8 Things to Learn at Work Before You Turn 30

Most people say that your 20's is the best period of your life. No longer the teenager but a young adult where you should be much more independent, be accountable to yourself and since you should already be working and earning your own keep, have fun!  

But, while you rejoice on the many exciting events happening in your life, you should also be vigilant about the career you currently have that is supporting your many exciting events.

Freshly out of school and new in your job, you will face many challenges and new experiences. You might even have a taste of the first ever failure at work (totally different from getting lousy grades in school!) and make many mistakes. Don't view these failures negatively as those are what enable you to learn how to be more efficient in managing your career, the relationship with your colleagues or superiors and most importantly, pushing yourself to greater heights.

So, here are 8 things you can learn at work before you turn into 30:

1) How to talk to people who are older than you

Having conversations with peers or superiors who are much older than you can be quite intimidating, especially when they hold more important positions and authority in the company. At first, you might be nervous and intimidated, and even you could be in doubt to express your arguments. But it is important to earn the respect of your fellow colleagues and superiors.

Know that the company hired you for the potential they see in you, therefore, be as confident about your ideas and suggestions as the company is, in you managing your deliverables. Although there will be other colleagues who are more senior in level than you and superiors that have the authority to dismiss you, know that you are hired to be part of the team effort to bring about new ideas and innovation that can help the company to grow further.

Nevertheless, learn to handle criticism well as you are not perfect either. Despite the age gap, we are there to learn from and support each other.

2) How to negotiate a salary offer

Fresh graduates are commonly afraid of losing the job offer if they try to negotiate the salary offer, thereby accepting whatever packages offered to them for fear of being rejected or the inability to gain offers by other companies. Know your worth first before diving into the job market. Google about the average median range you should be expecting for the roles you are looking to apply for before sending out your resumes.

However, once you start gaining experiences and learn new skills, etc., as you progress, you will be able to negotiate a better salary or even land yourself in a better job.

3) How to respond to feedback

At first, it might be tough to accept any criticism from your boss or colleagues. If you start to be defensive, you might be losing valuable inputs that can help you advance and improve. Moreover, when you get different opinions from others, it allows you to expand your thoughts and improvise the methods to solve issues or generate an even better idea.  

Be it a useful or perhaps not useful feedback, it can still be worth a try. Through trial and errors are where you will be able to gain experiences and make better improvisations.

4) How to run a meeting

Holding a meeting is not easy, especially when you are first timers. Losing control of it, unclear agendas and ineffective duration will make participants lose their attention, get sleepy or bored. Thus, you should know for things you are new to, to always be prepared. Understand what are the deliverables you need and never deviate from the main focus during the meeting. Lastly, keeping it short and precise will enable others to be more focused, engaged and enthusiastic too!

5) How to stand up for yourself politely and professionally

Being new in the office, you tend to get some additional tasks that the others do not want to do. It might be offloaded to you but don't be resistant to it unnecessarily. New tasks no matter how simple, provides some new learning you might be able to gain. Else, speak to your superior on your current roles and what you are working on (make sure you are also producing good quality work of course!). Let them know that although you are glad to help perhaps for the time being but be firm that you need to attend to your tasks and carry out your role efficiently.

Do not let others take you for granted. Be helpful but firm. Your peers need to understand that ultimately they need to allocate the task to the appropriate person to handle instead.
 

6) What you are good at and what you are not so good at

A lot of job roles, duties and obligations give you valuable lessons on what you are good at and what you are not so good at. By the time you are 30, you can selectively accept job offers that match your skills and interests rather than those that do not fit with your capabilities.

7 ) What to do when you make mistakes

As all of us know, neither of us are perfect. There are always new things to learn, new knowledge to gain, better ways to handle the same old issues. When you make a mistake, learn to recognise your mistakes and apologise when necessary. Be accountable.

This shows you are willing to take up the responsibility and also make amends for it.

8) Your reputation matters

When you do a good job and being recognised as a team player. There will be praise and recognition from both peers and superiors. When you gain success at work, the potential of gaining more opportunities to advance your career starts to open up! Even if the current company does not offer you such opportunities, there still lies your good track records where you will be able to gain a better job opportunity elsewhere too.

Being in your 20's indeed is the period where you have your fun and whatnot but at the same time, do take advantage of this period to gain the much-needed experiences and knowledge.

Shape yourself personality-wise and sharpen your capabilities. This decade cannot be repeated, thus, make use of it wisely!