It’s graduation season for many, which makes this a perfect time to experience-share with the next generation of adults entering the workforce and maybe joining your company. Have you ever written a graduation address in your head—perhaps even delivered part of it to your own kids or employees? We asked EO members what lessons they wished they had known when they graduated and joined the working world. Here’s what they shared. What would you add? “Unless you have the next greatest billion-dollar idea, plan your career out for four or five years. Aim to spend a minimum of two years at a small business and also at a Fortune 500 company. You’ll learn what is great and what is the worst about being in a company of that size, whether it’s the flexibility to make immediate changes and see impact or learn operational skills and project management. These two experiences will illuminate the type of work environment and opportunities best suited for your desired life and lifestyle.” “You don’t need to know what you want to be the minute you graduate. There’s so much pressure to know what we want to be when we ‘grow up,’ but we are constantly growing up and becoming better versions of ourselves. I didn’t find myself in my career until my 30s, but every step of my journey led to what I am today. Don’t be afraid to fail. Each mistake is a life lesson and will make you better and stronger.” “Here’s what I share with my children, prospective employees and graduates: “Let people underestimate you. Why? Because it provides the opportunity to prove them wrong. In my first US job, I made minimum wage, didn’t speak English very well and my manager severely underestimated me. She once asked if I knew how to use a calculator. It was insulting, and I could have reacted negatively. Instead, I proceeded to go above and beyond to prove my value as an employee. To this day, people still underestimate me, especially as a woman and a minority. But I work that to my advantage by surprising and impressing people with what I’m capable of.” “I wish I had known that actions and initiatives that would catapult me to a more senior role or raise weren’t always the best contribution I could give or the best choice for the client. You have to learn to listen to your gut: Am I doing this to get a promotion or because it’s best for the team and client? Creating real value and making an impact is what will realize your career potential.” “Networking is a cornerstone of building a business or advancing your career. But as an investor and recruiter, nothing scares me off more than the words ‘networking opportunity.’ I picture a feeding frenzy of people hiding their real motives under all that small talk. So, how do you build a network? Here are a few principles I’ve learned—through trial and lots of error—along the way: “Find a job or intern for a company that you are passionate about and would love to be a part of. Work as hard as you can and meet as many people as you can. Work overtime, wow them and be memorable!” “Winter is coming.” The post What We Wish We Knew Then: 7 EO Members Share Advice for Graduates appeared first on Octane Blog – The official blog of the Entrepreneurs' Organization. via Octane Blog – The official blog of the Entrepreneurs' Organization http://bit.ly/2QmrFLc
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November 2020
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