Hey, everyone! Brian here, and I’m thrilled to share some insights from my own career adventure. Whether you’re just stepping into your first job, easing into a mid-level role, or preparing for the executive suite, I know how tricky (and exciting!) career growth can be.
I’ve been there—starting from square one, stumbling along the way, and learning major lessons at every step. Today, we’ll take a walk through the skills you need to build at each career stage. I’ll sprinkle in some stories from my personal experiences—hopefully, you’ll find a few nuggets to inspire your own path.
Oh man, I remember my first job. I was buzzing with excitement, a little overwhelmed, but mainly eager to prove myself. At this stage, it’s all about getting those foundational skills under your belt. Think of it like learning to ride a bike—you’re going to wobble at first, but soon you’ll be cruising.
As revealed by a study from Avenica, almost 40% of U.S. employers struggle to find candidates with the necessary skills for entry-level positions, highlighting the importance of mastering essential job functions and industry-specific tools early in your career.
When I started, I quickly realized that every industry has its language, its tools, and its expectations. I had no clue how to run a proper meeting or even the right terms for processes we worked with. One day, I asked a teammate, “Wait, what’s a workflow?” Cue the laughter—but hey, that moment made me realize how much I had to learn.
Dive into your role, get hands-on experience, and don’t be afraid to ask questions. Learn the tools, the tech, and the systems that drive your field. Don’t worry if it doesn’t click right away—it’s all part of the process.
Smart Move! Make a cheat sheet of key industry terms and tools. It'll be your go-to guide for quick reference and a confidence booster in meetings.
It didn’t take long for me to realize that technical skills alone won’t cut it. Things like time management and how to communicate clearly made a huge difference. Early on, I messed up a deadline because I didn’t keep my tasks organized. I felt awful, but I learned the power of a solid to-do list that day!
Another lesson? Feedback is your best friend. I used to dread reviews, but soon I saw them as mini-guides to getting better. The more I embraced feedback, the faster I grew.
Networking felt awkward at first—how do you walk up to someone at an event without it feeling forced? But then I realized, networking is just building relationships. Start with your colleagues, build lasting connections, and don’t be afraid to reach out to people in your industry. Those connections will open doors down the line—you never know who might hook you up with a golden opportunity.
By the time I’d hit the mid-level phase of my career, I noticed a shift. My work wasn’t just about “me” anymore. Suddenly, I was mentoring others, leading projects, and thinking strategically. It felt like learning to juggle while riding the bike I had just started to master.
As you progress to mid-level, it’s time to hone your expertise. Specialize in your field and expand your understanding to include cross-functional knowledge. This broadens your capabilities and makes you a go-to person for process improvement. Your technical prowess will not only enhance your contributions but also increase your value within the organization.
One of my earliest leadership moments was, honestly, terrifying. I was given the task of mentoring two new hires, and I had zero confidence in my ability to “lead.” But as I started helping them with their tasks, I realized how much fun it was to share what I’d learned. Watching them succeed gave me a newfound sense of purpose at work.
Leading isn’t about barking orders—it’s about listening, supporting, and guiding people to their own success. Practice these things early, and you’ll be ready when bigger leadership roles come your way.
Smart Move! Volunteer to lead a small project. It’s a low-risk way to practice leadership skills and build your confidence.
If I had to give my past self one piece of advice, it would be to focus on the bigger picture. With every meeting or decision I made, I started asking myself, “How does this impact the company as a whole?” That shift in thinking helped me contribute more strategically and prepared me for larger decision-making down the line.
By this time in my career, I really learned what it means to “own” my work. I wasn’t just focused on my tasks; I cared about leading my team and ensuring the entire department ran smoothly. Leadership wasn’t a task I had to check off—it had become who I was.
One of the first big challenges I faced as a senior leader was managing a team through a major organizational change. I’ll be honest—it was tough. People were scared of what the changes would mean, and it was my job to provide clarity and assurance.
It taught me the value of empathy. Leadership is as much about understanding people as it is about executing strategies. Listen, adapt, and communicate clearly. Your team will trust you more when they know you care.
Strategic planning at the department level, managing budgets, and At the senior level, you’re not just managing tasks—you’re creating roadmaps. I learned to think several steps ahead, calculating risks and preparing for potential roadblocks. And while it can be intimidating, it’s so rewarding when your plans pay off and your department thrives.
Refining advanced soft skills such as negotiation, public speaking, and emotional intelligence will enhance your leadership effectiveness.
Public speaking isn’t natural for most people (myself included), but as leaders, it’s unavoidable. I’ll never forget the first time I had to present to senior executives—it felt like I’d swallowed about 100 butterflies. Over time, though, I practiced delivering my ideas with clarity and focus. Presenting with confidence became second nature.
"Emotional intelligence is generally considered an executive leadership quality, which can be developed through empathy, relationship management, and self-awareness."
Reaching the executive level felt like arriving at the peak of a mountain I’d been climbing for years. But here’s the thing—they don’t tell you there’s another mountain waiting beyond. Executive roles come with enormous responsibility, and the learning never stops.
Congratulations, you've made it to the executive level! Here, setting a clear vision and communicating it effectively is paramount. As you craft corporate strategies and manage organizational design, your role in crisis management and culture building becomes increasingly significant. Your leadership will shape the future of the organization.
One of my coolest experiences as an executive was writing articles and speaking at conferences about where I saw the industry heading. It wasn’t just about sharing ideas—it was about staying ahead of the curve and building relationships with other leaders.
Understanding corporate governance and global business dynamics is vital for making informed decisions at this level. Mergers and acquisitions strategy, digital transformation, and enterprise risk management require a sophisticated grasp of business intricacies. Your ability to navigate these complex areas will define your legacy as an executive leader.
Some skills are timeless and essential at every career stage. Adaptability, critical thinking, and problem-solving are crucial for thriving in an ever-changing work environment. Uphold ethics and integrity in all your dealings. Balance work and life to maintain overall well-being. Cultivate a personal brand that reflects your values and contributions. Above all, embrace continuous learning—it's the key to staying relevant and inspired.
Hey there, it’s Brian again! I’ll be honest—career transitions can feel like venturing into the great unknown. I’ve been through my share of them, and while they’ve been challenging, they’ve also been some of the most rewarding times in my life. Growth always comes with a bit of discomfort, but with the right mindset, you can thrive in those moments of change.
For me, the hardest part was recognizing when I was ready to move forward. I’d get into a groove, and before I knew it, I’d start feeling… stuck. If you’re finding your tasks too easy or itching for something bigger, it might be time to push yourself to the next stage. When I started craving new projects or responsibilities, that was always my cue to explore growth opportunities—whether by taking on special assignments or mentoring someone on my team.
Smart Move! Check-in with yourself every six months. I like to ask, “Am I still learning here? Am I still excited about my work?” If the answer’s no, it’s time to make a move!
I learned early on that winging it during transitions rarely works. Whether I was moving into leadership or switching industries, I found that prepping ahead was the key to success. For example, before I went into management, I started shadowing experienced leaders and reading up on how to lead effectively. Trust me, a little preparation goes a long way.
Reach out to people already where you want to be. They’ve got wisdom to share, and hearing their stories can help you map out your own path.
When I landed my first leadership role, I felt a serious case of imposter syndrome. But here’s the thing—every single person feels this way at some point. What helped me was leaning on the skills I already had and giving myself permission to learn as I went. Not every move will be flawless, and that’s okay. The key is to keep showing up.
I’ll admit I’m someone who’s always looking forward to the next step. But over time, I’ve learned the importance of celebrating what I’ve already achieved. Whether it’s crushing a tough project or learning something new, every milestone matters. Don’t forget to enjoy the process and give yourself some credit—you’ve earned it!
Transitions aren’t always smooth, but they’re where the magic happens. Trust yourself, stay curious, and remember—you’re building something amazing, one step at a time.
There’s one thing I’ve learned through all these stages: careers aren’t linear, and that’s okay. Some shifts feel like leaps forward; others feel like detours. When I transitioned into leadership, I faced imposter syndrome head-on. When I pivoted industries, I had to learn a whole new playbook. But every twist and turn was a chance to level up.
Take time to celebrate your wins—big or small. Reflect on how far you’ve come, and don’t stop learning. Growth might feel awkward and messy at times, but it’s what makes the adventure worthwhile.
Remember, this is your story to write. Take charge of your career, make bold moves, and trust that every stumble is just part of climbing higher. From entry-level newbie to experienced executive, you’ve got what it takes. I believe in you—now go make those dreams happen!
Here’s to your next step!
