Choosing a career at 22 is unrealistic for many. A better approach for indecisive graduates is to select a first job based on its 'features'—such as skill transferability and future optionality. Finance, for example, can be chosen not as an end-goal, but as a high-optionality starting point.
Attending a top-tier university often creates imposter syndrome. Rather than a negative, this experience is valuable. It forces students to learn from peers, develop humility, and understand the importance of surrounding themselves with smarter people—a crucial skill for any ambitious career path.
Generic cold outreach often fails. To achieve a higher response rate (e.g., 50%), identify and lead with a specific, tangible point of commonality. This could be a shared university, sports team, or niche interest, which makes the recipient far more receptive to helping a stranger.
In competitive fields, technical knowledge is table stakes. What makes a candidate memorable is their personality and non-work interests. Sharing a unique story, like learning to cook lobster tails for a family tradition, can be more impactful in an interview than reciting financial definitions, as it creates a human connection.
In rooms with senior experts, junior team members often stay silent, fearing they'll look ignorant. This is a mistake. No one expects you to know everything. Proactively asking clarifying questions, even if they seem basic, demonstrates humility and is the fastest way to get up to speed and build credibility.
The standard 'on-cycle' private equity recruiting rush forces banking analysts to interview for jobs two years out. Rejecting this path to focus on your current role leads to better performance, clearer career goals, and finding an opportunity that is a genuine long-term fit rather than a premature commitment.
When leaving a stressful job, it’s crucial to have a proactive mindset. Instead of simply 'running away' from your current role, focus on 'running towards' a new one that genuinely excites you and aligns with your goals. This intentionality prevents you from jumping into another bad situation out of desperation.