10 answers
Avela
Student
Richmond, VT
1
Question
Asked
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How did you get where you are today in your career
What tips do you give young people? What helped influence you
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10 answers
Lee Edgerton
Regional Partner Development Manager
3
Answers
Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
Updated
Lee’s Answer
There's two distinct answers to this question. One is something people don't usually like to hear, most of anyone's success is luck. Don't believe the mantra "just work hard and you'll make it". Whether that's being in the right place at the right time, knowing the right people, getting a job at the right company, choosing the right field to study - so much of my success has been outside of my control.
But the rest? It helps to be a good person, do something you're passionate about (this can change throughout your life), be good at what you do and build your network. These things can absolutely help with your luck in #1 above (having a strong network means you have a better chance to know the right people, doing something you're passionate about means you're probably enjoy what you do, are good at it and will be top of the list for the next big thing etc. )
BONUS: Be a learn it all, especially when others aren't. Be flexible. When everyone else is worried about who did it, who should do it blah blah - be the person to get it done. Step up when you can. And just be happy. Success in life isn't necessarily who earns the most or has the best career.
Hope this helps
Lee
But the rest? It helps to be a good person, do something you're passionate about (this can change throughout your life), be good at what you do and build your network. These things can absolutely help with your luck in #1 above (having a strong network means you have a better chance to know the right people, doing something you're passionate about means you're probably enjoy what you do, are good at it and will be top of the list for the next big thing etc. )
BONUS: Be a learn it all, especially when others aren't. Be flexible. When everyone else is worried about who did it, who should do it blah blah - be the person to get it done. Step up when you can. And just be happy. Success in life isn't necessarily who earns the most or has the best career.
Hope this helps
Lee
Kim Igleheart
Career Counselor | Police Officer
1750
Answers
San Antonio, Texas
Updated
Kim’s Answer
Short and sweet, be open to opportunities that do NOT align with your career goals!
When I was in the police academy, an instructor tried to get me to give up law enforcement and take a position as an insurance fraud investigator. I did not realize he was trying to help me. I thought he was just trying to get rid of me because I'm a female!
After I retired from law enforcement, I became involved in a civil suit. As that winded down, the attorney asked me to come to work for him. I already had a full-time job, and he could not match my salary requirements. However, we worked out a deal where I did freelance work for him. He eventually introduced me to other attorneys, and I was able to grow my business.
Secondly, know your self-worth. The police department had offered me a position in charge of Training. I had visions of what I would do differently than the previous person in that position. I discussed with management their expectations of me in that role, learned that I would not have the latitude I desired, and turned it down.
finally, always be true to yourself. Maintain your sense of integrity. No job is worth sacrificing your principles over. You can always get a new job, but, you will have to live with yourself for forever!
When I was in the police academy, an instructor tried to get me to give up law enforcement and take a position as an insurance fraud investigator. I did not realize he was trying to help me. I thought he was just trying to get rid of me because I'm a female!
After I retired from law enforcement, I became involved in a civil suit. As that winded down, the attorney asked me to come to work for him. I already had a full-time job, and he could not match my salary requirements. However, we worked out a deal where I did freelance work for him. He eventually introduced me to other attorneys, and I was able to grow my business.
Secondly, know your self-worth. The police department had offered me a position in charge of Training. I had visions of what I would do differently than the previous person in that position. I discussed with management their expectations of me in that role, learned that I would not have the latitude I desired, and turned it down.
finally, always be true to yourself. Maintain your sense of integrity. No job is worth sacrificing your principles over. You can always get a new job, but, you will have to live with yourself for forever!
Arpita Kaushik
Data Scientist
10
Answers
Detroit, Michigan
Updated
Arpita’s Answer
As a Data Scientist by trade, I completed my undergraduate studies with a Bachelor's degree in Engineering. This was followed by a Master's degree in Science, specifically focusing on Information Technology Management.
Here are some key elements that shaped my journey:
1) Support and guidance from my family: With a family full of engineers, choosing my career path was a bit easier. As a child, I was particularly good at math, which led me to focus on math and science in my studies.
2) Interacting with individuals from various professions: Growing up in a big city gave me the opportunity to meet people from all walks of life. Getting to know their jobs and how their lifestyles are influenced by their careers helped me figure out my own path. For instance, while I admire the hard work and rewarding careers of doctors, my lack of affinity for biology led me to rule out medical school.
3) Maintaining an open mindset: Given my strength in math, I even considered pursuing a Ph.D. in Mathematics. To explore this possibility, I sought advice from my seniors and tried to connect with those who had taken this path.
Think what you like doing and what you are good at. Finding a career which is a good balance of these 2 things is helpful
Here are some key elements that shaped my journey:
1) Support and guidance from my family: With a family full of engineers, choosing my career path was a bit easier. As a child, I was particularly good at math, which led me to focus on math and science in my studies.
2) Interacting with individuals from various professions: Growing up in a big city gave me the opportunity to meet people from all walks of life. Getting to know their jobs and how their lifestyles are influenced by their careers helped me figure out my own path. For instance, while I admire the hard work and rewarding careers of doctors, my lack of affinity for biology led me to rule out medical school.
3) Maintaining an open mindset: Given my strength in math, I even considered pursuing a Ph.D. in Mathematics. To explore this possibility, I sought advice from my seniors and tried to connect with those who had taken this path.
Arpita recommends the following next steps:
Jasper Lam
1
Answer
Updated
Jasper’s Answer
Hello Avela,
How did I get where I am today in my career?
My journey began with studying electronics engineering at university, a crucial first step before launching my career. I've always been passionate about discovering new technologies that can enhance our daily lives, assist others, and bring joy. My career took off as a product design engineer, where I learned to use semiconductors and passive components in the initial few years.
Later, I joined a semiconductor company as an application support engineer. This role allowed me to deepen my technical knowledge and support more engineers in designing innovative products. Recognizing an opportunity for growth, I stepped into the role of a product marketing manager within my organization, where I was responsible for defining new semiconductors.
A few years down the line, I seized another opportunity to become a business development manager. This role involved defining system-level solutions to assist product design engineers, a position I hold to this day.
But it's not just about technology. I continually strive to improve my problem-solving skills, interpersonal communication, and people management abilities. These skills have been instrumental in making me a great team player and propelling my career forward.
Remember, it's important to identify what interests you and the skills you need to pursue your dream career.
How did I get where I am today in my career?
My journey began with studying electronics engineering at university, a crucial first step before launching my career. I've always been passionate about discovering new technologies that can enhance our daily lives, assist others, and bring joy. My career took off as a product design engineer, where I learned to use semiconductors and passive components in the initial few years.
Later, I joined a semiconductor company as an application support engineer. This role allowed me to deepen my technical knowledge and support more engineers in designing innovative products. Recognizing an opportunity for growth, I stepped into the role of a product marketing manager within my organization, where I was responsible for defining new semiconductors.
A few years down the line, I seized another opportunity to become a business development manager. This role involved defining system-level solutions to assist product design engineers, a position I hold to this day.
But it's not just about technology. I continually strive to improve my problem-solving skills, interpersonal communication, and people management abilities. These skills have been instrumental in making me a great team player and propelling my career forward.
Remember, it's important to identify what interests you and the skills you need to pursue your dream career.
James Constantine Frangos
Consultant Dietitian & Software Developer since 1972 => Nutrition Education => Health & Longevity => Self-Actualization.
6342
Answers
Gold Coast, Queensland, Australia
Updated
James Constantine’s Answer
Hi Avela,
How did I get where I am today in my career?
The family medical history of my Greek ancestors was to determine my choice of career in the health specialty as a dietitian-nutritionist.
Looking at People's needs, rather than my own. I was going to be an astronomer, but what happened to my Greek relatives changed that.
I enjoyed telescopes and astronomy but I pursued biochemistry, nutrition and dietetics because of the sicknesses that abounded in my family.
The computer programming was a result of my grade 11 physics classes and I have kept the interest for 51 years.
I combined the two, nutrition and computer programming to create food menu-writing software. The ages my relatives were succumbing to coronary disease was as young as 38 years of age. What dietary component was elevating their serum cholesterol leading to arterial plaques?
Saturated animal lipids, cooking meats with the lipid portion on.
This is not Artificial Intelligence answering this question it is a real human, me. So now I empower People to beat sickness and early death! I spoke to one of the most famous doctors in 1981. She was known as "the Medical Mother" in my state. She was Doctor Lady Phyllis Cilento. Phyllis told me to study under Doctor Robert Buist, the Postgraduate Diploma in Orthomolecular Nutrition. This was a course usually for medical practitioners, dealing with treatment of disease by the nutrients.
Phyllis said not to do the postgraduate diploma in nutrition and dietetics because it was not necessary for me to become a dietitian-nutritionist! I did the diploma anyway and followed it up with a postgraduate diploma in public health. I was originally studying for a Master of Public Health. The course coordinator failed my Project because I chose to evaluate the effectiveness of my nutrition education software, citing a financial conflict of interest. "If you get a positive evaluation you will make a million dollars ..." Typical.
Basically I did not worry about the money; I worried about People.
Best,
James Constantine Frangos.
How did I get where I am today in my career?
The family medical history of my Greek ancestors was to determine my choice of career in the health specialty as a dietitian-nutritionist.
Looking at People's needs, rather than my own. I was going to be an astronomer, but what happened to my Greek relatives changed that.
I enjoyed telescopes and astronomy but I pursued biochemistry, nutrition and dietetics because of the sicknesses that abounded in my family.
The computer programming was a result of my grade 11 physics classes and I have kept the interest for 51 years.
I combined the two, nutrition and computer programming to create food menu-writing software. The ages my relatives were succumbing to coronary disease was as young as 38 years of age. What dietary component was elevating their serum cholesterol leading to arterial plaques?
Saturated animal lipids, cooking meats with the lipid portion on.
This is not Artificial Intelligence answering this question it is a real human, me. So now I empower People to beat sickness and early death! I spoke to one of the most famous doctors in 1981. She was known as "the Medical Mother" in my state. She was Doctor Lady Phyllis Cilento. Phyllis told me to study under Doctor Robert Buist, the Postgraduate Diploma in Orthomolecular Nutrition. This was a course usually for medical practitioners, dealing with treatment of disease by the nutrients.
Phyllis said not to do the postgraduate diploma in nutrition and dietetics because it was not necessary for me to become a dietitian-nutritionist! I did the diploma anyway and followed it up with a postgraduate diploma in public health. I was originally studying for a Master of Public Health. The course coordinator failed my Project because I chose to evaluate the effectiveness of my nutrition education software, citing a financial conflict of interest. "If you get a positive evaluation you will make a million dollars ..." Typical.
Basically I did not worry about the money; I worried about People.
Best,
James Constantine Frangos.
Afrad Mahamed
Operations & Project Management
82
Answers
Lakeland, Florida
Updated
Afrad’s Answer
Hi Avela -
Great question and lots of great advice already given, here's what I would reiterate:
Simply thinking along these lines, alone lets me know that you will be successful in anything you set your mind on! That said, from my experience, these are some general qualities that will help drive success.
1. Work with Integrity! Always work with the highest level of honesty, trust and be straightforward.
2. Be Reliable! Show up and deliver on your promises. Do the things that you say will do.
3. Be Curious! Understand what you do. Don't be afraid to dig in, question things, and ask why! Learn every step of the way.
4. Be Adaptive! Things are constantly changing. Be ready for it, and expect it, change is inevitable. Take change as an opportunity for something new.
5. Be Open-minded! Perspective means there are many ways to look at the same thing. Be willing to accept differing opinions, it is not always straightforward as wrong or right.
6. Network, Network! Build and continue building strong relationships at all levels. Surround yourself with good people, whom you can support in some way and that support you. Have mentors, be a mentee.
7. Create a Self-Brand! Make yourself known for the attributes that you want to be highlighted, whether your character, your skills or your talents. Spend time identifying what you want to be known for, emulate those things and introduce yourself at every chance with that!
Hope this helps!
Great question and lots of great advice already given, here's what I would reiterate:
Simply thinking along these lines, alone lets me know that you will be successful in anything you set your mind on! That said, from my experience, these are some general qualities that will help drive success.
1. Work with Integrity! Always work with the highest level of honesty, trust and be straightforward.
2. Be Reliable! Show up and deliver on your promises. Do the things that you say will do.
3. Be Curious! Understand what you do. Don't be afraid to dig in, question things, and ask why! Learn every step of the way.
4. Be Adaptive! Things are constantly changing. Be ready for it, and expect it, change is inevitable. Take change as an opportunity for something new.
5. Be Open-minded! Perspective means there are many ways to look at the same thing. Be willing to accept differing opinions, it is not always straightforward as wrong or right.
6. Network, Network! Build and continue building strong relationships at all levels. Surround yourself with good people, whom you can support in some way and that support you. Have mentors, be a mentee.
7. Create a Self-Brand! Make yourself known for the attributes that you want to be highlighted, whether your character, your skills or your talents. Spend time identifying what you want to be known for, emulate those things and introduce yourself at every chance with that!
Hope this helps!
Brian Baptista
Financial Accounting
9
Answers
Rocklin
Updated
Brian’s Answer
Hi Avela,
Great question for you to ask. Here's two cents of my wisdom. Hopefully one resonates with you.
- Don’t be afraid to move laterally and learn many roles as opposed to staying in one and being comfortable. Don’t just be motivated by getting promoted and moving vertically only to find you don’t have the scope of knowledge as the people you are leading. Be well rounded and knowledgeable.
- Personally develop to distinguish yourself amongst other candidates and peers. Provide your company with a unique combination of skills, attributes and abilities unlike anyone else and make yourself invaluable to them. Will also set you apart when you interview and apply for jobs
-Compare your performance against yourself and not always against others. We can get hung up worrying about not being as good as her or better than him… just be better against yourself each and every day. You know more than everyone else about the effort and focus you put into your job. And be honest with yourself.
-Be a valuable team member. It’s not what you know, but what you do with what you know. Help and teach your peers, lead teams, bring others along with your with your development and no-how. When you bring everyone else along, the whole team benefits.
- Always target your performance to “cross the line”. Many times, folks are hesitant to go too far and do more than they are asked. If you go too far, let your manager pull you back. Better to go too far than to fall short. You will find going beyond will have long term personal benefits even if you don’t get recognized for the extra work you do. You are creating for yourself a high standard and discipline that will be recognized when you are applying for an internal job. That’s when your efforts and the internal reputation you are creating for yourself will come back to reward you.
Great question for you to ask. Here's two cents of my wisdom. Hopefully one resonates with you.
- Don’t be afraid to move laterally and learn many roles as opposed to staying in one and being comfortable. Don’t just be motivated by getting promoted and moving vertically only to find you don’t have the scope of knowledge as the people you are leading. Be well rounded and knowledgeable.
- Personally develop to distinguish yourself amongst other candidates and peers. Provide your company with a unique combination of skills, attributes and abilities unlike anyone else and make yourself invaluable to them. Will also set you apart when you interview and apply for jobs
-Compare your performance against yourself and not always against others. We can get hung up worrying about not being as good as her or better than him… just be better against yourself each and every day. You know more than everyone else about the effort and focus you put into your job. And be honest with yourself.
-Be a valuable team member. It’s not what you know, but what you do with what you know. Help and teach your peers, lead teams, bring others along with your with your development and no-how. When you bring everyone else along, the whole team benefits.
- Always target your performance to “cross the line”. Many times, folks are hesitant to go too far and do more than they are asked. If you go too far, let your manager pull you back. Better to go too far than to fall short. You will find going beyond will have long term personal benefits even if you don’t get recognized for the extra work you do. You are creating for yourself a high standard and discipline that will be recognized when you are applying for an internal job. That’s when your efforts and the internal reputation you are creating for yourself will come back to reward you.
Ian Saville
Accounting Manager
1
Answer
Centennial, Colorado
Updated
Ian’s Answer
Hi Avela.
I was interested in business but was not certain which area of business would suit me. E.g., Accounting/Finance, Marketing, Human Resources, Sales, IT, etc., so did a business degree. After graduating, I worked at a financial services company for an initial year on a management training program. Spent three months in Sales, three in Human Resources, three in Office Services (which included mail delivery) and three in the Investments department. It was a really beneficial way to learn about the business, how it operates as well as get to know tons of people in the company too. Also, it helped me to narrow down where my interests lay for my career.
I then completed a comprehensive career occupation questionnaire with about 200 questions on it and the results indicated my interests could work well in Accounting/Finance, which was quite a surprise to me. I then explored career avenues in that field and before I knew it had joined one of the big 4 CPA accounting firms, where I had a fabulous four years of experience, before the little office I was at closed down and I lost my job.
So, I moved into industry and have gradually grown and developed in many different roles in finance, accounting, operations, consulting and managed teams of up to 30+ personnel. In small, medium, and large companies, and in a variety of different industries. I have been fortunate to be able to travel to lots of different places too for work, including to many large cities in the US, Alaska, parts of Europe and India too,
Your career will not be a straight line. There will likely be deviations along the way as things happen. For example, the office closes down or the business gets taken over and your job is moving to a different part of the country, etc.
Being part of a church group or joining a club or society can really help to open up doors as you meet and talk to different people. People love to help and are usually very willing to give advice and assistance.....they were all in your shoes at some point too earlier in life.
Once you have identified a field you want to work in, research on companies you are interested in joining. When you create your resume/CV make sure that it is checked over by someone who can help make it professional and eye catching.
Once you have an interview scheduled do the following to help you stand out:
1. Arrive early – no excuses
2. Dress to impress
3. Treat it like an exam – prepare, prepare, prepare and have lots of relevant facts to hand to bring up during the interview
4. Research and know more about the company than the company knows about you
5. Bring folio pad into interview with 20 + questions covering different topic areas
6. Some interviewers may ask, “tell me what you know about the company”. Very telling if interviewee has not much to say
7. Consider creating a document to present to the interviewer (for example: initial 90-day action plan); hiring manager can see your desire to want to work at the company AND can see an example of your work product BEFORE even being hired
8. Make sure to ask questions covering different topics at the end – very important
9. At the end as you wrap up - express your desire to want to work for the company
10. Ask about next steps
11. Do not bring up salary unless interviewer does – make sure you know the approximate range that the job offers in the market place
12. Send a thank you note by email or fast USPS mail/FedEx/UPS within 24 hours
I did not know all these interview tips early on and just learned them along the way.
Finding a mentor is a wonderful way to grow and develop and some companies have mentorship programs.
One final thought is around ways to stand out as a true professional.
6 traits of a true professional:
1. Specialized knowledge – keep up to date
2. Competency – get job done, reliable, manage expectations, focus on finding solutions
3. Honesty and Integrity – never compromise values
4. Accountability – especially if make a mistake
5. Self-Regulation – polite, high degree of emotional intelligence, respectful, careful of considering emotions and needs of others, be empathic – aware that life happens
6. Looking the part – air of confidence
Best of luck in your future endeavors.
Thanks.
Ian
I was interested in business but was not certain which area of business would suit me. E.g., Accounting/Finance, Marketing, Human Resources, Sales, IT, etc., so did a business degree. After graduating, I worked at a financial services company for an initial year on a management training program. Spent three months in Sales, three in Human Resources, three in Office Services (which included mail delivery) and three in the Investments department. It was a really beneficial way to learn about the business, how it operates as well as get to know tons of people in the company too. Also, it helped me to narrow down where my interests lay for my career.
I then completed a comprehensive career occupation questionnaire with about 200 questions on it and the results indicated my interests could work well in Accounting/Finance, which was quite a surprise to me. I then explored career avenues in that field and before I knew it had joined one of the big 4 CPA accounting firms, where I had a fabulous four years of experience, before the little office I was at closed down and I lost my job.
So, I moved into industry and have gradually grown and developed in many different roles in finance, accounting, operations, consulting and managed teams of up to 30+ personnel. In small, medium, and large companies, and in a variety of different industries. I have been fortunate to be able to travel to lots of different places too for work, including to many large cities in the US, Alaska, parts of Europe and India too,
Your career will not be a straight line. There will likely be deviations along the way as things happen. For example, the office closes down or the business gets taken over and your job is moving to a different part of the country, etc.
Being part of a church group or joining a club or society can really help to open up doors as you meet and talk to different people. People love to help and are usually very willing to give advice and assistance.....they were all in your shoes at some point too earlier in life.
Once you have identified a field you want to work in, research on companies you are interested in joining. When you create your resume/CV make sure that it is checked over by someone who can help make it professional and eye catching.
Once you have an interview scheduled do the following to help you stand out:
1. Arrive early – no excuses
2. Dress to impress
3. Treat it like an exam – prepare, prepare, prepare and have lots of relevant facts to hand to bring up during the interview
4. Research and know more about the company than the company knows about you
5. Bring folio pad into interview with 20 + questions covering different topic areas
6. Some interviewers may ask, “tell me what you know about the company”. Very telling if interviewee has not much to say
7. Consider creating a document to present to the interviewer (for example: initial 90-day action plan); hiring manager can see your desire to want to work at the company AND can see an example of your work product BEFORE even being hired
8. Make sure to ask questions covering different topics at the end – very important
9. At the end as you wrap up - express your desire to want to work for the company
10. Ask about next steps
11. Do not bring up salary unless interviewer does – make sure you know the approximate range that the job offers in the market place
12. Send a thank you note by email or fast USPS mail/FedEx/UPS within 24 hours
I did not know all these interview tips early on and just learned them along the way.
Finding a mentor is a wonderful way to grow and develop and some companies have mentorship programs.
One final thought is around ways to stand out as a true professional.
6 traits of a true professional:
1. Specialized knowledge – keep up to date
2. Competency – get job done, reliable, manage expectations, focus on finding solutions
3. Honesty and Integrity – never compromise values
4. Accountability – especially if make a mistake
5. Self-Regulation – polite, high degree of emotional intelligence, respectful, careful of considering emotions and needs of others, be empathic – aware that life happens
6. Looking the part – air of confidence
Best of luck in your future endeavors.
Thanks.
Ian
Rebecca Tang
Banking
1860
Answers
Hong Kong
Updated
Rebecca’s Answer
Thank you for your question. It is a very good question. I recommend you find a career you have interest. It's hardly to success in a career you have no interest.
Below are my suggestions:
1. Think about what you have interest, eg your hobbies, favourite subjects, etc and identify the related careers.
Eg if you like music, would you like to be a musician, singer, musical artist, music composer, music producer, etc
If you have interest in maths, would you like to be an accountant, engineer, banker, financial analyst, maths teacher, etc
2. Find out more on these careers and determine what you have interest
3. Speak to someone who are working in these careers. Seek guidance from your mentor, school career counselor, your parents, etc
4. Shortlist 1-2 careers you would like to pursue
5. Explore the entry criteria of relevant subjects in the college
Also, your interest may change throughout your life. You may change your career. It is very normal.
Hope this helps! Good Luck!
Below are my suggestions:
1. Think about what you have interest, eg your hobbies, favourite subjects, etc and identify the related careers.
Eg if you like music, would you like to be a musician, singer, musical artist, music composer, music producer, etc
If you have interest in maths, would you like to be an accountant, engineer, banker, financial analyst, maths teacher, etc
2. Find out more on these careers and determine what you have interest
3. Speak to someone who are working in these careers. Seek guidance from your mentor, school career counselor, your parents, etc
4. Shortlist 1-2 careers you would like to pursue
5. Explore the entry criteria of relevant subjects in the college
Also, your interest may change throughout your life. You may change your career. It is very normal.
Hope this helps! Good Luck!
Sean Whalen
Marketing
4
Answers
Austin, Texas
Updated
Sean’s Answer
Hi Avela,
I've always wanted to go to Vermont! I got to tech marketing through a somewhat unique situation. I had always dreamed of being an ESPN SportsCenter anchor, so I got involved with my high school newspaper, became a journalism major in college and started my career as a sportswriter. The industry changed a lot around that time, so opportunities for advancement weren't great and the pay was awful. I then went and got an Master of Business Administration (MBA) and got into tech marketing, which was not generally what I had imagined I would do in my life and yet I find I don't regret missing out on being on ESPN.
My tips for young people are:
- Do not go into a financial hole around education. I, myself, did not go to a 'prestigious' college and most of my colleagues didn't either. Find a good in-state college that will cost you the least and pick a major that will give you the skills you want.
- Don't neglect soft skills. You'd be amazed how few people can give a good presentation or write a strong email. Skills like those are far more valuable in the real-world than they might appear. They don't teach sales in school but, believe me, at any tech company a good seller earns the most money.
- Keep a support system around you. There may someday be temptation to move across the country or around the globe for a better job or experience. In my experience, the happiest times are the times I have people around who love me and the most career success I have is usually when I am happiest.
- Parents and teachers often prepare you for the world they lived in and not the one you will live in; always try to get current perspective on any major decision - I actually like sites like this and even Reddit to show something closer to how things actually are.
- Despite my above expression on Reddit, be guarded with what you see on Social Media. People will often post the best things that happen to them, rarely the worst and never the boring which is a lot of life. Don't make decisions to keep up with people that might not even be real.
Hope that helps!
I've always wanted to go to Vermont! I got to tech marketing through a somewhat unique situation. I had always dreamed of being an ESPN SportsCenter anchor, so I got involved with my high school newspaper, became a journalism major in college and started my career as a sportswriter. The industry changed a lot around that time, so opportunities for advancement weren't great and the pay was awful. I then went and got an Master of Business Administration (MBA) and got into tech marketing, which was not generally what I had imagined I would do in my life and yet I find I don't regret missing out on being on ESPN.
My tips for young people are:
- Do not go into a financial hole around education. I, myself, did not go to a 'prestigious' college and most of my colleagues didn't either. Find a good in-state college that will cost you the least and pick a major that will give you the skills you want.
- Don't neglect soft skills. You'd be amazed how few people can give a good presentation or write a strong email. Skills like those are far more valuable in the real-world than they might appear. They don't teach sales in school but, believe me, at any tech company a good seller earns the most money.
- Keep a support system around you. There may someday be temptation to move across the country or around the globe for a better job or experience. In my experience, the happiest times are the times I have people around who love me and the most career success I have is usually when I am happiest.
- Parents and teachers often prepare you for the world they lived in and not the one you will live in; always try to get current perspective on any major decision - I actually like sites like this and even Reddit to show something closer to how things actually are.
- Despite my above expression on Reddit, be guarded with what you see on Social Media. People will often post the best things that happen to them, rarely the worst and never the boring which is a lot of life. Don't make decisions to keep up with people that might not even be real.
Hope that helps!