As a young person starting out in the workforce, it can often be hard enough just getting to the office on time and learning how to work the office coffee machine. Thinking about career strategy and goals on top of that can seem overwhelming. But we’ve got you covered. Here are 30 things to do for your career by the time you turn the big 3-0 in order to insure that you’re in a great spot for the key years of your working life.
While we all love our online social networks, nothing is as good for your career prospects as getting out and meeting people face to face. It may take some getting used to, especially if you’re naturally shy, but getting out there and pressing the flesh is one of the key things to do for your career.
Be ready to describe your job in a way that is engaging, intriguing, and invites the listener to ask questions. The quicker you can grab someone’s interest, the easier it becomes to build a relationship.
A lot of people talk a big game but don’t deliver. If you consistently follow up on your promises in ways both small and large, you’ll gain a valuable reputation and get a leg up over even the fiercest competition.
Having an older, respected person you can go to for advice is crucial. (If you don’t know how to find one, we’ve got you covered.) But one of the greatest things to do for your career is to have multiple mentors from many different areas. That way, you can get a much wider picture of possible career choices, ways to handle problems, etc.
It may seem perfectly natural and harmless to put pictures of your wild nights out on your Facebook profile, or to live-tweet some harmless but technically illegal escapade. But it’s becoming commonplace for businesses to look at the virtual life of prospective employees. So don’t put ANYTHING on social media that you wouldn’t want a future boss to see.
Just having a great resume is no longer enough to land your dream job. Employers are looking for well-rounded people with outside interests. A great way to establish that, while doing some good, is to volunteer. Pick a cause you care about, find a local group, and get going!
Having a sales job, even for a short time, will teach you valuable things about determination, persuasiveness, public speaking, and networking. It is one of the single most effective things to do for your career. And most importantly, you’ll also very quickly get over any lingering fears about being rejected!
Everyone loves that millennials are a technologically savvy generation. But even among people who spend all day on wireless devices, very few know how computers actually work. Learning even a rudimentary bit of HTML and coding is one of the greatest things to do for your career, and will help you stand out and put you in the running for a much wider variety of jobs.
Talking in front of a group is one of the things people generally fear the most. But it is essential in so many walks of life. And like almost everything else, it’s a skill that can be learned. Whether it’s through an organized group like Toastmasters or informal gatherings with friends, practice your public speaking, and make sure you get (constructive!) criticism along the way.
Some of the best lessons you’ll learn come from harsh experiences. Getting fired can be difficult, disruptive, and heartbreaking. However, you almost always learn valuable lessons and figure out boundaries along the way.
Quitting a dead-end job is a scary prospect, but there’s never a better time than when you’re just starting out. Take the leap now, before you end up trapped somewhere you hate until retirement.
In the early years of your work life, it can be easy to survive on bad food and little (or sometimes no) sleep. Don’t do it. Eating a healthy, balanced diet (having lots of different colors on your plate is a simple way to help you get all the different nutrients you need); exercising regularly; and getting enough sleep will make you happier and more effective on the job.
Getting outside the country will expand your perspective in ways both big and small. It will make you a better, more well-rounded person, and thus more valuable to your workplace. It’s perhaps the most fun of these valuable things to do for your career.
Do you pull out the chair for the person next to you? Which fork goes with which course? Who tastes the wine? How hard do you fight to pick up the bill? Learning how to deal with a business lunch or dinner at a high-class place is a crucial skill.
Spending hours upon hours with your co-workers, you will be tempted to engage in talking behind peoples’ backs. Even if it seems like harmless fun at the time, learn how to avoid this. It almost always comes back to haunt you. Being labeled as the office gossip is one of the worst things to do for your career.
Nobody is perfect – or even good – at managing their time at first. Use your early work life to figure out the time and space you need to get things done, and hold to that even when it’s difficult.
Whether it’s a matter of holding on to your passion or a desire not to have all your career eggs in one basket, having a second job can be valuable. Plus, a little extra dough never hurt anybody.
We’ve talked about the importance of having mentors (see #27, above). But being a mentor is just as crucial – it’s easily one of the best things to do for your career. Teaching someone a new skill, or just showing them the ropes in a new environment, will do wonders for your skill set, your state of mind, and your reputation.
If you don’t speak up for yourself, no one else will. Figure out how to toot your own horn in a way that doesn’t go overboard. It’ll take some trial and error, but the end result will help you stand out from the crowd.
Or, in business speak, “delegate.” Learning this crucial skill is one of the best things to do for your career. Trying to do everything yourself is the quickest way to fail.
It may sound like something out of American Psycho, but there is actually a serious psychology to a good handshake. Learn how to do it in a way that feels professional – not too aggressive, not too faint. These small details are the kinds of things that good supervisors notice immediately.
The prospect of talking to the big bosses at your job can seem daunting. But in the end, they’re people just like you (and susceptible to flattery). Get to know the senior people at your workplace, and you’ll find many advantages will follow.
Whether it’s a giant project or a lunchtime book club, take the initiative and start something brand-new at your job. It’ll make your job more interesting, make the day go by quicker, and it’ll certainly get you noticed by the right people.
Learn to break bad news to any and everyone – your co-workers, your boss, your boss’ boss. If you keep your mouth shut in difficult situations, you may be safe in the short term, but avoiding conflict and bad news rarely works out well for anyone. Figuring out how to say upsetting things without causing undue upset is one of the key things to do for your career.
Even if you think you’ll be at your current job forever, make sure your resume/Linked In/etc. reflects your current position and interests. You never know what can happen, and it’s best to be prepared at all times.
This was something our high school band teacher used to say, and it took years to realize its true brilliance. Especially with today’s technology, it can be harder to turn work off than ever. It’s also crucial. Make sure your work day has a hard stopping point.
Talking about money makes almost everyone uncomfortable. But you will inevitably find yourself arguing for a salary or a raise anyway. Dive in with confidence, and you’ll find the result will usually be far better than you imagine.
Fewer than half of Americans have a valid passport. Get a leg up on everyone else by traveling abroad. Exposure to other countries and other cultures will make you a smarter, more interesting, and more well-rounded person.
It may seem like it’ll never happen, but retirement will creep up on you before you know it. The sooner you start saving, the sooner compound interest can work its magic.
Compromise is crucial in any situation, professional or otherwise. However, one of the best things to do for your career is to figure out what not to compromise on. What are the things you need in order to be satisfied at your job? If you are clear on that, not much can stop you.
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