Top 10 Career Advice for Success
Whether you have your first professional experience this summer or if you are settled in a lifelong career, it never hurts to get advice and to continue improving yourself.
Beyond the “follow your passion” and the “give 110%”, find out our Top 10 Career Advice for Success with meaningful words from successful leaders.
1. Remember that you won’t end up where you start.
– Marla Malcom Beck
Marla Malcolm Beck, CEO of Bluemercury, told the New York Times that she always tells students that “nobody ends up in the first job they choose out of college, so just find something that is interesting to you, because you tend to excel at things you’re interested in. But just go do it. You have nothing to lose.”
In particular for LLM students or international lawyers, it can be quite complicated to find a job abroad. But the first step in getting your dream job is to get the experience.
It doesn’t matter if your first position is not in a big firm, because in the end, you won’t remember the time you spent working in the office: just climb the mountain at your own pace.
2. Be Fearless, Say “yes” to more things.
– Eric Schmidt
A great advice that was given to me was to say yes to more things and then learn how to do it. In brief, say “yes” to scary stuff.
Google executive chairman, Eric Schmidt, explains: “Find a way to say yes to things. Say yes to invitations to a new country, say yes to meet new friends, say yes to learn something new. Yes is how you get your first job, and your next job, and your spouse, and even your kids.”
3. Learn something new every day.
– Barack Obama
It is a simple as that: the secret to lifelong success is lifelong learning. Former President Obama used to read at least one hour a day while in office.. and he was the busiest person in the world!
No matter where you are in you career or how busy you are: keep learning. It’s estimated that the average shelf-life of a skill is about five years. There’s a reason why lawyers have to take CLE credits.
4. Never look back in regret: move on to the next thing.
– Richard Branson
“The best advice I ever received? Simple: Have no regrets. Who gave me the advice? Mum’s the word,” the Virgin Group founder wrote. “The amount of time people waste dwelling on failures, rather than putting that energy into another project, always amazes me”.
Richard Branson made his points. Be proud of what you’ve accomplished and always find a way to put things into perspective.
5. Work hard, Play harder
– Abby Downing
In our industry, hours are long. You must work hard to succeed. But you also have to play hard! Get out there and get the most of your industry. Go to networking events, write for a journal, participate in associations.
As in the words of Abby Downing, “a life lived solely behind a computer screen leaves little to the imagination.”
6. Relax.
– George Stephanopoulos
Stress is toxic, it may impact your co-workers, friends and family. Whether it is taking decisions or starting a new project, don’t freak out, be rationale and relax.
“Almost nothing you’re worried about today will define your tomorrow,” Good Morning America co-anchor George Stephanopoulos told personal finance website NerdWallet.
Whenever I get a new task and start feeling the pressure, I just take a big breath and get going. Freaking out is counterproductive.
7. Always ask question and keep your word.
– David Melancon
Here me out – asking question demonstrates curiosity, but avoid asking questions for which you already have the answer. There’s actually a methodology to asking questions.
Even during your interview, you should conclude with some questions, such was ” What qualities will a person in this role need to be successful in your company culture — as an individual and as a worker?” – don’t be afraid of questions.
Similarly, do what you say you’re going to do. Being reliable and dependable is foundational to building trust with others. Law is all about relationships, and without trust, the relationship doesn’t exist.
8. Be nice to everyone and exercise humility.
– Warren Buffett
Always remember to be kind to everyone. We’re not saying to be too nice, but you should treat others as you would like to be treated.
Berkshire Hathaway chairman and CEO Warren Buffett said the best advice he ever received was “Never forget, you can tell a guy to go to hell tomorrow — you don’t give up the right. So just keep your mouth shut today, and see if you feel the same way tomorrow.”
9. Never eat your lunch alone.
– Salli Setta
Red Lobster president Salli Setta tells Business Insider that it is important to get out from behind your screen at lunchtime because lunch is also a networking opportunity.
In Europe, lunch is the most important time of the day. It helps you connecting with your co-workers, sealing new deals with clients or simply catching up with friends. In brief: don’t eat alone.
10. Be inclusive, be a Team Player
– Erica Keswin
Helping each other is the best way to bring growth and results to your career. Make sure you are not always the one offering to do other’s tasks, but be there for others.
Ultimately, it honors relationships with your colleagues, your clients and yourself. The most successful advice for networking is in helping the other, not talking about yourself.
Finally, be inclusive. As LLM or Foreigner, we understand better than others the power of diversity. Once you get your dream job, remember who you are and give back as much as you can.
Did you enjoy our Top 10 Career Advice for Success? Here’s a few links on our website:
