I turned an internship into a 6 figure career (advice)

Summary

In this career-focused video, Emily shares her journey from a university student with no HR experience to securing a six-figure career in human resources. She offers practical advice on networking, strategic career conversations, and leveraging internal opportunities. Emily emphasizes the importance of identifying and filling gaps within a company, building strong relationships, and being proactive in career growth. With insights on handling office politics, making the most of every job, and asking for promotions, this video provides a step-by-step guide for anyone looking to elevate their career, regardless of their current stage.

Takeaways

• 😀 Leverage networking early to secure your first relevant internship, even if you lack direct experience in the field.
• 😀 Be strategic when preparing for career conversations with influential individuals. Treat them like interviews and be well-prepared.
• 😀 Focus on learning from others' experiences and ask targeted questions to gain valuable insights into their career paths.
• 😀 Consistently follow up with connections and ask for introductions to people in their network who can help your career.
• 😀 Take initiative and make a point to learn new skills that are needed in your company, even if you don't have formal training.
• 😀 Don't wait for perfect job opportunities—take the experience and pivot later if needed.
• 😀 Actively share your wins with your superiors and colleagues to ensure your contributions are recognized and lead to promotions.
• 😀 Develop a competitive mindset and treat your career as a priority, always working to stand out in a positive way.
• 😀 Find gaps in your company’s processes or skill sets and volunteer to fill them, making yourself indispensable.
• 😀 Embrace the importance of self-confidence and speak about your work as if it’s already valuable, even when you're just starting out.

Q & A

What is the main focus of the video?

The video is a career advice guide where the speaker shares her personal journey of advancing from zero to six figures, with specific strategies on networking, job hunting, and career growth.

How did the speaker manage to secure an internship in human resources despite not having prior experience?

She leveraged her network, specifically reaching out to her family members who connected her to someone at a large Canadian bank. After securing a referral, she still had to go through the full interview process.

What key strategy did the speaker use to stand out during her internship?

She networked strategically within the company by booking one-on-one meetings with key players, preparing for these meetings like interviews, and asking insightful questions to learn about their career journeys and challenges.

Why is it important to network within a company, according to the speaker?

Networking is crucial for career growth, as it helps to build relationships with influential people who can offer advice, make referrals, and potentially offer career opportunities or promotions.

What type of questions did the speaker ask during career conversations to maximize the value of the meetings?

She asked questions such as: 'What are the biggest challenges you've faced in your role?', 'What do you wish you learned earlier?', 'How did you manage transitions between roles?', and 'What advice would you give someone looking to grow their career at this company?'

How did the speaker make herself indispensable at her job?

She identified skill gaps in the company, such as social media and graphic design, and took initiative to fill those gaps, even though she initially had no experience. This proactive approach made her more valuable to the team.

What does the speaker mean by 'pay attention to what the gaps are'?

It means identifying areas where the company or team is lacking in skills or processes and offering to help fill those gaps. This makes you more indispensable and increases your visibility within the organization.

What role did office politics play in the speaker's career progression?

Navigating office politics helped her move ahead in her career. She was strategic in networking, showcasing her achievements, and building a reputation for being competent and reliable, which led to promotions and new opportunities.

How did the speaker transition from an internship to a full-time position?

She transitioned by taking advantage of opportunities that aligned with her career goals, such as accepting a contract recruitment coordinator role while still finishing her degree. Her proactive approach, networking, and willingness to take on challenges played a key role.

What is the significance of self-promotion in the speaker's career strategy?

Self-promotion is vital for getting noticed. The speaker made sure to communicate her accomplishments to her boss regularly, ensuring her successes were recognized and put her in line for promotions and new opportunities.