Careering Tips Quick Read and Video Short
In your lifetime, no doubt, a lot has gone on and you’ve had a lot to deal with emotionally, mentally, socially, physically… Yes, the landscape has certainly changed—hopefully temporarily. After all, a global pandemic has happened. And as a result, you and all those around you have had to make enormous shifts.
All this to say, it’s okay to be a space of “ugh” now and then. Have trust that you are innovative, creative, and resourceful. Plus, consider these FIVE TIPS to re-center and navigate around any unexpected challenges that may arise for you.
Tip #1 – Give yourself grace and space. Everyone is shifting and changing as we transition back slowly to greater normalcy—even adults. In the world of experimenting and newness, consider it as a great opportunity to exercise your creativity and critical thinking. You may not be able to explore your career options the way you did before. But you still have it in your power to accomplish so much!
Tip #2 – Shift your mindset or perspective. Regardless of what challenges arise, you yourself haven’t changed as a person. Neither should your goals nor career aspirations. If you feel your attitude has shifted negatively, you can work toward re-developing positivity. For example, you can keep a gratitude journal… make a list of your accomplishments… visualize your successful future… or vision-board for a more optimistic outlook.
Tip #3 – Stay the course with your career exploration. Why? Staying committed to your exploration will open up avenues. It’ll get you where you need to go. It also is a great way to keep “good” busy and focused on a positive future. It’s called being a self-starter—which, by the way, happens to be a great work asset… And this kind of self-motivation is key to careering too.
Tip #4 – Look for ways you can support others – and vice versa. In other words, use this time to network and to support each other. One suggestion to spark your creativity is starting a virtual careering group with your friends and fellow students. Think of it as a study group, only focused on career exploration. It’s amazing how validating it is to hear and know others are sharing experiences similar to yours. It’s also great for sharing insights and helping each other. You can learn so much from each other’s triumphs as well as what may not work so well.
Tip #5 – Ask adults you know well and trust for assistance. In other words, use this time as a perfect opportunity to connect with family members and friends. Consider people you normally wouldn’t be able to reach before remote work became the norm. Think of what your needs are… then go from there. For example, you may want to conduct an informational interview about their profession… inquire about internship leads… or ask for advice on informational resources.
Sure, you may end up accomplishing careering goals in different ways than you expected. But the truth is, we’re pretty much constantly in a space of change to varying degrees. The key is to recognize that no matter where you are in the flux, it’s about taking a closer look—and exploring, discovering, researching, finding solutions, learning and growing. After all, with change comes newness, learning, growth and, yes, advancement. In short, dynamism can be a very good thing!
So, remember, creativity and being open to the new are what career exploration is all about. The main thing to walk away with is this: no matter where you happen to be in your space of change, take time to re-adjust your perspective and mindset as needed… and most importantly, to stay the course of careering!
This Careering Tips Quick Read and Video Short is intended to provide you guidance wherever you may be on your career exploration journey. For more great resources:
- Be sure to check out other “Career Exploration” blogs like this one;
- Subscribe to The IMC Leaders Channel on YouTube for the latest videos on Careering tips and techniques for young people like you on the move;
- Explore this website , learn more about me and follow me on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter and Pinterest, Handle @TamaraSRaymond;
. . . PLUS check out the very best in Careering for Youth products and free resources today!
