By Family Features | Contributor
Beginning your professional journey is often filled with excitement, but it can also feel overwhelming. Although there is no guaranteed way to achieve success in the workplace, there are strategies you can employ and competencies to develop that will support your long-term aspirations during the early stages of your career.
Young professionals frequently encounter specific challenges, but with insightful mentorship and guidance, these hurdles can transform into valuable chances for personal and professional growth. Deeply invested in nurturing young talent, Morgan DeBaun, the founder and CEO of the digital media and tech company Blavity, partnered with Sharpie – known for its range of permanent markers, pens, and highlighters for various settings including classrooms and offices – to provide the following recommendations.
Be proactive: Take the initiative to spot opportunities where you can contribute beyond your designated responsibilities. Instead of waiting for someone to request assistance, create an email, spreadsheet, or project board that could enhance team productivity. Demonstrating a proactive attitude can pave the way for more significant projects and responsibilities in the future.
Document everything: Writing down your aspirations and objectives can reinforce your commitment, help monitor your progress, and ensure you stay focused on achieving them. During meetings, your mind absorbs new information, engages with different perspectives, and navigates operational systems while trying to communicate effectively. Taking notes on key action items and insights will serve you well later. Active listening and note-taking can boost your retention of information, enabling you to contribute more effectively to your team.
Discover useful productivity tools: Seek out tools and applications that can enhance your productivity and overall success, and integrate them into your workflow. Whether it’s an email scheduling assistant, calendar management tool, or your preferred writing instrument, make sure you exploit resources that can bolster your success.
Enhance your organizational skills: Regardless of your position, a systematic and structured approach to your work can help you stay on track as you advance in your career. Whether you prefer smartphone apps, traditional paper lists, or desktop reminders, identify an organizational system that suits you and stick to it, while fine-tuning your method as necessary for optimal results. For instance, the diverse ink colors available with Sharpie S•Gel can simplify color-coding your calendars and to-do lists, making it easier to prioritize tasks.
Value teamwork and learn from your colleagues: In your organization, you’re likely collaborating with exceptionally talented individuals who possess different skills and perspectives. Schedule brief virtual coffee breaks lasting 15-20 minutes with coworkers outside of your immediate team during your initial 90 days to foster connections and gain insight into both your colleagues and the company culture.
Seize opportunities: Whether it involves attending a work event, engaging in a new project, participating in a meeting, or enrolling in a class, embrace every opportunity that comes your way. Leveraging these chances to network, learn, and develop in your career can place you on the right path toward your goals.
