In today’s corporate world professionals enter management positions decades earlier than they used to. And pretty often, lack of experience and training in management is a dangerous combination. If you are just making your first steps in the job market and have high ambitions, you’d better set your moves straight from the very beginning. To help you along the way, we have compiled a list of 10 useful tips for becoming a top manager by 30.
Choose your friends wisely
The people you communicate with everyday will be in your circle of connections for long years to come. Remember that life is not all about partying – there are also things like values, goals, and plans. Even the most ambitious and most talented person may get demotivated if all they hear every day is: “Why do you need that?”, “It’s too complicated, don’t go there,” etc. Pick a mentor, develop a network of cool experts in your professional career and communicate not only with the people that you like, but also with people who can be your role models.
Learn from the best
If you’re one of those people who think that “working for an uncle sucks”, we will need to disappoint you. Statistics shows that the most successful businesses are built by people in their 40s – by that time, they have already developed the necessary habits and have gained valuable experience in big companies. In the first years of your career, learn from the best on the market.
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Don’t start with secretary positions
And if you do, look for positions that have growth potential and would be useful for your future career. Check out the people in the company – who will be your bosses, is there anything you can learn from them? The perfect scenario is starting out as a junior expert or an intern in your field.
Avoid companies with suspicious background
If you’re just entering the job market, the best thing you can do for your resume is pick a cool brand and stick to it. This will spare you the trouble of having to constantly explain what kind of company it is and why your experience there matters. There is one exception here – if you’ve picked a cool startup.
It’s not all about the money
When you pick a job, don’t just think about the salary. There are things that matter much more, including the useful habits, experience and knowledge you will gain there.
Don’t think that at 20 you can do whatever you like
Thinking that the whole life is still ahead of you is a big illusion. Build a robust career plan, set goals, and lay your solid foundations – your first decisions will long echo in your life later on. By their 30s, people who make the right steps in their early 20s have a much better life standard compared to their counterparts.
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Don’t think that anyone around you is smarter than you by default
Like it or not, this is not always the case. Therefore, don’t always wait for instructions from your fellow workers and bosses. Ask questions, if there is anything you don’t understand. Google it, propose solutions, and share ideas. Don’t be afraid to speak out.
Don’t think that your boss should always motivate you
Motivate yourself. From day one, think about the value you bring to the company – this is the only currency that is worth anything on the job market. As Kennedy has said: “Ask not what your country can do for you – ask what you can do for your country.”
Save money and invest from day one
Set a rule to save and invest some money from your salary from day one. There are many research papers suggesting that the 20s are a fundamental period for raising capital and securing stability in life.
Be positive
If your job “sucks” and all your colleagues “suck” – in 90% of the cases, this is youth maximalism and there is another solution apart from leaving. Don’t just think about how you feel – use your emotional intelligence and self-awareness and you will certainly succeed.
Taking the time and energy to develop your skills and knowledge early on will surely help you throughout your career. Do that by learning intentionally and connecting with the right people around you and the people in your team. And follow this list of Top 10 tips for becoming a top manager by 30.
If you still need advice on the tips and tricks of building a successful top manager career without falling in the common traps, feel free to get in touch with one of our stellar HR wizards!
