In a recent blog, my colleague Sophie Pittelli shared her thoughtful experience of a study abroad term in Florence and its impact on her professional development and approach to work. Reading her experience took me right back to my own similar experience studying abroad and figuring out my next steps in the new world of career development.
I also started my time at Ideba as an intern way back in 2014 and after a few years with the team went on to pursue other opportunities – both in travel and career – before circling my way back to Ideba. Reading Sophie’s experience was a reminder of the new year being a good time to reflect on how past experiences have shaped my approach to work years down the road and the lessons I learned in the early stages of career development.
- Ask every question. Every room and project needs someone willing to admit something isn’t making sense to them. More often than not, I’ve learned you’re not alone if the dots aren’t connecting clearly.
- Be confident in your perspectives. As technology and the ways of working evolve quickly, younger employees who grew up in a digital world have a head start on their adaptability to new tools and are more accustomed to innovating in a digital landscape. This can be a superpower in teams that are used to the status quo but looking for ideas.
- Keep broadening your mindset. It can be easy when you settle into early careers to have tunnel vision on the path you have to take, but keeping yourself open to taking on new projects, trying different approaches, and learning from those around you can help you find interests and success in unexpected places.
It should come as no surprise that the biggest takeaways from my early career are things that are fundamental to the work I do at Ideba every day, and I’m grateful for the opportunities to continue to grow in these areas as I work with a variety of clients on all types of challenges in their big picture planning and day-to-day priorities. The best thing is there’s always more to learn, and I look forward to seeing what the next phases have to teach me as well.
If you have any key lessons that have shaped how you work, let us know in the comments!
Kaila Joynes – Senior Consulting Manager
