How Not to Be Strategic About Your Career – The Mistakes I Made in My Career

I had a plan to find my dream career or so I thought, however I made some key mistakes along the way. How Not to Be Strategic About Your Career

I was in my early 20's and had returned from extensive backpacking travel abroad. I had successfully delayed the obvious “get a job” conversation with my sponsors - my parents - for the last 12 months. Alas, the time had come and I had made appointments with the most prominent recruitment companies at the time, Circa 1996. How Not to Be Strategic About Your Career

I was armed with copies of my Honours Degree (1994) and great references from part-time work I had completed after my degree, which was Teaching English in South America and Waitressing in Johannesburg. As well as a CV which I had spent all of 15 minutes on.

What I didn’t know back then in 1996 was that I was prepared to completely outsource my career search to a few random recruiters. As good as they may have been at their jobs, none of them had a vested interest in what I needed or desired from a career. How Not to Be Strategic About Your Career

However - I was ready to find my CAREER! How Not to Be Strategic About Your Career

The appointments at the recruitment companies went really well, in fact too well — they all offered me a job… as a Recruitment Consultant.

This was definitely not what I was looking for and not my idea of a career. I was looking for a stimulating career. I had aspirations of being in business. I wanted to work in an environment where every day was different and to work with diverse people.

Furthermore, I was looking for the kind of work that I could use to make a change for good. To have a positive impact on people’s lives, as well as to be able to be strategic and get creative all in a day’s job. But most importantly, I wanted to have fun, meet new people, make friends, and belong to a tribe.

Needless to say, I returned home from a hard week of career hunting with four job offers on the table. My parents were delighted as this truly marked the official cutting of the apron strings. After a four-year degree and a year of typical antipodean backpacking around Europe, they were ready to cut me loose.

Mistake #1 

Then I did what any intelligent career seeker would — chose the job with the company that had the nicest offices. The salary was pretty much the same for all four offers, so that wasn’t a criterion. I considered that if I needed to be going to work every day, I better go to work in an office building that looked good. Plus, I wanted my own desk; sharing wasn’t an option for a serious business person in their new career.

However, those random recruiters back in 1996 were not only good at their jobs - so was I. I was also fortunate enough to be teamed up with an amazing mentor. She coached me through the industry paces and took a keen interest in my development.

Mistake #2: Not Researching the Industry Strategic About Your Career

However, I didn’t take the time to research the industries that I was interested in. This lack of research meant I didn’t fully understand the opportunities available or the challenges I might face.

Lesson Learned:

Before diving into a job search, thoroughly research your desired industry. Understand the trends, demands, and potential career paths. This knowledge will help you make an informed decision and find a job that aligns with your long-term goals.

Mistake #3: Not Networking Strategic About Your Career

The power of networking was something I underestimated. I relied solely on recruitment agencies and missed out on the valuable connections I could have made by attending industry events and reaching out to professionals in my field.

Lesson Learned:

Networking is crucial. Attend industry events, join professional associations, and connect with people in your desired field. Building a strong professional network can open doors to opportunities and provide valuable insights and advice.

Mistake #4: Focusing Too Much on Immediate Benefits

I was too focused on the immediate benefits, like the office environment. Rather than considering the long-term growth and development opportunities that each job offered.

Lesson Learned:

While immediate benefits are important, they shouldn’t be the sole criteria for choosing a job. Consider the long-term growth potential, the skills you will acquire, and the career trajectory the job offers.

Mistake #5: Not Seeking Feedback Strategic About Your Career

Seeking feedback during my job search or early career was not my priority. As a result, this made it harder for me to identify areas for improvement and growth.

Lesson Learned:

Actively seek feedback from mentors, peers, and supervisors. Constructive criticism is invaluable for personal and professional growth. Use it to identify your strengths and areas for improvement.

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Don’t Make the Same Mistake I Did: How Not to Be Strategic About Your Career
Take charge and stay in charge of your career.

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FAQs 

Q: What was the biggest mistake you made in your early career search?

A: Outsourcing my career search to recruiters who did not understand my career aspirations and goals.

 

Q: How can I avoid making the same mistakes?

A: Take charge of your career search by clearly defining your goals, conducting thorough research on potential employers, and making decisions based on your long-term career aspirations rather than superficial factors like office aesthetics.

 

Q: What should I look for in a job if not just the salary and office environment?

A: Opportunities that align with your career goals, offer growth and development, and provide a positive and stimulating work environment that will allow you to make a meaningful impact.

 

Q: How important is having a mentor in your career?

A: Incredibly important. A good mentor can provide guidance, support, and valuable industry insights that can significantly impact your career growth and development.

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Takeaway Strategic About Your Career

Be strategic about your career. Don’t rely on others to shape your career path. Take an active role in your career development, and understand your own goals and aspirations. This will help you make informed decisions that align with your long-term objectives.

Don’t be afraid to make mistakes. Each mistake is a learning opportunity that brings you closer to your ideal career.

Stay adaptable, keep learning, and remain proactive in your career development.

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Conclusion Strategic About Your Career

My early career mistakes taught me valuable lessons about the importance of taking charge of my career.

Your career journey is unique to you.

By taking control of your career path, conducting thorough research, building a strong network, and seeking continuous feedback, you can avoid common pitfalls and strategically navigate toward a fulfilling career.

Remember, your career is a marathon, not a sprint — invest in your growth and stay committed to your long-term goals.