CONSIDER ALL OPTIONS
Set the groundwork early for future success. Melanie Burgess reports
YOUNG people setting themselves up for the beginning of their career should keep their options open and surround themselves with supportive people. Three executives who are passing on life lessons by mentoring teenagers reveal deciding on a career at a young age is not necessarily the key to success.
The mentors – all part of the MyRoad initiative by Coca-Cola Australia and Beacon Foundation – say whether young people have any idea of their future career or not, being positive is important.
Christine Black, director of public affairs, communications and sustainability at Coca-Cola South Pacific, says if she could give advice to her younger self, it would be to not make assumptions about what she may or may not be good at.
“My advice is to take a big view of yourself and of the world,” she says.
Deloitte Tasmania managing partner Carl Harris agrees.
“Some people are fortunate enough to be very clear around what they want and what their career’s going to look like and what their future will look like,” he says.
“I had no idea and so I always tried to keep my options open.”
He recommends seeking out and making the most of support, such as MyRoad mentoring.
For Business Chicks chief executive Emma Isaacs, her top tip to young people is to “learn to love the failures”. Although they may not feel like it at the time, she says failures are the best parts of the journey.
“We all know that we grow when we learn new things and that growth often comes through our mistakes,” Isaacs says.
“We should approach failure with a positive mindset and not be striving for perfection always.”
She also urges young people to work hard, be kind and surround themselves with good people.
“Life’s too short to hang around people who are negative and who take energy from you,” Isaacs says. VISIT EBEACON.NET.AU/MYROAD TO SIGN UP AS AN ONLINE MENTOR