As an eager young professional in this fast-paced world, it can feel overwhelming to know where or how you fit in. Speaking from personal experience, it’s the unknown and the uncomfortable that shape us into the driven and passionate individuals we will become.
Like many, I felt immense pressure after graduating from college at the prime age of 21. My mind was constantly blazing with thoughts. How do I navigate life post-college? How do I get my foot in the door for a dream job? Where do I even go from here?
Let’s face the facts – no one is perfect, and contrary to popular belief, you don’t have to know what you’re doing to be successful. I don’t mean jumping into a career path that you’re completely unprepared for, so please let me explain.
As young professionals, we hold one of the most powerful traits that can either create remarkable opportunity or disseminate destructive chaos. That trait: our inner critic. We all have an inner critic and how we use it is crucial to our development as human beings. Yes, being comfortable in a situation works wonders for your self-confidence. Perhaps, though, this can be said even more about being uncomfortable.
Think about it…did you immediately know how to ride a bike without training wheels? Most of us would answer no to that question. You started with those slick training wheels to build up your confidence then one day those wheels came off and, more than likely, you fell over. But you got back up, brushed yourself off, got back on that bike, and tried again. You probably felt scared and angry but also exhilarated and motivated all at the same time. Determination, passion, and persistence are just a few of the things that drove you to learn how to ride that bike.
The bike scenario is easily transferable to any professional setting. Whether you are in your first job or your last, the unknown and unfamiliar are inevitably part of your story. So, my challenge to you is to take solace in not knowing all the answers. Use your inner critic to learn from mistakes and find opportunity in the uncomfortable. You’ll be surprised by how far you can go.
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Nick Randone is a skilled young professional with several years of expertise in digital marketing, product strategy, content development, information architecture, and UX design. He is currently a UX design business analyst at Ally Financial, where he evaluates and enhances digital product experiences for all business lines across the organization. Nick is a second year member of the Charlotte Regional Business Alliance’s Young Professionals Board and currently chairs the Internal Events committee, showcasing his commitment to community engagement and leadership. He has lived in Charlotte for 10 years and loves calling the Queen City his home. To learn more about Nick, follow him on LinkedIn.
