Member-only story
The Simplest Way to Build A Fulfilling Career
However, simple doesn’t necessarily mean easy.
I sat down with a fresh-faced MBA candidate this afternoon, over Zoom, on another ridiculously hot day here in Austin.
It’s not uncommon for the leaders — or, middle managers, at least — of tomorrow to request 30 minutes of face time with “senior” “professionals” to “pick their brain,” and I often try to make myself available to shape the way these kids (can I say kids? are 22 year-olds “kids”?) … ahem, young adults see themselves and their greater role in society for the next few decades.
Or, at least for the afternoon.
He asked me your garden-variety “brain-picking” questions, like “What do you do?” “How did you get started in your career?” “What did you want to be when you were in college?”
I entertained them all, but I really wanted to know what drove this young man. I wanted to know why he chose his field of study, his career path, and this company. His answers were as dull as a rusty spoon. I suspect mine were at that age, too.
Regardless, after nearly 20 years in the professional world, I felt equipped to give him some advice. Now, I’m going give that same advice to you — and hopefully make navigating a career as simple as possible for you.