Your 20s can be a tumultuous time. Between finishing college, starting your career, and wanting to go on adventures, sometimes fly by so fast that you are hitting close to your 30s — not that being in your 30s is a bad thing.
As Uncle Ben in the movie Spider-Man aptly said, “With great power comes great responsibility.” When you are young and free, you can do pretty much anything. However, here’s the catch: whatever you set your mind to could determine your whole professional life until you retire.
So, although your 20s is super exciting with endless possibilities, it can put a lot of pressure on you. Nonetheless, here is a few career-wise advice to guide you along the way.
Career Moves You Should Consider in Your 20s
There is no one-size-fits-all answer regarding growing one’s career. Plenty of factors have to be considered in launching a successful career.
#1 Be Updated with Technology
Number one on the list in building your career during your twenties is updated with any technological developments.
Though millennials and gen Z-ers are more tech-savvy than their predecessors, technology is constantly progressing and evolving. Perhaps months from now, there could be new tech updates, like a new cloud system.
Even when the latest tech developments are not exactly related to your current job, it will not hurt if you learn a thing or two. Who knows, the time would come when this “latest tech” update would catch up with your job demand.
For example, who would have thought it only takes a global pandemic to accelerate the adoption of digital solutions by businesses from various sectors.
#2 Learn New Skills & Develop Existing Ones
Learning transferable skills also help a lot in building your career. Employers always seek quality transferable skills such as communication, leadership, stress management, and innovation.
A wide range of competencies in different fields is extremely useful for landing a new job, advancing in the corporate ladder, or opening up an opportunity in a new industry.
These days, it is not uncommon to hear of professionals having somewhat unconventional sets of skills. A nurse can be an expert in marketing. An accountant can be a pastry chef. A web designer can also be a financial advisor.
Thanks to the internet, it is easier now if we want to hone our skills. There are plenty of online courses we can register for for a minimal fee.
#3 Embrace a Global Mindset
In today’s interconnected world, having a global mindset pays a lot.
Having a global mindset means one’s finesse of connecting with people from other cultures intellectually and emotionally. It means being able to recognize behaviors in various cultural contexts.
Nowadays, the business environment is more culturally diverse. With outsourcing, it is now possible for you to work with someone in the company who lives in another part of the globe.
#4 Keep Records of Your Achievements
Another crucial piece of advice in building your career during your 20s is to keep track of the awards you received and your accomplishments.
Besides career growth reasons, keeping records of your successes fosters self-esteem and confidence in your ability. Affirming your qualities helps you stay guided to see what aspects you need further improvement.
Do not wait to start this success journal when you are applying for a promotion or about to switch careers. While you are young, start building it. Keep tabs on every duties and project you handled and how they turned out to be. Keep certificates from any professional development training and activities you have joined.
By keeping an objective list of your successes, you avoid developing an impostor syndrome.
#5 Build a Network
As much as possible, do not burn bridges at all. You never know if you will meet someone again as you rise above the corporate ladder or when you pursue a new professional endeavor.
A good number of professional connections — be it within or outside of your organization — is good for your career growth. In this ever-changing work landscape, your connections could help you out in various ways. It could be that someone you know could offer you a new job opportunity.
#6 Be Financially Savvy
Juggling surmounting student loans, credit card debts, minimum wage, and your dream of traveling — it can be daunting when you are an adult. After graduating and landing your first job, you are faced with all these harsh financial realities.
But being wise with your finances is not that difficult. In fact, there are plenty of tips in dealing with your finances. Though it might take some time to be eventually financially stable, you will eventually get there with discipline, commitment, and hard work.
And who doesn’t want to have financial stability? When you can pay off debts, your credit score improves. And this means you can enjoy certain perks like getting good mortgage rates.
Hopefully, this career-wise advice would help you navigate your 20s.
