Embarking on your career journey can be an exhilarating yet challenging experience. While there’s no secret recipe for success, there are steps you can take and skills you can cultivate as a young professional that can help you progress towards your long-term goals.
Recognising the unique challenges faced by young professionals, Morgan DeBaun, CEO and founder of digital media and technology company Blavity, has partnered with Sharpie – renowned makers of quality markers, pens, and highlighters – to share invaluable advice. Here are six success tips:
- Be proactive: Take the initiative and identify opportunities to contribute beyond your assigned tasks. Instead of waiting to be asked, proactively create drafts, spreadsheets, or project boards that can benefit your team. Demonstrating your willingness to go above and beyond may open doors to additional projects and responsibilities in the future.
- Write everything down: Putting your dreams and goals on paper helps solidify your commitment, track progress, and stay focused on achieving them. Taking notes during meetings is crucial for retaining information and demonstrating active engagement. Equip yourself with a reliable pen like the Sharpie S•Gel, which features no-smear, no-bleed ink and offers a sleek, professional look. The medium point (.7mm) white barrel pen enhances your handwriting and allows you to choose from various ink colors and barrel styles.
- Identify useful productivity tools: Explore tools and programs that can enhance your productivity and success. Whether it’s an email scheduling tool, calendar software, or your favorite writing utensil, make sure you leverage resources that can support your growth.
- Develop organisational skills: Cultivate a systematic and structured approach to your work, regardless of your role. Find a system that works for you, whether it’s a smartphone app, traditional to-do lists on paper, or desktop reminders. As you refine your approach, consider utilising different ink colors with the Sharpie S•Gel to color-code calendars and to-do lists, simplifying task prioritisation.
- Embrace teamwork and learn from peers: Collaborate with colleagues who possess diverse skill sets and ways of thinking. Engage in virtual coffee chats with individuals outside your immediate team during your initial 90 days to connect with your coworkers and gain insights about the company as a whole.
- Embrace opportunities: Seize every opportunity to network, learn, and grow in your career. Whether it’s attending work events, taking on new projects, participating in meetings, or pursuing further education, embracing these prospects can propel you along your desired career trajectory.
Equip yourself with the essential tools to set your career on the right path at Sharpie.com.
