Whether at college or at work, take ownership of your career from the start
When I was in college, I attended a panel for first-generation college students. Upperclassmen shared words of wisdom and advice for succeeding in college, and I remember one particular piece of advice that resonates with me even today. The panelist asked that we “take ownership over our college experience,” and suggested that it was up to us to manage what we wanted to get out of our experience. The student went on to say that we were all paying for this experience—whether we took on loans, had family who sacrificed and saved, took on jobs in high school or earned scholarships through hard work—and we should make sure we are getting what we are paying for. I think the student was suggesting we be more proactive about attending office hours and taking advantage of the resources on campus, but ultimately, he was right—we needed to take responsibility for our own career paths.
On a day-to-day level, exhibiting ownership over workstreams and tasks, however small it may be, can distinguish a great associate from a good associate, but on a larger scale, taking ownership over your own career path can be empowering. For me, this has meant asking partners for opportunities (and executing on those opportunities even if they were not what I expected), soliciting feedback (and trying to do better every time) and seeking out leadership opportunities where I thought I could add value. It’s also important to note that I don’t do any of this alone. I have been very fortunate in my career to have mentors who have advocated for me and provided opportunities for me to grow and sometimes pushed me take the next step when I most needed it – though it is worth noting that fostering those relationships and seeking advice and support is also part of taking ownership over one’s own career.
Because I have directly benefited from good mentorship, I mentor associates at work when I can and have served as a mentor to young students with the TEAK Fellowship in New York. I am grateful for the opportunity to support and guide growth in others; it’s sometimes the most challenging part of my job, but it’s rewarding and inspiring. I want to continue to pay it forward by giving the next generation time, mentorship and patience that others gave and continue to give to me.
