I’ve always wanted to share my career journey in hopes that it inspires and helps another twenty-something year-old navigate the corporate world more smoothly. The truth is my own journey hasn’t been easy and is still very much a work in progress. So to make this an easy read, I’m sharing four lessons I learnt along the way and wish someone had told me when I started my first role five years ago.
Secure that work experience
Whilst many of of my peers were securing internships at top consulting firms and investment banks, I struggled with the application process as I had zero interest in banking and finance. I attended university at the peak of #BlackExellence so felt the pressure to attend events and connect with people in the industry to get my foot in the door. I failed miserably and couldn’t get past the first stage of any application. So I decided to pivot and looked into securing non-paid work experience in media. I sent countless emails and called many media agencies in London to find out if they would take me on for two weeks. At this point, I had developed an interest in PR and even helped to set up a PR & Internal Communications society during my second year at university. I ended up securing work experience at Estee Lauder Companies and PR firm Nelson Bostock. Though it wasn’t an internship, I was able to use this experience to fill the gaps in my CV. My point is, there are so many ways to start off your career. Call up that company you’re interested in and request to shadow their finance or marketing team. Get that experience on your CV from early to help you stand out from the crowd.
Navigating the corporate world
Nobody told me that the workplace can be a big ol’ mess. From micro-managing managers to bitchy colleagues, it’s a tricky environment to manage especially when you’re young black woman. Then add the covert and overt racism, I was mentally finished by the I finished my first graduate scheme. I had found myself in the toilettes crying far too much. If I could go back, I would find the strength to speak up and stand up for myself. When you’re at the early stage of your career, every little thing you do or say seems very important and this impacts how you manage difficult situations. If you’re reading this, take a deep breath, have a cup of tea and relax. It’s really not that deep and if it is speak to someone about it. The corporate world is mixed with good and bad people, so know when to pick your battles and develop your voice from the start. This will definitely help you in the long run.
Moving from one job to another
Count yourself lucky if you’ve found the perfect job just after you’ve graduated. I wasn’t one of the lucky ones so ended up hopping from one job to another (across different industries and roles) to find something that fitted me. It’s taken me some time to understand what I feel comfortable doing and this wouldn’t have been possible had I not moved around. At the start of your career you’re still figuring out your strengths/weaknesses, likes and dislikes. If you’re in a role that doesn’t fulfil you, I’d recommend you start looking for something new and make a move. Changing careers is much easier to do when you’re fairly new in the corporate world. Be bold and fearless. Go for it, you have nothing to lose.
Let’s go get that money
When I started my professional career, I wished someone sat me down and talked to me about money management. This would’ve solved solved about 90% of my financial issues. My salary from my graduate scheme wasn’t much. I was earning a ‘competitive salary’ of £21k in London. Bear in mind that this was in 2016 so things have changed since then. I wish I was smarter with the little money I had and saved at leat £100 each month to get into the habit of making wise financial moves. I also quickly learned that if I wanted to earn a higher salary I’d have to either move jobs or negotiate better. This newfound knowledge empowered me to research salaries in my industry and speak to peers for further insight. Someone once told me that if you can’t live off your salary for the next 2–3 years, then ask for a higher pay from the get-go. Life’s too short and beautiful to be always stressing out about money!
I hope these lessons I’ve shared, helps you navigate the complicated corporate world. See you in my next post!
