Once upon a time, amidst the turmoil of an impending job change, a former boss imparted wisdom that would forever alter one’s career trajectory. In a moment of uncertainty, she offered, “People hesitate so much before making career decisions, but the decision itself doesn’t matter. The important thing is what you do AFTER.” This revelation underscores the transient nature of career decisions – they are mere steps in a longer journey, not the end destination. They can always be adjusted, re-evaluated, or completely changed.
In the spirit of sharing is caring, here are invaluable pieces of career advice from 12 women, each a testament to the diverse paths and wisdom in the professional realm.
Find Your Board of Directors
Alexandra, a corporate communications director, emphasises the importance of having a personal ‘board of directors.’ This board comprises individuals one can rely on for advice across different career scenarios. This eclectic group can include anyone from former bosses to lifelong friends, offering a well-rounded perspective on various professional dilemmas.
Be Curious
Susan, a marketing director, recalls how her first boss instilled the value of curiosity by often exclaiming, ‘Is no one curious anymore?!’ Though initially taken aback, she now champions curiosity as a pivotal trait for professionals, urging others to always seek knowledge and eschew the familiar path for the road less travelled.
Be Mindful of Feedback
Stephanie, a management consultant, learned from her younger brother that not all feedback should be internalised. It’s crucial to discern which critiques to embrace for personal development and which to disregard, maintaining an openness to constructive criticism without letting it define one’s self-worth.
Know Your Worth
Arsie, a human resources manager, keeps a running document of her achievements. This practice not only aids in recognising one’s impact when negotiating for a raise or promotion but also bolsters self-awareness of one’s professional worth.
Learn From Your Mistakes
Katie, an engineer, was told that the measure of a great professional lies not in avoiding mistakes but in how one responds and learns from them. This approach fosters resilience and a constructive attitude towards setbacks.
Don’t Overthink It
Lisa, a TV commercial director, shares a lesson on decisiveness from her boss, who reminded her that not all decisions have a right or wrong answer. This mindset is invaluable in fast-paced environments where agility and adaptability are key.
Your Path is Your Own
Ilene, an accountant, finds solace in advice from a managing partner who has remained with her company for over two decades. The message was clear: as long as there is growth, learning, and fair treatment, longevity in a company is not a detriment but a testament to one’s evolving career journey.
Be an Open Book
Eve, a literary agent, underscores the importance of transparency in shaping perceptions. By sharing one’s challenges and projects openly, it not only fosters genuine connections but also enables one to steer their professional narrative.
Include Everyone
Taylor, a social media editor, highlights the innovation that can arise from inclusivity. Valuable insights often come from giving everyone a voice, regardless of their position or tenure.
Embrace a Different Story
Abigail, an ob-gyn, encourages embracing change, even if it means diverging from past plans. Growth and learning may alter one’s career path, and that’s perfectly acceptable.
Put Yourself Aside
Susan, an editorial director, learned the importance of objectivity from an art director. The lesson: personal preferences should not overshadow the broader objective of a project.
Trust Your Instincts
Avery, an executive editor, was reassured by the simple yet profound advice that one’s instincts are often right. Trusting one’s knowledge and intuition is invaluable in navigating professional waters.
The journey through one’s career is as unique as the individual themselves, marked by a series of decisions, learnings, and adjustments. The wisdom shared by these professionals underscores a universal truth: the path to professional fulfilment is not linear, but a rich tapestry of experiences shaped by resilience, curiosity, and an openness to growth.