Looking back, there are so many things I know now that I wish I knew then, but that’s the beauty of learning and discovering things you wouldn’t even realise when you were younger.
At 21, I launched myself straight into a career, working a software role in a telecoms firm in Sale.
It’s funny looking back – you think you know everything at the time, you’re young, enthusiastic, and full of appetite. If I could I’d go back and reassure myself that you don’t learn everything from textbooks and academic qualifications, so don’t put too much pressure on that.
Academic study is of course still important and suits some better than others. Today, tech bosses are looking beyond grades in favour of talent with practical experience. Gone are the days of Russell Group graduates reigning supreme in entry-level tech roles!
The key pillars of my career to date have been mentorship and teamwork. In terms of mentorship, the most important thing I’d tell my younger self is this – most of your career decisions are made when you’re not in the room.
So, connect yourself to those who are in ‘the room’. That means learning from people more senior to you, building up a network of mentors and making the most of every opportunity. What do senior people say about you when you’re not around? What do you want them to say?
Another important piece of advice I’d love for my younger self to hear would be – you’re not alone. Your team is there to help you every step of the way.
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There’s something I heard from Apple CEO Tim Cook a few years ago that really stuck with me. It was something along the lines of ‘no single individual at Apple does anything incredible by themselves, and there are always others helping, supporting, contributing’.
That culture of togetherness is something we embed so heavily into everything we do at Summize and is something my younger self needed reminding of in times of difficulty.
Aided by the powers of mentorship and teamwork, I’d keep reminding myself to dream big and aim high. The career that began in Sale, South Manchester would one day progress into a venture to Silicon Valley (and back again!).
The key to getting there is focusing on continuous improvement, making those small changes every step of the way.
Always focus on directions rather than destinations. And if things don’t work out straight away? Just keep going. You’ll get there in the end, you’ll work for some incredibly exciting global tech companies and build up a fantastic network of inspiring people along the way.
Oh, and another great piece of advice I’d give my younger self: don’t wait for the storm to pass; dance in the rain!