As we approach adulthood and navigate our way through our career journey, it’s natural to look back on the past decade of life and reflect. As we do this, it’s common for us to wish that we had known certain things earlier. In this article, we will explore what career advice people would give their 20-year-old selves if they could go back in time.
1. Study Sales
If you are an adult looking for a career change or simply seeking to advance in your current sales position, studying sales should be high on your list of priorities. Sales is a dynamic field that requires constant learning and adaptation to stay ahead of the competition. Whether you are new to sales or have years of experience under your belt, there is always something new to learn.
To begin studying sales, start by reading books and taking online courses that cover topics such as customer psychology, communication skills, negotiation techniques, and marketing strategies. Attend industry conferences and networking events where you can connect with other professionals in the field and learn from their experiences. Consider finding a mentor who can guide you through the ups and downs of navigating a successful sales career.
Investing time and effort into studying sales will not only help you improve your skills but also increase your chances of landing promotions or pursuing higher-paying positions within the industry.
2. Career Advice: Study Psychology
As an adult, choosing a career path can be daunting. With so many options out there, it’s difficult to know which one is right for you. However, if you’re considering psychology as a career choice, you’re in luck! Psychology is a fascinating field that offers countless opportunities for growth and development.
If you’re looking for a career that will challenge you both intellectually and emotionally, psychology may be the perfect fit. From counseling to research, there are many different paths within the field of psychology that allow you to explore your interests and passions. Not only will you have the opportunity to learn about human behavior and mental processes, but you’ll also have the chance to make a real difference in people’s lives.
One of the great things about studying psychology is its versatility – this degree can open doors across multiple industries such as healthcare, education, government agencies or private practices.
3. Study Writing
Studying writing can be a great career move for adults seeking to enhance their professional skills. Whether you are looking to switch careers or simply improve your writing abilities, there are various options for you to consider. With the rise of digital media and content creation, strong writing skills have become increasingly valuable in today’s job market.
One option is to enroll in a college or university program that focuses on writing. Many institutions offer undergraduate and graduate programs in creative writing, journalism, technical writing and other related fields. These programs typically provide students with opportunities to hone their craft through workshops, seminars and mentorship from experienced writers.
If you prefer a more flexible path, there are also numerous online courses available that allow you to study at your own pace. Platforms such as Coursera and Udemy offer courses ranging from basic grammar and punctuation to advanced storytelling techniques.
4. Career Advice: Study Persuasion
In today’s competitive job market, it is more important than ever to possess skills that set you apart from the rest. One such skill that can provide a significant advantage in both your personal and professional life is persuasion. Persuasion is the art of convincing others to see things from your perspective or take action on something.
Learning how to persuade effectively can make a huge difference in your career trajectory. Whether you are trying to sell a product, close a deal, or negotiate a salary increase, persuasion skills are essential for success. Additionally, mastering this skill can increase your confidence and improve your communication abilities across all areas of life.
If you are considering investing time into studying persuasion, there are plenty of resources available online and offline. From books and courses to workshops and webinars, there are numerous opportunities for adults to learn the principles of persuasion and put them into practice in their daily lives.
5. Career Advice: Study Body language
Body language plays an important role in communication. It is a nonverbal way of expressing emotions and thoughts. Whether it’s during a job interview, presentation or meeting with colleagues, your body language can influence how others perceive you. Therefore, studying body language is essential for adults who want to improve their career prospects.
When one studies body language, they learn how to control their posture and gestures. A confident posture can convey that you are self-assured and capable while proper gestures can enhance your message delivery during presentations or speeches. In contrast, slouching or fidgeting could send the wrong message about your level of confidence to others in the room.
Furthermore, studying body language also helps adults understand other people’s behavior better. It allows us to read cues such as facial expressions and hand movements which may reveal whether someone is being honest or deceptive.
6. Take any Job that come your way
In today’s job market, finding a job can be a challenging task. With so many people applying for the same position, it can sometimes feel like an impossible feat to even get your foot in the door. However, if you’re struggling to find work in your desired field, consider taking any job that comes your way.
While it may not seem ideal to take a job that doesn’t align with your career aspirations, there are numerous benefits to doing so. For starters, having any job is better than having no job at all. Not only will you have a steady source of income, but you’ll also gain valuable experience and skills that will be useful in future positions.
Furthermore, taking any job shows potential employers that you’re committed and willing to do whatever it takes to succeed.
7. Don’t seek permission from anyone for Career
In today’s day and age, it’s common to seek validation from others when making important decisions about our careers. We often rely on the opinions of parents, friends, or coworkers to guide us in the right direction. However, seeking permission from others can hinder our growth and prevent us from taking risks that could lead to success.
It’s crucial to remember that your career is yours alone. No one else can dictate what path you should take or what goals you should strive for. While advice and guidance are helpful, ultimately, it’s up to you to make the decisions that will shape your future.
Don’t be afraid to take ownership of your career and trust your instincts. Take risks, pursue opportunities that excite you, and don’t let anyone hold you back. Remember that success comes from within and trusting yourself is the key ingredient to achieving your dreams.
8. Work Super Hard
One of the most common pieces of wisdom you’ll hear is to work hard in your job. It’s a simple concept, but it can have a profound impact on your professional success. When you put in extra effort and go above and beyond what’s expected of you, you’ll gain the respect and admiration of your colleagues and managers. This can lead to promotions, raises, and other opportunities that will help advance your career.
Working hard also means taking ownership of your responsibilities. Don’t just do the bare minimum; instead, take pride in everything you do and strive for excellence. Pay attention to detail, be proactive about problem-solving, and always look for ways to improve processes or systems within your workplace. By doing so, not only will you become an asset to your company but also develop valuable skills that will serve as a foundation for future growth.
9. Pick up Reading Habit
In today’s world, career advice can come from many sources. One of the most valuable and readily available sources is reading. Whether it’s a book, an article or a blog post, reading can provide you with the knowledge and tools to take your career to the next level.
When you read about successful people in your field or industry, you gain insights into what works and what doesn’t. You can learn from their experience and avoid making the same mistakes they did. Reading also exposes you to new ideas, trends, and best practices that you may not have been aware of otherwise.
Moreover, reading helps improve your communication skills which are essential for success in any career. By exposing yourself to different writing styles and vocabularies, you’ll expand your own vocabulary and ability to communicate effectively with others.
10. Learn Coding, Use AI
Pick up coding. There are million tools available to help you learn basics of coding. In today’s digital world, coding has become an essential skill for many industries. From software development to marketing and even finance, knowing how to code can give your resume a major boost.
But where do you start? With so many programming languages out there, it can be overwhelming to choose which one to learn. That’s why it’s important to research and understand what each language is used for and which one aligns with your career goals. Some popular languages include Java, Python, and JavaScript. Once you’ve selected a language, there are plenty of online resources available such as Codecademy or Udemy that offer courses ranging from beginner level to advanced.
You may be working in a totally different industry than IT or software. Every company is become Tech enabled. The best career advice is to learn coding. Optimize the thinking process to get better in systemic thinking.
Leverage ChatGPT
Are you looking for a new career opportunity or trying to take your current job to the next level? ChatGPT can help. This powerful tool can assist in finding the right path for your career and provide valuable advice on how to succeed.
With ChatGPT, you can ask questions about anything related to your career, such as how to write a killer resume, what skills are necessary for certain jobs, and tips on acing interviews. The platform also provides personalized recommendations based on your interests and experience, which helps you explore new possibilities that align with your goals.
In addition to expert guidance from ChatGPT’s team of professionals, the platform also connects users with other users who have similar backgrounds or interests. This enables individuals to network and seek advice from peers who have already been through the same journey.
11. Don’t overdo Resume thing
In today’s highly competitive job market, your resume is often the first impression that potential employers have of you. It’s important to make sure that your resume stands out from the rest and showcases your skills and experience in a clear and concise manner. Follow these tips for creating a better resume that will catch the attention of hiring managers.
First, start by tailoring your resume to each specific job you apply for. This means highlighting relevant skills and experience that match the requirements of the position. Use keywords from the job description to ensure your resume gets past automated screening systems used by many companies.
Next, focus on creating a strong summary statement or objective at the top of your resume. This should be a brief, two-to-three-sentence overview of who you are as a professional and what you can bring to an organization.
Closing Thoughts
In conclusion, the best career advice to give your 20-year-old self is to cherish every moment and take risks. The mistakes you make will help you become a better version of yourself. Learn from the hard times, never forget your goals, and be kind to those around you. Don’t be afraid to ask for help if you need it, and always remember that life is short. Spend your time pursuing things that make you happy and don’t let anyone dictate your decisions.
