Finding your first “real” job can be anxiety-inducing, stressful, and extremely confusing.
Here’s some career wisdom you should consider revisiting.
Advice: “It’s Not What You Know, It’s Who You Know.”
For a lot of people people, this phrase can sound discouraging.
This phrase also discounts the importance of “what you know”, which is becoming increasingly important.
A lot of people are charlatans.
They talk a lot, but they don’t know what they’re saying.
Networking is important, but people have to be able to trust you.Whatyou know will help make that happen.
Unless you’re in sales, only “what you know” can directly create value.
If you’re in construction, you have to actually build things.
If you’re in accounting, you have to know what to do when the books don’t balance.
People will recognize your skill and they will value you.
Who you know is just the tip of the iceberg.
Once you get a job, what you know will either propel you forward or cause you to flounder.
Revision #2: “What you know will bring you to who you oughta know.”
It is so true.
For the most part, this isn’tan effective use of time.
Everyone wants to help each other.
For example, let’s say you helped a family friend put together their website.
they’ll want to recommend you.
You become more than justanotherjob seeker or student.
Advice: “Don’t Give Away Free Work, It Devalues It.”
A lot of people will advise against you giving free work.
By far, the most important thing that has contributed to my career has been free work.
With that said, free work isn’t a silver bullet.
Ireallywished I got paid for that.
Then I wrote for a publication at a pretty low rate ($5 per piece).
That’s pretty damn close to working for nothing.
I don’t regret it at allin fact, I still feel indebted to my editors for the autonomy.
Free work can also lead to paid work.
Those two pieces helped me get a regular paid writing position in late 2014.
Thankfully, most of my work is paid these days.
Nonetheless, I still give away a little bit of free work.
As author and businessman Ben Casnocha writes, it’sthe best way to get a busy person’s attention.
Free work doesn’t necessarily mean you’re “devaluing” your work.
Sometimes, it’s the only way toshowpeople your work ethic and skills.
It’s also the best way to apply your skills and hone them in the field.
With that said, be considerate of who you’re doing work for.
Some questions to consider:
Are you interested in their field of work?
Are they well-connected in their industry?
Are they in the position to recommend paid work?
Alternatively, could they write you a referral/recommendation?
Does their name or brand mean anything to other people?
Will they eventually be able and willing to pay for your work?
How much free work are you willing to give away to this person or company?
When do you plan on stopping?
Advice: “You Have to Pay Your Dues.”
That usually means biting your tongue, swallowing your pride, and doing whatever is asked of you.
Paying your dues is important.
However, some employers won’t have your best interests in mind.
They’re focused on running their businesses.
Similarly, some of your senior colleagues might only be looking out for themselves.
Be wary of where, how, and to whom you’re paying your dues.
Revision: Pay your dues, confirm they add to your skills and provide good networking opportunities.
A lot of internships are purely administration work.
Don’t get too good at it.
Don’t expect to jump into a new role and be at the top of the world.
There are few things more annoying than an entitled, spoiled, intern.
For example, what’s really stopping you from doing a one-day-a-week internship?
Who do you need permission from?
Why won’t they pay you?
Slowly peel back the layers to these questions, or find people who you think might have the answer.
Meet peopleandget better at what you do.
Give away free work if you believe it will eventually pay off.
Pay your dues as long as it’s worth it.
Photos byRetroClipArt,hygienematters,europedistrict, andThomas8047.
