Eight career buildings tips to propel your growth in your 20s

Your 20s are a time of discovery, self-improvement, and foundation building for a rewarding career. Many professionals struggle with balancing their student loans, new responsibilities, and personal challenges in their 20s. However, it is one of the most important decades where your strategic career moves will set you apart from the crowd.

Have you ever wondered what the difference is between someone who is rapidly climbing their career ladder and someone who is clearly stuck in the same role for years? The answer usually lies in working hard and embracing new opportunities. Staying adaptable through the struggles of your 20s is essential if you want to build a rewarding career for yourself later on in life. Here are 8 actionable tips that will help you flourish in your career:

Embrace challenges and seek problems that you can solve

No matter where you go in the industry, you will face a unique set of challenges within an organization. As businesses struggle with problems every day, being a problem solver is a surefire way to stand out within the crowd. One of the best career building tips that we can give you is to become a problem solver. You don't have to do Herculean tasks to become a problem solver at work. If you see a repetitive task that can be automated, take the initiative to do so. Here's how you can get started.

• Observe the workflow at your company.
• Identify any bottlenecks.
• Brainstorm potential solutions.
• Propose your solutions to your team and supervisor.
• Research how other companies deal with similar issues.

Take ownership of your solutions

Identifying problematic areas at work is only half of the battle. If you want to add real value to your career, you must trust in your ability to fix those problems. The best career-building tip, according to our professional coaches, is to roll up your sleeves and take initiative to implement the changes that you propose. Take the time to collaborate with your colleagues and take advice from senior staff. Be persistent in your efforts to solve problems at work. You don't have to tackle the mammoth tasks first. Start small with manageable changes that you can implement. Build consensus by involving your team members and asking them to share their insights. Finally, get the results of your solutions and present them to your manager.

Find yourself a mentor

Did you know that mentorship can accelerate your professional growth? We recommend every young professional to find themselves a mentor within their company so that they can get the guidance, insights, and support they deserve to climb the career ladder. Find a senior professional within your company who exemplifies the qualities and skills that you aspire to develop one day. Approach your intended mentor with respect and express your interest in learning from them. There are a few ways in which you can learn a lot from your mentor:

• Shadow them during meetings.
• Ask to join your mentor during projects.
• Witness their decision-making process.
• Ask intelligent questions about career path, strategies, and leadership.
• Be proactive about applying their advice in your workplace.

Network with a purpose

The professional network that you build and develop in your 20s is one of your most valuable assets. One of the best career building tips that we can give you is to start developing your professional network as early on as possible. Build positive relationships with your colleagues, industry leaders, and peers. These connections will one day open doors to new opportunities for you. Some ways in which you can expand your professional network are by attending network events, joining professional associations, and maintaining an active presence on your LinkedIn profile.

Communicate with your supervisor

One of the best ways in which you can build a transparent, productive working relationship with your supervisor is to connect with them regularly. Use regular check-ins or performance reviews to discuss your career aspirations and seek their constructive feedback. You don't have to shy away from requesting one-on-one meetings with your supervisor. If you have plans to advance in your career, it is best to discuss them with your supervisor as early on as possible. Did you know that being open about your goals and aspirations demonstrates your ambition to grow within the company?

Keep honing your skills

The job market is as competitive as ever and will continue to be so for the foreseeable future. If you want to stay relevant within this competitive job market, you must embrace continuous learning. Always take the time to invest in both technical and soft skills. Ensure that you pursue the right skills and tools for your industry. Allocate a time slot of your day to master a new skill. Your 20s are a great time for you to enroll in online courses and attend workshops. You can also volunteer yourself for projects. This will help you step outside of your comfort zone and face new challenges.

Cultivate a good work life balance

Most of the career building tips that we discussed so far were related to your professional life. However, just as much as you work hard, you must also think about avoiding burnout. Burnout is one of the major roadblocks that professionals in their 20s face. You must prioritize your mental and physical well-being by maintaining a healthy work life balance. Taking time away from work helps you recharge and will boost your productivity and creativity in the long run. We recommend using all your vacation days to disconnect and rejuvenate. Set clear boundaries between your work and physical life so that your work doesn't encroach on personal time. Also, incorporate regular exercise, hobbies, and quality time with loved ones into your routine.

Finally, take risks

The 20s are an excellent time for you to experiment within the industry. The more calculated risks that you take, the more chances you will have for learning new things. Don't be afraid of exploring new opportunities within your industry or outside of it in your 20s. One of the best career-building tips that we can give for you is to not be afraid of switching roles, industries, or locations if it aligns with your long-term career aspirations. However, keep in mind to research potential opportunities thoroughly before you make a permanent move. Carefully weigh the pros and cons of each of your decisions and take advice from a trusted family member or your mentor.

There is one other thing that helps you navigate precarious career paths in your 20s. That is an excellently written resume. A well written professional resume can take you anywhere that you want to go within the job market. So why waste time? Visit www.resumemansion.com today and purchase your very own professionally written, personalized resume.