What is one tip would you share with a young professional just entering the workforce in 2025 that you wished someone had shared with you when you were starting your career?

Question

No one starts their career knowing all the right moves—but wouldn’t it be great if you had a little more insight early on? In this collection of career wisdom, seasoned professionals from various industries share the advice they wish they’d known sooner. From setting boundaries to mastering people skills, these lessons come from real experiences, hard-earned growth, and a few mistakes along the way. Whether you're just starting out or looking for a fresh perspective, these 25 pieces of advice might just change the way you approach your career.

Sally Johnson · Answer

When I first started my music entertainment company, I was like a fresh-faced lead singer stepping onto a big stage for the first time - excited, but completely overwhelmed. If I could go back and give my younger self one piece of advice, it would be this: invest deeply in peer relationships.
I remember my first industry event, a local music festival where I was hoping to network and find potential bands to book. I was so focused on impressing the "big names" that I completely overlooked the other young professionals around me. There was this guy, let's call him Jasper, who was also just starting out as a sound engineer. We chatted briefly, but I didn't think much of it at the time.
Fast forward five years, and Jasper had become one of the most sought-after sound engineers in the area. When I finally reached out to him for a high-profile gig, he remembered our brief interaction and was more than happy to help. That's when it hit me - I should have been nurturing these connections all along.
Since then, I've made it a point to connect with my peers regularly. We share industry insights, collaborate on events, and support each other's growth. It's like we're all part of one big band, each playing our own instrument but creating something beautiful together.
This network has been invaluable. When I needed a last-minute replacement for a canceled act, my peer network came through with recommendations. When I was struggling with new social media marketing strategies, a fellow event planner I'd befriended shared her expertise.
So, to any young professional entering the workforce in 2025, I'd say this: don't just look up the career ladder. Look around you. Your peers are not your competition; they're your future collaborators, your support system, and potentially, your ticket to opportunities you haven't even imagined yet.
Build these relationships early, nurture them consistently, and watch how they amplify your career in ways you never expected. In the grand concert of your career, your peer network will be the harmony that makes your solo performance truly shine.

David Case · Answer

The best advice I can give to young professionals entering the workforce is this: while it's essential to focus on developing expertise in your chosen field, don't limit yourself by ignoring the broader world around you.
Some of the most valuable opportunities I've had in my career came from outside my defined niche. By engaging with individuals from other industries and disciplines, I've gained new perspectives and learned skills that contributed to both my professional and personal growth. These experiences have been pivotal in helping me excel in the leadership role I hold today.
This advice is especially relevant for those just starting their careers, as many traditional barriers between disciplines, industries, and geographic regions are dissolving. Employers increasingly value interdisciplinary knowledge because no area of a business operates in isolation. For example, an engineer with business acumen can design solutions that align with organizational goals, while a sales professional with technical expertise is better equipped to articulate product benefits to clients.
That said, this doesn't mean you need to master everything–doing so is neither realistic nor sustainable. Instead, remain curious and open to new experiences as they arise. Actively seek out opportunities to collaborate with professionals from different sectors, whether by participating in cross-functional teams, attending industry events, or simply building relationships with colleagues whose expertise complements your own. By broadening your perspective and embracing opportunities to step outside your comfort zone, you'll position yourself to thrive in today's interconnected and rapidly evolving workplace.

Ben Davis · Answer

If I could give one piece of advice to a young professional entering the workforce in 2025, it would be this: focus on building relationships, not just resumes. When I was starting out, I was so focused on ticking boxes and getting the next promotion that I didn't fully understand the value of connections and mentorship. Early on, it's easy to get caught up in the idea that success comes from checking off milestones. But what truly drives long-term growth is the people you meet and the relationships you foster.
In my own journey, the relationships I've built over the years have been far more valuable than any technical skill or job title I've earned. It's the people who guide you, challenge you, and open doors when opportunities arise. Surrounding yourself with a network of people who are better than you and who can offer guidance is invaluable. It's important to not just do the work but to engage with others—learn from their experiences and share your own. That's how you grow, both as a professional and as a person.
So, my advice would be to take time to connect with people—mentors, peers, or even someone outside your field. Don't wait until you "arrive" at some final destination in your career to focus on relationships. Those connections are often what make the difference when it comes to big opportunities or finding the support you need in tough times. Keep learning from those around you, and don't be afraid to invest in people—those relationships will always pay off in the long run.

Adam Bushell · Answer

In any industry, technical skills are essential, but being dependable is what earns trust and long-term opportunities. Whether it's showing up on time, meeting deadlines, or consistently delivering high-quality work, these habits set you apart. Early in my career, I underestimated how much clients and colleagues value someone who can be counted on, regardless of the complexity of the job. Over time, I realized that consistently doing what you say you'll do builds relationships that lead to repeat business, mentorships, and even referrals. My advice is to focus on the small commitments as much as the big ones. If you are asked to shadow someone on a project, take that opportunity seriously and show you're invested in learning. Your reliability will create opportunities you can't predict, and it's a quality that will stick with you throughout your career.

Michelle Burson · Answer

One tip I wish someone had shared with me early in my career is this: imposter syndrome isn't a flaw-it's a nearly universal experience, even among the most accomplished professionals. For years, I thought moments of doubt meant I didn't belong or wasn't ready, but the truth is, most people–at every level-feel like that at some point. Once I understood this, it completely shifted my mindset. Instead of hesitating, I started leaning into those moments, realizing they were proof I was pushing myself into meaningful growth. This awareness gave me the confidence to speak up, make bold decisions, and trust my ability to contribute value.

Traci Pirri · Answer

When I began my career as a mental health professional, I wish someone had stressed the importance of setting sustainable boundaries between work and personal life. Early on, I found myself overwhelmed by trying to balance a full-time practice and family life. It taught me that achieving a sustainable work-life balance is crucial to long-term success and personal well-being.
From my experience, structuring your professional commitments in a way that allows for genuine downtime can prevent burnout. At Hope For The Journey, I had to consciously reduce my client load and prioritize time with my family, which not only improved my personal life but improved my effectiveness as a therapist. It might sound daunting, but adjusting and maintaining boundaries can foster both professional growth and personal fulfillment.
For young professionals, actively scheduling time for self-care and personal interests is as vital as your professional responsibilities. Just as therapy is a process of self-discovery and healing, your career should be a journey that nurtures both your career aspirations and personal life. Ending up overwhelmed is a sign to rethink and adjust; and if I can do it, so can you.

Agata Szczepanek · Answer

Work on strong people skills. For many employees, they are your greatest asset. No matter your role, seniority level, or industry, your ability to understand and connect with others will often outweigh your education or technical expertise.
At its core, success in the workplace is primarily about working with people—understanding what motivates them, communicating effectively, and building trust. Let me give you a few examples. In technology or data-driven roles, effective collaboration with non-technical teams is impossible when you're not able to translate complex ideas into terms everyone can understand. Another one—sales. Closing deals goes way beyond knowing the products. You must build relationships, detect client pain points, and tailor solutions to their needs to succeed. The same goes for customer service. You'll never be good at your role without empathy, active listening, and resolving issues with grace. And the list goes on.
Over time, I've learned that someone with strong interpersonal skills consistently outperforms those relying solely on academic knowledge or technical processes. The sooner you know that, the better, as people skills can be developed, and you can start working on them straight away. Practice active listening, observe how effective communicators operate, and seek feedback on your interactions. Sharpening your interpersonal skills will be one of the best investments you'll ever make. Been there, done that. Good luck!

Guillaume Drew · Answer

One tip I wish I had received early in my career is to work on relationships and not solely on résumés. Networking is more than just accumulating contacts; it involves establishing authentic relationships with individuals who can educate you, provide assistance, and help you discover new opportunities. When you begin your first job, for instance, learn from your coworkers, look for mentors, and attend activities within your profession. You can also be more considerate and ask questions that matter, show interest, or try to help out in whatever way you can. The contacts you make early on almost always facilitate you getting hired, getting projects, or getting information that can change your career more than you anticipated. It's not only about what you have in terms of resources or expertise, but who you have access to and how well they can use that information.

Roman Milyushkevich · Answer

Embrace strategic patience, but stay curious. Early in my career, I was eager to achieve results as quickly as possible. I often underestimated the value of long-term thinking and steady, incremental growth. I wish someone had told me that real success comes from consistency. You have to be patient and let your skills, relationships, and opportunities compound over time. For instance, when I started my web scraping company, the idea of simplifying web scraping through a single API didn't happen overnight. It took a lot of experimentation and technical refinement to get where I wanted. If I had not learned that patience matters, I would have missed the opportunity to iterate my strategies and find a solution that truly solves the pain points of our users. You must also stay curious to gain more understanding of your field. Constantly asks "Why?" and "How can this be done better?" This will help you learn new things that you didn't know. Most importantly, you must always remember that success isn't a sprint but a series of well-paced steps driven mainly by learning and persistence.

Kristin Marquet · Answer

I wish someone had told me early on just how powerful a habit it is to ask questions constantly and keep expanding your skill set—no matter how small or "unrelated" the subject might seem. Early in our careers, we often focus on mastering the immediate tasks and impressing supervisors by "doing our job." Still, we forget to explore all the tangential skills and knowledge that can elevate our growth.
In 2025, with technology and industry landscapes changing more rapidly than ever, it's not the people who get by on their assigned duties who thrive. Still, those who show genuine curiosity, learn how things connect, and teach themselves new capabilities beyond their day-to-day role.
So, if you're stepping into the workforce, approach every project, conversation, and challenge as an opportunity to learn. Find out why tasks are done a certain way, dig into the backstory of your organization's processes, ask colleagues about their experiences, and explore emerging tools—even if they're not directly in your "lane."
The expertise you gain—understanding an adjacent team's workflow or picking up a software skill that isn't strictly in your job description—pays off by broadening your perspective and future options. Ultimately, the best way to future-proof your career is to stay curious and keep your learning muscles active. If I'd known earlier that asking questions and constantly taking on new skills would accelerate my trajectory, I would've leaned into curiosity much sooner.

Allen Kou · Answer

As a restaurant owner, I wish someone had told me early on that technical skills matter way less than your ability to build genuine relationships. When I started Zinfandel Grill, I focused too much on perfecting recipes and systems, but it was actually my connections with local suppliers, staff, and regular customers that helped us survive tough times. I now make it a point to spend at least an hour each day just talking with people in our restaurant, from dishwashers to dining guests, because these conversations often lead to our best ideas and strongest business relationships.

Joe Horan · Answer

Embrace the power of persistence. When I started out, I thought there was a secret formula for success, but really, it's about showing up consistently, putting in the effort, and staying committed even when things get tough. 
When I first started Jumper Bee, it wasn't an overnight success. It took years of working late nights, dealing with setbacks, and constantly learning on the go. The key is to keep pushing forward, even when you feel like you're not seeing immediate results. 
The world is fast-paced, especially now with everything moving online and technology constantly changing, but that's where persistence pays off. It's not about being perfect or having everything figured out right away. It's about staying in the game, learning from your mistakes, and adapting along the way. 
Also, don't be afraid to ask for help or advice when you need it. I've learned just as much from other people–whether mentors, colleagues, or clients–as I have from my own experiences. The connections you make along the way can help open doors and provide guidance when you need it most. So, don't get discouraged by the bumps in the road or the long hours. 
Keep your head down, work hard, and trust the process. Over time, those efforts will add up, and you'll start to see the rewards. Stick with it, and remember that success is rarely a straight line–it's all about persistence and resilience.

Adam Yong · Answer

Focus on building your network early and being open to learning from a variety of people. When I started, I was so focused on honing my technical skills that I overlooked the importance of relationships and mentorship. Your network is a great resource for growth, advice, and opportunities.
When I was first starting out, I reached out to a diverse group of professionals. They were writers, marketers, and developers. The conversations and feedback they provided helped me shape the product and the direction of the business in ways I had not imagined. Even today, I still learn from others in my network, whether it's through a quick chat or message.
Stay curious and build those connections because, in any field, it's the people you know, trust, and learn from that often make the biggest difference in your success.

Emilio Javier · Answer

Use informational interviews as a way to further yourself and build connections. Many young professionals think networking is just about making a contact for a future job, but it's much more than that. Seeking out people in roles you aspire to or industries you're curious about can provide invaluable insights. Approach these conversations with genuine curiosity and ask open-ended questions about their career paths and decisions. It's about learning, not just lining up opportunities. This strategy not only broadens your understanding but also helps build meaningful relationships, giving you a broader perspective on potential career directions and skills you might want to develop. The people you meet through these interactions can often turn into mentors, providing guidance and advice as you navigate your own career.

Bex M · Answer

I wish someone had told me not to focus solely on being productive. When I started, I thought doing the most work, taking the least vacations, and always doing the best job would automatically lead to progress. But it's not just about that. Success comes from asking thoughtful questions, showing critical thinking, and being unafraid to say no when necessary. It's about finding creative solutions rather than just piling on more work. Quality, perspective, and balance matter far more than sheer output. Even though I know this, I have years of 'being the most productive' ingrained in. I constantly need to remind myself that productivity does not equal worth and value.

Ben Schreiber · Answer

Asking thoughtful questions is like planting seeds for your career growth. Early on, most people focus on having the right answers, but the real magic lies in being curious. Think of every question as a chance to learn, connect, and show you care. When you're in meetings or discussions, don't just nod along. Dive deeper by asking how decisions impact long-term goals or why specific strategies were chosen. This shows you're present and thinking critically.
To get started, use the "5 Whys" technique. This involves asking "why" five times in a conversation to get to the root of a problem or a strategy's intention. It helps reveal nuances you might miss otherwise and makes conversations more meaningful. Imagine you're discussing market strategies, and someone mentions a shift to digital channels. Start with "Why are we shifting?" and with each answer, probe a little deeper. You'll not only understand the strategy better but also signal that you're a proactive thinker ready to engage with complex ideas.

Tammy Sons · Answer

When I started, I wish I had heard more about adaptability. The world is changing all the time, and so is every industry. Your flexibility and curiosity will distinguish you. Learn new gadgets, trends, and technologies without losing sight of what you strive for. As the founder of TN Nursery, I know that tough times offer you opportunities to develop in unexpected ways. Don't be shy, don't be naive, and ask questions. You will only be as good as your capacity to change and learn.

David Zhang · Answer

One key tip for young professionals entering the workforce in 2025: embrace adaptability and lifelong learning. The professional world is evolving rapidly, with new technologies and industries reshaping how we work and connect.
Early in my career, I wish I'd known that success isn't about rigidly following a plan but staying open to change and learning new skills, even outside your comfort zone. Build curiosity and resilience. Focus not just on developing expertise but on evolving with it. The ability to unlearn outdated methods and embrace new perspectives sets future leaders apart. Cultivate this mindset, and you'll thrive in a fast-changing world.

Stanislav Khilobochenko · Answer

Start building relationships early, but don't just collect business cards. Focus on creating genuine connections by engaging in meaningful conversations and seeking out mentors who can offer guidance. The right relationships can provide you with insights, advice, and opportunities that are crucial for growth. It's not about the number of contacts you have, but the depth of those connections. Take the time to contribute to your professional community, and those connections will help propel your career forward.

Peter Čuček · Answer

Value relationships over titles. Focus on building genuine relationships rather than chasing titles. Solid connections and the trust you cultivate with others will outlast any job title and help you advance in your career, whether through mentorship or opportunities from your network.
In the end, it's the relationships that shape your path and open doors for growth and collaboration.
Titles come and go, but the people you connect with along the way will always play a pivotal role in your success. Never underestimate the power of a strong network and the value of mutual support. Those relationships will be your true asset as you progress in your career.

Sara Millecam · Answer

Focusing on the end goal can sometimes feel overwhelming for young professionals entering the workforce. Breaking down aspirations into smaller, manageable tasks can build resilience and pave a path toward success. One effective method to do this is the "SMART goals" approach, which stands for Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-bound. Setting goals with these elements in mind clears ambiguity, allowing you to track progress and adjust strategies when needed. Celebrating each small achievement, no matter how minor it may seem, is essential. It boosts morale and keeps motivation high, making the larger objective feel more attainable. Keeping a journal or a digital tracker to visually mark these successes can be immensely satisfying and a powerful reminder of how small steps contribute significantly to the bigger picture.

Henry Timmes · Answer

Prioritize building strong relationships with your coworkers. In the early stages of your career, it's easy to focus solely on the technical skills and tasks at hand, but understanding people dynamics and networking within your organization can be just as crucial. Make an effort to connect with people across different departments, learn from their experiences, and offer help where you can. These connections can lead to mentorship opportunities, insights into how the company operates, and support when you need it.
Another aspect I wish I had known is the importance of clear communication about your work and your needs. Don't hesitate to ask questions if you're unsure about something; it's better to clarify than to make assumptions that could lead to mistakes. Also, be proactive in sharing your ideas and progress with your team and bosses. Even if they don't always act on your input, showing that you're engaged and thinking about the bigger picture can make you stand out. This communication fosters a collaborative environment and helps in aligning your personal goals with the company's objectives.

Brad Baheri · Answer

One tip I'd share with a young professional entering the workforce in 2025 is to embrace the power of continuous learning and adaptability. Technology, industries, and workplace dynamics are evolving at an incredibly fast pace. While technical skills are crucial, your ability to learn, adapt, and stay curious will be what truly sets you apart in the long run. Seek out opportunities to grow—not just through formal training but by asking questions, collaborating across disciplines, and staying open to new ideas. This mindset will help you not only keep up with change but also lead it.

Greg Arnold · Answer

Don't overlook the power of failure—it's often seen as an obstacle, but it's actually a key part of growth. Early setbacks are tough, but they teach you valuable lessons that will help you succeed in the long run. Embrace failure, reflect on what went wrong, and use those mistakes to guide your next steps. Each failure is an opportunity to improve, adjust, and get closer to your goals.
Success isn't just about winning; it's about how you bounce back and keep moving forward. So, don't fear failure—let it be the foundation of your future success. It's through those lessons that you'll truly grow.

Anbang Xu · Answer

When I started my career, I thought success was about being the smartest person in the room or delivering perfect results. What I wish someone had told me is that asking good questions is far more powerful than having all the answers. Early on, I avoided showing uncertainty, fearing it might make me seem less competent. But I've learned that curiosity is one of the most valuable traits you can bring to the table.
Asking thoughtful questions does two things, it signals you're engaged and willing to learn, and it often uncovers the insights or solutions that no one else sees. Whether I was building products at Google or leading teams at JoggAI, the moments where I asked, Why are we doing it this way? or What are we missing? were often the turning points for innovation.
In today's field where AI and technology are transforming industries at breakneck pace, staying curious and challenging the status quo, for me, is more important than ever. Don't be afraid to question, even if you feel out of your depth, because remember, growth comes from leaning into the discomfort of not knowing.

25 Pieces of Career Advice You Wish You Knew Sooner

Table of Contents

25 Pieces of Career Advice You Wish You Knew Sooner

Invest Deeply in Peer Relationships

Engage Beyond Your Niche

Focus on Building Relationships

Be Dependable and Earn Trust

Embrace Imposter Syndrome

Set Sustainable Boundaries

Develop Strong People Skills

Work on Relationships, Not Résumés

Practice Strategic Patience

Ask Questions and Expand Skills

Build Genuine Relationships

Embrace Persistence

Network Early and Learn

Use Informational Interviews

Focus Beyond Productivity

Ask Thoughtful Questions

Adaptability Is Key

Embrace Adaptability and Learning

Build Genuine Connections

Value Relationships Over Titles

Break Down Aspirations

Prioritize Building Relationships

Embrace Continuous Learning

Learn from Failure

Ask Good Questions

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