Your 20s can contain some of the most exciting moments in your life. Also some of the scariest. This is especially true when it comes to your career, as you set out on your own and discover your professional path.
But are you really alone? Not exactly. Sure, you can’t take a parent with you on a job interview or let your roommate join you during your first day of work. But you can find pillars of support as you head into the working world.
Don’t worry. Job searches will become a habit soon enough. After all, data show the average person gets their first job around age 15 or 16. And U.S. government statistics indicate that the average worker has had 4.5 jobs between the age of 25 and 34.
So, by your mid-30s, you should be a grizzled veteran at this career thing. But for now, with a few gigs in your past, you need to jump into the labor pool with both feet. Here’s how to get the help you need during your 20s to locate the right career path:
Stay Informed
The job market can change quickly. Look at what has happened in the past couple years. A strong economy in 2019 became the desolate economic landscape of 2020’s pandemic, followed by the uneven reopening of 2021.
Your prospects will be tied to changes in your industry and in the overall economy. Know what you are getting into. As you survey your job options, conduct the necessary research to make an informed decision.
Set Career Goals
It’s easier to get someplace when you know where you’re going. At this point, your career might seem impossibly long, stretching out for decades ahead of you. However, you can waste years in unproductive jobs if you don’t establish meaningful targets.
Set career goals. Know where you want to be a year from now, five years from now and ten years from now. With that in mind, you can devise a plan to reach those objectives.
Of course, you should remain flexible. You should review your goals often to make sure they still make sense for you. But the process of thinking about broader career plan will help you make steady progress.
Build a Support System
Want to make sure you never feel alone as you launch your career? Look for people to talk to. This can come in a number of different forms. The key is to build a support system you can trust for advice and guidance.
Here are a few facets to consider:
- Start with Friends and Family
- Seek Out Other Newcomers to Your Industry
- Get Better at Networking
- Look for a Mentor
Work with a Recruiter or Career Coach
Informal career support can result in invaluable assistance. Advice from a parent or a mentor can point you in the right direction. Still, nothing substitutes for professional guidance, the kind of counsel you get from a recruiter or career coach.
Contact Recruiting In Motion today to start your career adventure.
Team with the top recruiter, like Recruiting In Motion, to jumpstart your burgeoning career. You’ll get the direction you need to develop a winning plan of long-term professional development.
