Growing Up: Three Reminders for the New Pro
This post is part of a series of “Lives of New Professionals” guest posts for Progressions.
As we take our first steps into the real world, it’s easy to get caught up in the hustle and bustle of our industry and to get swept away by deadlines and projects. Many young pros have this tendency of being a “go-getter.” We become wrapped up in our work and feel the need to be constantly on the move.
For some, this can be seen as a downfall of being a “new pro” – we silo ourselves into our day-to-day activities and forget to absorb the energy and resources all around us. Our lives revolve around our to-do lists or agendas.
What we sometimes don’t realize is that we can grow from taking a step back and looking at the big picture. Below are three reminders to help us grow as professionals.
Breathe.
Take time throughout the day to just breathe. A moment or two of silence can do wonders for your concentration, patience and work ethic. Sometimes when we’re on the go, we rush through our projects. It’s important to take a moment and step back, look at the bigger picture, and see how our current task can affect the project at large. Often times, we’ll find a new piece to the puzzle or a different approach that can further push our creativity.
Mingle.
Network. Network. Network. I can’t say it enough. It does not hurt to know more people. Whether it’s at the office or at another agency, branch out of your comfort zone and grab coffee with someone you find interesting. Chances are you’ll gain insight into a different perspective and make a new friend.
Look Forward.
Although reflection is important, you must also look forward. So what if you made a mistake at work today? It’s okay. There is always a chance for redemption, as long as you acknowledge your faults and provide next steps for remedying the situation. Moving forward, how can you do better next time?
There are times to chug the coffee and go – but there are also moments to take a step back and just soak up everything around us. What tips have you received to help you become a better new pro?
Amanda B. Nguyen is an assistant account executive and community manager at Edelman Digital. Prior, she was an intern on both Edelman’s traditional tech and digital teams in the Seattle office. She is a recent 2012 graduate from the University of Washington and enjoys cooking and blogging at The Accessory. Find and connect with her on Twitter: @amandabnguyen
