I spent this past week at the offices of a relatively well-known internet company. Over the course of four days, I met with 25 smart, interesting people. I spent between 30 and 90 minutes asking them questions about how they got where they are today, what a day in the life is like, what they enjoy most about their work--and if they knew going into school what they wanted to do (spoiler: most did not). It was a fantastic experience, and I received some invaluable advice. Here are 13 things I learned:
1. be your own advocate
When it comes down to it, it's up to you to create a healthy, fulfilling environment for yourself. Speak up, and others will listen. Be realistic with yourself about your strengths and your hopes, and don't be afraid to be clear with your supervisor and others about what you hope to achieve.
2. be true to yourself and your passions
But when considering paths, be realistic. Consider whether or not your field of choice will be around 10 years from now. Stay true to what you want, but be flexible and willing to pay your dues.
3. do whatever you can to get experience
I heard this again and again--internships are the most important thing you can have. Not only do they look good on a resume, but they also give you experience. They allow you to "try out" a job in a field of your interest and make connections. Start as early as possible, and take them as an opportunity to find out what you don't want to do. Call people you know, offer your help to professors, look online--do whatever you can. Even if you don't think you have the background or experience for something, apply!
4. but don't do something that isn't worth your time
Know that sometimes the right thing to do is to turn an internship down. If it really is just a resume-padder and won't allow you to get any meaningful experience, don't be afraid to turn it down and look for something else. If you'll just be hanging out at some office a couple of days a week, being the token intern, recognize that it doesn't offer you anything and look for something else.
5. diversify your resume
Take internships that may not be part of the path you think you're on. Take internships at big companies, small companies, old companies, and new companies. If you're on a PR track, take some in marketing, merchandising, and copy. When you're not pigeon-holing yourself, you may discover new options. And when it comes down to it, taking internships in a variety of fields can really be a good safety move, because if it doesn't seem to be working out in your chosen field, having all that experience in other fields can help you land a job somewhere else.
6. communicate
Build relationships with those around you. Have the confidence to stand up for yourself and others. If you're not happy, talk to people. In most cases, people do want to help you. One woman told me about how desperate she was to get an internship at one point, and that the way she was able to get one was by talking with someone she saw every day at a daycare center. This internship turned into a job. Later, she was able to get a promotion over someone else, simply because from the very beginning, she told her supervisor that she did want to start doing x one day. Communication, everybody. Despite what you may think, it doesn't always go without saying.
7. be able to prioritize
Be organized, and keep a cool head. Turns out, there will always be multiple things of equal importance that need to be completed. Prioritize!
8. keep an open mind
Don't be stuck to any one path or idea of how things should happen. Be prepared to change your mind a few times.
9. look for stepping stones
Look for pathways to your passion. Even if it means taking a job that's "beneath" you just to get your foot in the door at some company or industry, do it.
10. consider being a brand representative during college
Not only can you earn money and swag, you can also gain valuable experience in marketing, and, sometimes, a credit. This could be as valuable as an internship, in some cases.
11. never lose focus
Don't settle and don't give up hope. Unless you want to be a lawyer or a doctor, there really is no set path to your dreams. Keep applying.
12. don't freak out about choosing a college
Choose somewhere where you know you can be happy and work hard. Be sure to consider alumni connections and internship opportunities. Don't choose a school for novelty, and don't feel like you have to choose a school for a specific program--chances are, you'll change your mind about what you want to do a few times.
13. don't be afraid to let things fall into place
You can't expect yourself to have everything planned out. Most of the smart, successful people I talked to didn't. Work hard and stay true to yourself, and things can work out for you.
No comments:
Post a Comment