By Karen E. Mosier – Reprinted with permission. Original printed in CARA Connection Newsletter Vol 4 Issue 5 Sept 2016
I have worked in research administration for 13 years. Time flies by quickly. I wish someone would have told me to think of the big picture when I started my first job and to keep my career path in mind instead of focusing only on the job at hand.
These are some things that I wish someone would have told me right from the start:
- Get a mentor
- Connect with peers
- Relationships matter
- You learn on the job
- Don’t waste time reinventing the wheel
- Change happens quickly and often
- Balance work and personal life
- Don’t compare yourself with others but set your own goals
- Don’t let your employer decide your career path
- It’s okay to follow your gut instinct
- Never sell yourself short
- Success isn’t just found in the big pond
- Regularly pursue professional development opportunities
- Keep track of all your achievements to celebrate your successes!
References:
- Kayleen Schaefer. Fast Company. 9 Things I Wish I Knew When I Started My Career
- Katy Backode. Fast Company. 5 Things I Wish I Knew Before I Started My First Job
- Ryan Frankel. Forbes. Top 5 Things I Wish I Knew When I Started My Business
- Divya Bahl. Levo. 5 Things I Wish I Had Known Before Starting My First Job
