Background

Having been employed full-time for four years, I have primarily worked within the data sector. My experience encompasses positions such as Data Analyst (approximately two years), Product Owner for a Data Engineering Team (about one year), and currently, a Data Engineer (over a year). My career journey has included transitions between medium-sized and large corporations, changing from a 55,000-employee pharmaceutical company to a smaller 1,000-employee pharma engineering firm. Throughout these formative years, I encountered several mistakes that hindered my career growth and salary potential. While the lessons drawn from my experiences pertain specifically to medium and large organizations in specialized roles, I believe that they hold relevance for anyone beginning their professional journey. By sharing these lessons, I hope to help others sidestep similar pitfalls.

Lesson 1: Articulate Your Aspirations

Effective communication is vital, regardless of your professional domain. Your colleagues, stakeholders, and managers cannot discern your thoughts; you must express your desires and expectations clearly. I often found myself agreeing to deadlines that I instinctively knew were unachievable, leading to stressful nights trying to meet them. Additionally, I experienced instances where I set strict deadlines, only to have someone fail to deliver on time. It's crucial to recognize that no one can read your mind. This applies to both minor issues like negotiating realistic deadlines and major aspirations like career goals.

I learned that articulating my ambitions became particularly important as I sought career advancement. I frequently felt disheartened when others were promoted to positions I coveted, only to realize I had never communicated my interest. After a few disappointments, I made a point to express my goals. For instance, my transition from a Data Analyst to a Product Owner began when I scheduled a meeting with the manager overseeing that role. Although the position was filled at the time, I expressed my interest when asked about my career aspirations. Voicing my goals felt uncomfortable; I worried about appearing presumptuous or ungrateful for my current position. However, a few months later, the opportunity arose, and I was offered the role after the previous occupant moved on. This happened because I had taken the initiative to communicate my aspirations. Had I remained silent, the role might have been filled by someone else.

You can adopt a similar approach to advance in your career. While expressing your wishes does not guarantee results, it certainly enhances your chances. Whether aiming for a new role or a promotion, be proactive in communicating your intentions rather than keeping them to yourself.

The first video titled "6 Career Lessons You'll Probably Learn The Hard Way" explores similar themes, emphasizing the importance of clear communication and understanding your goals in the workplace.

Lesson 2: Understand Responsibilities Before Agreeing

Have you ever accepted additional responsibilities without fully grasping the implications? I certainly have, more times than I care to admit. Imagine being summoned for an unexpected meeting with your manager, who offers you new tasks that align perfectly with your career goals. In your excitement, you agree without inquiring about your current responsibilities. Afterward, you realize that you are expected to handle both your existing duties and the new tasks simultaneously, leaving you overwhelmed and frustrated.

Such scenarios can be avoided. Before committing to additional responsibilities, ensure you understand all aspects of the offer. Ask pertinent questions about the nature of your new duties, how they relate to your current work, and any changes in compensation. Take the time to evaluate whether this new responsibility aligns with your career trajectory and what sacrifices you might need to make. Only after careful consideration should you agree, as retracting your acceptance can be challenging.

The second video, "9 Harsh Career Lessons You Will Probably Learn the Hard Way," delves into similar topics, highlighting the pitfalls of unconsidered commitments and the necessity of understanding one’s workload.

Lesson 3: Notify Your Employer When You Receive Another Offer

It's natural to question your value in the job market. A practical way to gauge this is to apply for positions elsewhere. Occasionally, you may reach the final stages of an application process and receive a job offer. In such cases, you must decide whether to accept the offer immediately or discuss it with your current employer first.

I have made the mistake of rushing into decisions too quickly. For instance, after receiving a job offer, I immediately accepted without consulting my current employer. Instead of exploring whether they could match the terms of the new offer, I left them with no option but to accept my resignation. Had I taken the time to communicate the offer to my employer, I might have secured better terms while remaining with a company I valued.

Lesson 4: Learn to Say No

Over my years in the job market, I’ve come to recognize that saying "no" is a valuable skill that develops with practice. Early in our careers, we often seek approval from our colleagues, believing that being liked will lead to more opportunities. However, this desire for approval becomes problematic when it negatively impacts our ability to fulfill our primary responsibilities.

As a Data Analyst, I found myself inundated with requests for assistance from other analysts due to my extensive knowledge of our company’s data. While it was flattering to be sought after, I soon realized that my willingness to help was taking time away from my own tasks. I was effectively working two jobs, which led to burnout and, ultimately, my departure from the position.

This situation could have been avoided. By learning to say no, I would have preserved my time and focus for my own responsibilities. Before agreeing to help others, consider whether it truly fits within your job description and how it might impact your work.

Conclusion

The lessons shared here, although drawn from my experiences in the data field, are applicable across various domains. The key takeaway is to be deliberate in every agreement or refusal you make, whether regarding small tasks or significant career moves. By doing so, you can navigate your early career more effectively and set a solid foundation for your future.