We\u2019re not here to tell you how to live your life (or make any decisions for you), but we\u2019ve been chatting with quite a few different people in our employee interview series.<\/p>\n
And there are a few things that keep coming up that we feel we just <\/em>have<\/strong> to share!<\/em><\/p>\n From new graduates to apprentices, management and business leaders – and everyone in between – we\u2019re learning a lot.<\/p>\n If you\u2019re 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.<\/p>\n Sometimes we get so focused on the one path we\u2019ve chosen that when another opportunity presents itself, we say \u2018no\u2019 because it doesn\u2019t align with the direction we\u2019re already heading.<\/p>\n Don\u2019t be afraid to say yes if it feels like it could be something good.<\/p>\n \u201cTake time to explore different avenues and find other topics that interest you. You\u2019re 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.\u201d <\/em><\/p>\n – Chris Chau, Higher Apprentice with<\/strong> PwC<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n 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\u2019ll get to go through that will help you make further decisions about your life and work.<\/p>\n Your grades do not define you.<\/p>\n \u201cI wasn\u2019t particularly interested at school and struggled with the classroom environment. I\u2019ve realised school isn\u2019t for everyone – but it doesn\u2019t mean you can\u2019t have a great career. If you work hard, focus and have the right aspirations – you can unlock anything. Don\u2019t limit your thinking.\u201d <\/em><\/p>\n – Tim Morton, Regional Operations Manager, George Weston Foods<\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n Growing your career doesn\u2019t 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.<\/p>\n Dedicate a little time to finding your tribe. You won\u2019t regret it.<\/p>\n No matter what stage of your career you\u2019re in, you have a say in the workplace.<\/p>\n Your voice matters and the right employer will always want to hear what you have to share.<\/p>\n \u201cDon\u2019t be afraid to speak up, and you\u2019ll find yourself helping not only yourself but other people around to make the workplace better.\u201d <\/em><\/p>\n – Annika Konttinen, Welding & Fabricating Apprentice with <\/strong>APA Group<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n 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\u2019t be afraid to go for it!<\/p>\n \u201cTake risks, explore your passions, and always treat others with kindness and respect. Your future self will thank you for it.\u201d <\/em><\/p>\n – <\/strong>Mitchell Stoneman<\/strong><\/a>, General Manager, Explore Careers<\/strong><\/p>\n If there is one thing the pandemic years have taught us: life is truly unpredictable, and we can always find a way through.<\/p>\n Your career will undoubtedly throw a few curve balls your way. Embrace it and see where you land!<\/p>\n \u201cDon\u2019t stress too much about the future. When I was 16\/17, I worried about where I would be in five years, and there\u2019s one thing I\u2019ve 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.\u201d <\/em><\/p>\n9 Career Lessons Every Student Needs to Hear<\/strong><\/h4>\n
1.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 <\/strong>Stay open to new opportunities.<\/strong><\/h5>\n
2.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 <\/strong>School is just the starting point – there\u2019s no end game regarding your career!<\/strong><\/h5>\n
3.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 <\/strong>Success is a team effort – find your tribe.<\/strong><\/h5>\n
4.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 <\/strong>Use your voice when it matters.<\/strong><\/h5>\n
5.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 <\/strong>Don\u2019t be afraid to take risks.<\/strong><\/h5>\n
6.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 <\/strong>Embrace the unpredictability of life.<\/strong><\/h5>\n