Harvard Business Review’s Post

In our fast-paced world, it’s easy to overlook the importance of being strategic when building your career and profile credibility. ✅Options in your desired field may not always be plentiful, but this is where strategic thinking becomes crucial. It’s essential to leverage your current experiences and actively seek external development opportunities. Seeking mentors or guides in your field can be invaluable, providing insights and advice that help set you up for long-term success. 🤓Don’t limit your growth to the confines of your current job description. Stay vigilant about the skills that are in demand in your industry and look for opportunities within your company to develop these competencies. Collaborate with knowledgeable co-workers who can support and guide your development. 🚀There’s no shortcut to success. While “fake it till you make it” might get your foot in the door, it’s the quality of your work that will truly determine your success. As a great leader once told me: “Make sure to put your money where your mouth is.” Consistently delivering great work and demonstrating your value is irreplaceable. I loved how this HBR article outlined these core principles, you can check it here:

My two cents for early careers, go beyond lateral movement. Take the flexibility to move sideways, diagonally, or even take steps back in order to gain new experiences, skills, or pursue different interests, rather than following a traditional linear upward trajectory. This approach allows for a diverse range of experiences, skill development, and personal growth, enabling you to create your own unique career paths based on your evolving interests and priorities.

One of the best things about being a young professional is the limitless number of possibilities that lie ahead of you. Especially for those in the earliest stages of your career, there are so many options available — so many industries and interests you can potentially tap into.

💛 . This extract from the article resonated with me: "Work with the best people that you can: people who have impressive experiences, people with a track record of success and promotion, and people with whom you have good chemistry and you can see yourself keeping in touch long-term. This applies to your seniors, but also to your teammates. Connect with peers who are as ambitious as you are and will think of you when future opportunities arise." To me your work life and social life are complementary so it important, also to socialise with the best people that you can to achieve the fullest gains as a person to advance on your respective career path.

This is an excellent article on building a fulfilling career. This is especially useful for those early in their career. You want to be thoughtful and strategic about your choices. This article will help you lay the foundation for the career marathon.

Weekend Read for Recharging: Take no short cut, make 1% improvement everyday on health and personal growth will lead to big impact to your career. And when you are doing well, you are benefiting to your surrounding and community. #improvement

Great Read from Carol J. Hagh The strongest way to secure high-profile roles ( down the line) , is to put in the work right now: Grow your skills and take on lateral responsibilities - Simple and Straight forward advice.

In this video, I have talked about how to choose your career practically: 1: Questioning: putting question marks on the career we are trying to go into if we are not confirmed and have not analyzed ourselves enough. 2: Finding basic nature: Basic nature which many call a passion, finding it does work very effortlessly and we start enjoying the process. 3: Note down potential career options: This gives clarity on the potential career options, thus we can give some time and identity which suits our basic personality apart from going in the wrong direction and regretting it after a year.

The first job experience is a stepping stone to your career. Share your wisdom: What advice would you give someone gearing up for their inaugural job?

The best early career advice: Develop a reputation for figuring it out. You’ll be given a lot of tasks you have no idea how to complete. There’s nothing more valuable than someone who can just figure it out. • Do some work • Ask the key questions • Get it done People will fight over you. *** If you enjoyed this or learned something, follow me Sahil Bloom for more in future!