate their careers.
Taking a Break and Finding Your Groove
There was a time when I just couldn’t keep grinding away at things that weren’t yielding immediate results. I was learning something new every week, trying to build a strong portfolio, networking, and searching for all sorts of shortcuts to accelerate my career. It became overwhelming. That’s when I realised I needed a break.
I decided to take a few months to do other things, even gigs that weren’t remotely related to my interests. It was a chance to recharge and regain confidence in my career path.
And you know what? It worked well for me! So, here’s the third tip:
Tip 3: It’s crucial to take a break every now and then. Give yourself time to breathe, recalibrate, and come back stronger.
Reflecting on What I Would Do Differently
Now, let’s fast forward to the present. Am I satisfied with where I am in my career? Well, not entirely. Don’t get me wrong — I’ve had incredible opportunities to meet talented professionals and gain valuable experiences.
But I believe I can still grow further. Looking back, there are a few things I wish I had done differently.
- I would have focused more on building projects that showcased my abilities to potential employers. Tangible evidence of your skills goes a long way in impressing people.
- I would create a structured pathway to reach my short-term goals, giving myself a clearer sense of direction.
- I should have been more strategic in assessing the value that different prospects could offer before reaching out to them.
- I would also have prioritised building a stronger personal brand — something that sets you apart from the crowd.
In conclusion, as you embark on your journey to build your career, remember that it’s never too early to start taking proactive steps towards your goals. Explore different career pathways, connect with professionals in your desired industries, and continuously learn and grow. Embrace the challenges and opportunities that come your way, and never stop pursuing your dreams. With dedication, perseverance, and a willingness to learn and adapt, you can create a fulfilling and successful career path.
Before you close this article, I wrote another piece on the honest truth of being a content creator. If you are looking to become a creator in 2023, give the article a read.
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