Marketing on Sofa

Lately, I’ve been reflecting on my career journey and the choices I made along the way. There are several realisations I’ve come to, things I wish I had known or understood better when I was starting out. 

1. Aim High — Recognise Your Value from the Start 

I started my career in entry-level positions, working my way up from internships. At the time, it seemed like the right thing to do, especially since everyone around me encouraged it. 

I often heard, “Without experience, no one will hire you. Companies are only interested in candidates who already possess a proven track record.”

But now, I wonder if I undervalued myself. Looking back, I realize that I could have aimed higher from the start, seeking roles that matched my skills and potential. 

2. Hard Work Opens Doors, but Networking Unlocks Them

I once believed that hard work alone (or what I defined hard work for myself) – staying late, taking on extra tasks, and pushing myself to the point of exhaustion — would ensure success. While hard work is essential, I’ve come to see that networking plays an equally important role. Building relationships has often opened doors that hard work alone couldn’t. It’s something I wish I had prioritized earlier. 

3. Don’t Be Silent — Let Your Ideas and Concerns Be Known 

 In the early days of my career, I was hesitant to speak up. I thought my work would speak for itself. Expressing my ideas, sharing my accomplishments, and even voicing concerns have been crucial in shaping my career path. 

4. Keep Evolving: Make Learning a Lifelong Habit to Stay Ahead

Learning has been a cornerstone of my journey. I’ve attended numerous courses on marketing and communication, read professional books, followed industry leaders, and kept up with the latest trends through magazines. Continuous learning has been essential in staying ahead and refining my expertise. It’s not just about being good—it’s about constantly evolving and striving to be the best in the field.

5. Theory is Good, but Practice is Better

This point is closely tied to the importance of continuous learning. While theory provides a solid foundation, practice is where real growth happens. I’ve found that applying what I’ve learned in real-world situations has been far more impactful than any course or book. Taking on projects, experimenting, and learning through experience has deepened my understanding and honed my skills in ways that theory alone never could.

6. Be Nice to Your Coworkers

Work environments aren’t always easy. Colleagues can sometimes be in bad moods, feel overwhelmed, or simply be difficult to work with. Despite these challenges, it’s important to remain kind and supportive. Staying positive and respectful, even in tough situations, helps foster a healthier and more collaborative work environment. It’s a small effort that can make a big difference in building strong, professional relationships.

7. Learn to Accept Negative Feedback

 Negative feedback can be difficult to accept, but I’ve learned that it’s not always personal. Sometimes, it reflects issues beyond your control, such as the company’s direction or internal changes. There are moments when your values and those of the company may no longer align, and that’s okay. It’s important to recognise when this happens and take the feedback as an opportunity for self-reflection and growth, whether it’s about improving your own performance or re-evaluating your fit within the company.

I hope that by sharing these reflections, my experiences can offer some guidance or insight to those navigating their own career paths. We all learn and grow in different ways, but sometimes hearing someone else’s story can make the journey a little clearer.