Hurrying slowly?
Having spoken to many students and university graduates one of the issues that comes up regularly is around what level/grade they think they should be applying for.
There is no right or wrong answer to this, as I am very much of the opinion if you think you can do a role then apply for it, then let the recruiter decide if you are right or not.
However, I do think there is great merit in being prepared to roll up your sleeves and start at the bottom. It is likely that having a degree will help you progress more rapidly however it rarely gives you the hard experience you need to access management roles instantly.
Getting a good grounding in the business/industry will stand you in good stead for a few reasons and is why programmes such as graduate schemes are so valuable:
1. Skill Development: Entry-level positions provide opportunities to develop essential skills and gain practical experience. These foundational skills are crucial for higher-level responsibilities.
2. Understanding the Organisation: Beginning at the bottom allows individuals to learn about the organisation’s culture, structure, and processes from the ground up. This comprehensive understanding is valuable for future leadership roles.
3. Building Relationships: Working in various roles helps young professionals build relationships with colleagues across different levels and departments. These connections can be beneficial for networking and career advancement.
4. Appreciation of Roles: Experiencing different levels within an organisation fosters appreciation and respect for the work done at all levels, leading to better decision-making and management skills in the future.
5. Resilience and Adaptability: Starting at the bottom often involves facing challenges and setbacks, which helps young people develop resilience and adaptability—traits essential for long-term career success.
6. Career Clarity: Exposure to various tasks and roles can help young professionals identify their strengths, interests, and preferred career paths, leading to more informed career decisions.
7. Credibility and Respect: Climbing the career ladder step by step can earn individuals’ credibility and respect from peers and superiors, as they are seen as having a thorough understanding and genuine experience in the field.
8. Work Ethic and Discipline: Entry-level positions often require a strong work ethic and discipline. Developing these attributes early on can have a lasting impact on an individual’s professional attitude and performance.
My gran used to tell me to ‘hurry slowly’, which I didn’t really understand or appreciate until I was much older. Basically, she was saying that there is nothing wrong with having big ambitions and wanting to get somewhere, just sometimes it makes sense to be measured in your approach and learn deeply along the way.
Happy job hunting!
At The Talent Tap we work with industry to create accessible and equitable pathways into meaningful careers for all young people, with a specific focus on those from low social mobility backgrounds.