Non-Linear is the New Career Path

Entering the workforce often feels equal parts exciting and overwhelming. There may be uncertainty about the future and curiosity about the skills needed to succeed. At Wavemakers’ recent Career Pathways & Networking event hosted with Deloitte in Wavemakers’ virtual campus on May 24th, when asked what helped to prepare for the career path ultimately taken, the panelists all stated that keeping an open mind and being receptive to different opportunities was key to shaping their progress. Todd Smith, Manager– National Sales Office, emphasized that one is only limited by imagination and motivation. He stressed the importance of believing in yourself and not boxing yourself in. He further highlighted that your career is going to be a non-linear journey and it’s going to be all over the place, a theme echoed by Martie Rose Mendoza, Manager – Audit and Assurance.

‘Sometimes the opportunity isn’t what you are looking for or what you have in mind’, she says, ‘build off of it, and then apply for the next job that you want. Don’t just be fixated on one prize- look at other opportunities that are in front of you as well.’

SKILLS DEVELOPMENT KEY TO A THRIVING CAREER

Participants who attended the event were treated to an uplifting discussion, ripe with advice relevant for both work and life. Insights included how to choose a career, steps that help to prepare for a career path and the best career advice received, among others. Common among each participant’s unique view is that the career journey is not linear and the pathway is not defined. Each panelist highlighted overarching themes of openness, knowledge seeking attitudes and the importance of change management. While experiences varied, one thing was clear: applying these virtues and valuing transformational learning in the form of skills development, will become a critical capability now and into the future.  

KEEP CURIOSITY TOP OF MIND

Curiosity was highlighted as a valuable asset, no matter your line of work or area of study. Each panelist indicated the importance of remaining receptive to consistently gaining knowledge and leaning into learning opportunities. Martie Rose Mendoza noted that we are dynamic people and highlighted the importance of wanting to do more and learn more. This theme was something that Nicole Salavati, Manager – National Campus Lead for Consulting and Deloitte Management Services spoke about at length, stating that each individual has so many transferable skills, whether acquired through paid work or volunteer work or even school clubs. She noted that so much learning can be underscored in the interview and application process, and emphasized the importance of understanding how you can add value as much as the company is considering you.  ‘Don’t be shy to highlight those accomplishments’, she stressed.  Expanding horizons, honing skills and broadening perspectives is key to career success, deepening the growth mindset and creating opportunities, sometimes in the unlikeliest of places.

EMBRACE CHANGE

It is said that change is the only constant in life, and it’s clear that this principle can be applied to a career as well. Each panelist gave examples of recognizing learning opportunities that can come from movement and change, along with the importance of getting comfortable with being uncomfortable. This mindset can serve well to prioritize advancing important capabilities such as self-efficacy, along with motivation and self-awareness. Putting into practice these future-proof skills can help direct the career journey, while also preparing for the day to day functions involved with work. As the panelists were asked what their typical day might look like, they noted that each one looks different, highlighting again the importance of embracing change and spontaneity. Valuing being agile and flexible to change helps to expand one's ability to work well with others and adapt to different working styles. Along with cognitive skills such as critical thinking, working well with others will continue to be essential in the future, something that practicing change management and embracing distinctive opportunities helps to put into practice.

DIVERSE CAREERS ON THE RISE

This event provided practical, applicable and attainable advice, thanks to the panelists willingness to showcase the ups, downs and full circles of their career paths. Diversity ultimately became the central theme, which aligns with Wavemakers’ commitment to celebrating diversity at all levels. Meanwhile, Deloitte prioritizes facilitating and fostering diverse roles, supporting their people at all levels to have multiple careers within their organization.