Before YOUTH becomes the future, it needs to, first understand potential and then it needs to learn and gain experience.
I am not a fan of ‘on the job training’. In my mind, the phrase represents something demeaning and it minimizes the quality of many young people trying to move their lives forward. Training is what you do with a dog.
I think on the job ‘learning’ makes way more sense. After all, that’s what these young people are and should be doing – Learning and doing it by the experience they are lucky enough to get along the way.
I had written a blog several weeks ago and referenced that paying your dues is not a drag – it’s an opportunity. It’s a time for young people to get noticed, take advantage of opportunities placed in front of them and run with it. Do not feel restricted by the lack of responsibility you have due to entry level status. On the contrary, jump in, allow your voice to be heard and make an impression. Get noticed and earn respect.
Even the lowest entry-level position can become a chance to learn and get you some visibility. Sometimes, it’s not the job or even the quality of your work. If it’s so low entry, it often becomes the quality of ‘YOU’ that people will notice. How you present and represent yourself. How you communicate. How you listen. How you process. Think about what’s going on around you and try to anticipate the needs before they are requested. Initiate, make an effort and be involved. Embrace the challenge and do not run from the opportunities. How you take directions and your attitude will be a point of focus. These are all what I call, ‘readers’. Your personalized ‘post-its’. The signals and indicators that tell us what and who you are. People tune in and they ‘read’ it for what it is. Good or bad. But make no mistake, it will be noticed and despite what you think about how little you are learning and accomplishing – you are wrong. You won’t realize just how valuable this early stage is until you are well on your way, but it will kick in and some day, you will recognize how good it was to be a part of the ‘on the job learning’ experience. Making a good impression comes from being successful and it’s what makes you separate from the rest.
In a very ‘youth centric’ world – entry level is often considered a desirable hire because of low salary rates. But before you can become the future – you need to become competent. Competence carries a bigger price tag but it also has a lower learning curve. So get the experience you need and ultimately you become the future. Take advantage of the people you associate with. Learn what to do and what not to do. Remember, it’s a very competitive market and these are coveted, valuable and very real opportunities that school can never provide. It’s on the job LEARNING.
As you gain more experience, you will also develop your network to help you increase new and future opportunities. Be hunted – not the hunter. You want to be found and the best way to make that happen is to learn how to merge your experience with the social media tools available. This will optimize options and hopefully draw the hiring community to you. Be a dynamic brand and make sure your experience and accomplishments are highlighted on your social media profiles. Make it narrative. This is a good way to support a resume and avoid redundancy.
Support it with capability and performance. Show EXPERIENCE. Let them know you are and should be a significant part of their future. Youth is symbolic of just how much is in front of you. Keep your eyes on the road – it’s a long trip, but it will go fast. Make the most of each mile and milestone.