We’re not here to tell you how to live your life (or make any decisions for you), but we’ve been chatting with quite a few different people in our employee interview series.
And there are a few things that keep coming up that we feel we just have to share!
From new graduates to apprentices, management and business leaders – and everyone in between – we’re learning a lot.
If you’re going through a challenge or feeling the pressure to make decisions this could be just the blog you need right now to help make it through.
9 Career Lessons Every Student Needs to Hear
1. Stay open to new opportunities.
Sometimes we get so focused on the one path we’ve chosen that when another opportunity presents itself, we say ‘no’ because it doesn’t align with the direction we’re already heading.
Don’t be afraid to say yes if it feels like it could be something good.
“Take time to explore different avenues and find other topics that interest you. You’re programmed into six subjects in school, and you might not know what else exists. Take some time to look at what else is happening in the world. It will help you find other areas of interest and subjects to explore.”
– Chris Chau, Higher Apprentice with PwC
2. School is just the starting point – there’s no end game regarding your career!
While it might feel like the be-all and end-all, school is your starting line. There is so much more to come in life, and there will be so many great experiences you’ll get to go through that will help you make further decisions about your life and work.
Your grades do not define you.
“I wasn’t particularly interested at school and struggled with the classroom environment. I’ve realised school isn’t for everyone – but it doesn’t mean you can’t have a great career. If you work hard, focus and have the right aspirations – you can unlock anything. Don’t limit your thinking.”
– Tim Morton, Regional Operations Manager, George Weston Foods
3. Success is a team effort – find your tribe.
Growing your career doesn’t have to be limited to those you share an office with. Building a thriving, engaged community of like-minded people is a great way to learn, grow and develop your career.
Dedicate a little time to finding your tribe. You won’t regret it.
4. Use your voice when it matters.
No matter what stage of your career you’re in, you have a say in the workplace.
Your voice matters and the right employer will always want to hear what you have to share.
“Don’t be afraid to speak up, and you’ll find yourself helping not only yourself but other people around to make the workplace better.”
– Annika Konttinen, Welding & Fabricating Apprentice with APA Group
5. Don’t be afraid to take risks.
Sometimes the best thing we can do for our growth is to get out of our comfort zone, which might mean taking a risk or two. Don’t be afraid to go for it!
“Take risks, explore your passions, and always treat others with kindness and respect. Your future self will thank you for it.”
– Mitchell Stoneman, General Manager, Explore Careers
6. Embrace the unpredictability of life.
If there is one thing the pandemic years have taught us: life is truly unpredictable, and we can always find a way through.
Your career will undoubtedly throw a few curve balls your way. Embrace it and see where you land!
“Don’t stress too much about the future. When I was 16/17, I worried about where I would be in five years, and there’s one thing I’ve learned: the unpredictability of life. Life just happens sometimes. Things will come up, good or bad, and you just have to adapt and trust that things will work out in the end.”
– James McCall, Higher Apprentice with PwC
7. Think about the workplace culture you want to be a part of.
The overall workplace vibe and the team you spend your days with will be significantly more critical to your career satisfaction than you might realise.
Make sure you think about what you want this to look and feel like – and then go find it.
8. There’s NOTHING wrong with being a beginner.
Whether you forge a new path at 20 or 40 – the courage to be a beginner should not be underestimated.
Everyone we’ve spoken to who chose to start again in their career tells us it was the best thing they ever did. We promise no matter what, it will be far less scary than you anticipate once you dive in.
“For me, it took a really long time to figure out what I enjoy doing and what I wanted to do. I enjoyed my previous work but not as much as I enjoy what I’m doing now, and it just took a long windy path to figure that out. I feel it’s okay to change as often as you like when you can.”
– Jenneke Kijlstra-Shone, Oversized Timber Carpenter, Master Builders Victoria
9. Your career is only ONE part of your identity – make it a good one.
And lastly, while our careers are super important, they are not the whole part of who we are and everything we have to offer.
If you’re struggling to find what this part of your life could offer you, take the time to figure out what you do and don’t like, what your strengths and challenges are and to take advantage of the creative, informative resources available to you.
Have open discussions with your friends, family, teachers and people around you about their career or job experiences.
Trial and error is a part of learning; if you ever feel like you’re on the wrong path, you are completely welcome to pick another one.
