I know you’ll have questions after you turn your tassels, clean out your dorm rooms, and pack up to start your new life. Your eyes will grow wide, as you ask questions like:
- “You’ve done so much. How did you get to where you are?”
- “How do I get a job like yours?”
- “What can I do to get to where you are?”
This commencement speech will answer these questions, and more.
I’ll preface this by saying I’m a little nicer on the phone and in person, but I’ve been hearing this too much, so I’m going to be like a tough big sister in this “commencement speech.”
How to Start Your Career Journey After College
1 | Don’t try to be me.
We are not the same (and that’s a good thing!)
This is what most professionals would really like to say. I’m doing it for them. There are just too many variables in my story that aren’t the same for your story. Just think about all the little details that are different. We have different interests and passions, I crossed paths with a completely different set of people, we went to different schools, I have a set of skills that are unique to me, etc.
You are uniquely you, and this is something that you should be celebrating as you start your journey.
2 | Don’t attempt to duplicate my journey.
My destiny is not your destiny.
This is yet another piece of the complicated puzzle. This piece of advice, has the same energy as the first piece of advice. Your journey will never look like someone else’s journey.
Take me for example:
- I’m a southern girl: I grew up in a southern metropolitan city, and went to a super popular state university.
- My career path is a zig-zag: Media and tech have always been a part of my journey and I just knew that was where I’d end up. So I explored as many career paths as possible in those areas.
- I get bored: I’m a little hyper-tech nerd, who has to work on multiple creative projects at once or I’ll get bored.
- I’m an entrepreneur: I loveeee stories of underdogs who become big dogs, so I binge an insane amount of entrepreneur podcasts, interviews, etc.
- TV runs my life: I also love jumping into other people’s worlds, so I watch an embarrassing amount of tv (btw it’s embarrassing to others, not me 🤷♀️). The Netflix recommendation algorithm is seriously no match for me!
Do you see why my journey would be a little complicated to duplicate?
3 | Know yourself inside and out.
Pay attention to YOUR strengths, weaknesses, passions, and the things you hate. Go towards what you love and stay away from what you hate. This is easier said than done.
My last point brings me to this point. See how I told my story above? You need to also be able to ramble off all the things you love and hate. These will be used to guide you on your very own personal journey.
If you need a jumping-off point grab a pen and paper and write down 50 things you want to do, be, see, or change about the world. If you get stuck, dream bigger.
Take Notes: Need to think about it a bit more? Take notes in the space below. Hit submit, and I’ll send you a copy of your notes to your email address. 🙂
Breakroom Buddha Notepad
4 | Know your industry inside and out.
Try to figure out what you really like doing and what fits you.
It’s up to you to figure out if you’d like to pursue roles or industries that align with your passion, purpose, or skills. It may be all, it may only be one. Whatever you do, don’t give broad statements like “I want to work in Digital Marketing.”
Trust me, you’ll be way ahead of everyone else once you nail down a handful of roles you want to pursue in your chosen industry or field.
A Final Note to 2021 College Graduates
If my story above is your exact story hit me up, because wow, we need to connect (and possibly take over the world together 😂 ). But for everyone else, Instead of trying to hack my blueprint or someone else’s, start by tapping into yourself.
I’d say use my career journey as an inspiration, but take stock of your entire journey because you already have everything you need to be successful.
Sending you lots of positive vibes. I don’t bite (but I will tell you the truth 👀) so connect with me and keep me updated on your journey. Good luck! ✨
The Young Professional Blueprint
Binge read all of the “Interview With” articles on Breakroom Buddha because I literally give you the cheat codes to my career and other young professionals’ careers as well. It’ll change your career life. 👇
Remember don’t copy, but instead, be inspired! Happy reading!
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