Career Development Insights

Almost every time I speak with juniors or college students, I get asked the same question: “I’m not sure what field I want to work in. How do I decide what to do?” It’s a completely normal feeling — and honestly, I’ve been there too. When I first entered college, I had no clue what specialization to take or what career path to pursue. But here’s the truth: You don’t need to have it all figured out right away. What you need is a plan to explore and narrow it down. Here’s what I tell anyone who asks: 📍 𝗗𝗼𝗻’𝘁 𝗢𝘃𝗲𝗿𝘁𝗵𝗶𝗻𝗸 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗕𝗶𝗴 𝗣𝗶𝗰𝘁𝘂𝗿𝗲 — 𝗦𝘁𝗮𝗿𝘁 𝘄𝗶𝘁𝗵 𝗬𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝗜𝗻𝘁𝗲𝗿𝗲𝘀𝘁𝘀 List a few things you genuinely enjoy or find intriguing — like writing, data analysis, designing, or public speaking. Don’t worry about how they translate into a career just yet Action Step: Write down your interests without worrying about how they translate into a career. The point is to recognize your natural inclinations. 📍 𝗘𝘅𝗽𝗲𝗿𝗶𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁 𝘄𝗶𝘁𝗵 𝗦𝗵𝗼𝗿𝘁-𝗧𝗲𝗿𝗺 𝗖𝗼𝗺𝗺𝗶𝘁𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁𝘀 Try out your interests through short-term activities like joining a club, taking a beginner’s course, or volunteering for a project. Give it 2–4 weeks and see if you enjoy the process Action Step: Try something for 2–4 weeks and assess: Did you enjoy the process? Did it feel meaningful? 📍 𝗧𝗮𝗹𝗸 𝘁𝗼 𝗣𝗲𝗼𝗽𝗹𝗲 𝗪𝗵𝗼 𝗔𝗿𝗲 𝗔𝗹𝗿𝗲𝗮𝗱𝘆 𝗗𝗼𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗜𝘁 Reach out to people working in fields you’re curious about. Ask about their day-to-day work, the skills they use, and what they enjoy or dislike about their roles Action Step: Message 3 professionals on LinkedIn and politely ask for a 15-minute chat. Most people are willing to help if you’re genuinely curious and respectful of their time. 📍 𝗙𝗼𝗰𝘂𝘀 𝗼𝗻 𝗦𝗸𝗶𝗹𝗹𝘀, 𝗡𝗼𝘁 𝗧𝗶𝘁𝗹𝗲𝘀 Identify the skills you want to develop rather than getting stuck on job titles. Whether it’s data analysis, storytelling, or management, skills are transferable and will shape your career regardless of the role Action Step: Pick one skill you’re curious about and spend an hour a week learning or practicing it. 📍 𝗔𝗹𝗹𝗼𝘄 𝗬𝗼𝘂𝗿𝘀𝗲𝗹𝗳 𝘁𝗼 𝗣𝗶𝘃𝗼𝘁 Your first choice doesn’t have to be your final choice. Reflect every few months to see if you’re still enjoying your current path. It’s okay to change directions as you learn more Action Step: Set a reminder to reflect every 3 months: Are you still enjoying your current path? If not, what’s next? The Bottom Line: You don’t have to know your exact career path at 20. Just focus on exploring, learning, and building foundational skills — the clarity will follow. To everyone feeling overwhelmed — take it one step at a time. And remember, not having it all figured out is okay — it’s part of the journey. What’s one career option you’re currently exploring? Share below — I’d love to hear your thoughts!👇 #CareerAdvice #CollegeTips #FindingYourPath #SkillBuilding #CareerExploration #EarlyCareerInsights

My broadcasting journey began in Canada, took me to Beijing as a freelancer, and eventually led to TV news in Hong Kong. Along the way, I learned lessons that have influenced my path and I hope they might help you as well. 1. Embrace your authentic self. For the first decade, nerves often held me back. Even if others didn’t notice, I felt it kept me from fully enjoying my craft. It was rooted in my performance-oriented Korean culture and the pressure to succeed and be perfect. Eventually, I learned to breathe through the anxiety, especially after a near-death experience while filming a documentary in China. I began to tap into the power of self-awareness and to be kind to myself whenever I felt stressed. 2. Turn critics into catalysts. Putting yourself out there, whether on social media or in person, invites feedback, and not all of it is kind. Even though the positive comments far outweighed the ugly ones, I still remember the harsh comments that made me question my worth. Over time, I’ve transformed negativity into something positive and powerful to help me grow rather than letting it diminish me. 3. View competition as a growth tool. I used to see others vying for the same stories or clients as a threat. Now, I welcome any kind of competition to push me forward to elevate my work and potential, and I no longer view “winning” as the only reward. 4. Cultivate your network intentionally. In journalism and philanthropy alike, I spoke with dozens of people daily, from diverse backgrounds, with different stories. At one company, I had an unlimited expense account and hosted people for meals. Years later, I have been paid for these connections in certain roles. Without knowing it, I was building networks that money couldn’t buy. Looking back, I wish I’d understood sooner that the quality of your connections can be the difference-maker in your career. To sum up the lessons I wish someone had told me when I was younger: 1. Authenticity attracts opportunities: be brave enough to show up as your true self. 2. Criticism is a gift: use it to refine your skills and mindset. 3. Welcome any kind of competition: see it as a catalyst for your best work. 4. Your network is your net worth: invest in people intentionally. Remember, growth often comes from stepping outside your comfort zone and embracing the lessons along the way. *Vintage photo of me on TV in Hong Kong. A friend sent me this picture. Hi, I’m Sylvia Yu Friedman. I offer book writing services and work at the intersection of publishing, finance and the entertainment industry.

Throughout my career conversations, one question echoes consistently: "Should I pursue an individual contributor (IC) or management track in AI?" Contrary to traditional career narratives, AI demands a more sophisticated approach. Due to the technical depth of AI, the IC path isn't a dead end but an enriching journey of innovation and expertise. What's fascinating is how AI is reshaping career dynamics: even people managers must stay hands-on and technically sharp. Big tech (or even almost all tech companies) now recognize technical leadership as equally prestigious as management roles, with principal engineers and research scientists commanding the same respect and compensation as their people-managing counterparts, sometimes even more. The real magic happens when you're strategic about your growth. For IC professionals, this means continuously expanding your technical breadth and depth. Focus on becoming a technical thought leader, publish research/articles, contribute to open-source projects, speak at conferences, and develop cutting-edge solutions that push the boundaries of AI. For those drawn to management, the key is to develop not just people skills but a deep understanding of AI's strategic implementation. A successful AI manager is one who bridges technical complexity with business vision, creating an environment where innovation thrives and complex AI solutions are created. Your publications will shift from technical deep dives to thought leadership that demonstrates strategic prioritization and transformative potential. Ultimately, the most fulfilling path is the one that aligns with your intrinsic motivations. If you're energized by solving complex technical challenges, diving deep into machine learning models, and pushing the boundaries of what's possible, the IC track might be your calling. If you're passionate about amplifying human potential, mentoring talent, and driving large-scale AI initiatives, people management could be your sweet spot. There are no right or wrong decisions. The beauty of AI is its flexibility. Many professionals successfully navigate between these paths throughout their careers, bringing unique perspectives and a holistic understanding to each role they touch. #ExperienceFromTheField #WrittenByHuman #EditedByAI

Career women have a complicated relationship with the media and speaking opportunities. Let me explain. Recently, I was invited to speak on a popular TV station for International Women’s Day. The invitation came the evening before because there had been a last minute cancellation. The questions were sent around 9pm. The studio was two hours away. I had every reason to say no. But I didnt. I run two communities for women and 80% of my clients are women. Speaking about the empowerment of women on International Women's Day tied in perfectly with my brand and my overall visibility goals. Also I know that certain types of visibility is not optional for the level of opportunities many women say they want. So I went. When I arrived, the producer made a comment that made myself and the other guests really think. “It’s very difficult to get women. They cancel last minute. Men are more reliable.” He went further to share how some men had proactively approached him for opportunities and how being on TV had led to career-defining moments for them. People saw them. People called. Some were even poached while they were still at the TV station. Now, this is not about blaming women. Because the reality is more nuanced. Not all speaking opportunities are created equal. Also, women often carry heavier family and personal responsibilities. And many women want to be fully prepared, especially for something as visible as live TV. So when invitations come late… When context is unclear… When preparation time is limited… The default response is often: “I’d rather not.” And that is understandable. But here’s the uncomfortable truth: Media visibility is not vanity. It is credibility. Your LinkedIn profile, your CV, your achievements, those are what you say about yourself. But media features and speaking platforms? Those are what others say about you because they not only give you the opportunity to demonstrate your insights and expertise in real time, but they also suggest that other platforms have deemed you credible and you are therefore less of a risk. I’ve seen this play out in real time. A senior leader once shared that he lost out on a board role not because he wasn’t qualified, but because another candidate had stronger digital visibility and media presence. When they Googled both candidates, the difference was clear. And that difference mattered. So to the women building towards C-suite roles, board positions, and global opportunities: You cannot afford to ignore visibility. You don’t need to say yes to everything. But you do need to be intentional. ✔️ Be strategic about the opportunities you accept ✔️ Start pitching yourself, not just waiting to be invited ✔️ Tie speaking and media to your long-term goals Because one day, someone will search your name. And what they find will influence what comes next. Have you ever turned down a speaking or media opportunity? What informed your decision?

Anita Akuffo opens up about her 10-year journey in the Ghanaian media space and the full-circle moment of starting as a Miss Malaika contestant before returning years later as the show’s co-host. In this conversation, she shares: 1. The truth about TV glamour and why you shouldn’t feel pressured to match celebrity lifestyles. 2. Navigating public attention while keeping parts of her life private 3. The grace, patience, and right connections that shaped her career 4. The challenges women face in the industry and how to avoid being taken advantage of 5. Lessons from starting with low pay and turning opportunities into stepping stones This episode is a blueprint for anyone who wants to see what the real road to a career in the media industry is. It’s filled with lessons, behind-the-scenes stories, and inspiration. Watch Here: https://lnkd.in/dBpkvZMA

Attention - Career pivot!? It is rather often that I receive direct messages from candidates asking for advice on how to manage a significant career pivot. Changing careers at a mature stage in life is a little like going on a very tall roller coaster - it can be both exciting and scary. Here are some thoughts to consider: ↝ 𝗦𝗲𝗹𝗳 𝗮𝘀𝘀𝗲𝘀𝘀𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁: Start by assessing your skills, interests, and values. Understand your strengths and what drives you. This self-awareness will guide you towards a career that aligns with the true you! ↝ 𝗙𝗶𝗻𝗮𝗻𝗰𝗶𝗮𝗹 𝘀𝗲𝘁-𝘂𝗽: Understand the financial implications of a career change. Determine how your income might be affected during the transition period and plan accordingly. In today`s environment it almost always takes longer than planned. ↝ 𝗥𝗲𝘀𝗲𝗮𝗿𝗰𝗵 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗲𝘅𝗽𝗹𝗼𝗿𝗲: Take the time to learn about potential career directions. Look into industries that interest you and explore the job market demand, required skills, and educational or training pathways. Talk to real people to gain insights! Make sure that you take into consideration local market specifics. ↝ 𝗦𝗸𝗶𝗹𝗹𝘀: Identify your skills or knowledge that can be transferred as well as gaps between your current experience and your desired career. Courses, certifications, or workshops can be helpful (and costly). ↝ 𝗡𝗲𝘁𝘄𝗼𝗿𝗸𝗶𝗻𝗴: Leverage your existing network and reach out to professionals in the new field. Networking can be critical in your decision making as well your eventual success. ↝ 𝗩𝗼𝗹𝘂𝗻𝘁𝗲𝗲𝗿𝗶𝗻𝗴: If possible, gain practical experience in your new field through volunteering or internships. This can help you confirm you are on the right path; acquire hands-on experience and expand your network. ↝ 𝗣𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗲𝗻𝗰𝗲: Understand that changing careers may take time and effort. Consider adjusting your plans based on new information or opportunities that arise. ↝ 𝗦𝘁𝗮𝘆 𝗣𝗼𝘀𝗶𝘁𝗶𝘃𝗲 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗣𝗲𝗿𝘀𝗶𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗻𝘁: Resilience on this journey will be critical. Job hunting and career changes are often challenging, but maintaining a positive mindset will increase your chances of success. ↝ 𝗘𝘃𝗮𝗹𝘂𝗮𝘁𝗲 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗔𝗱𝗷𝘂𝘀𝘁: Once you've made the change, periodically evaluate your career satisfaction and progress. Be open to making further adjustments if needed to ensure long-term fulfillment. ❓ Anything you would add? Any questions? ------------------------------------------------- Oh, hey there! I am Dana - Recruiter with a 💡 ☝🏼 Like this and want more interesting content? 🍪 Share if others could benefit from this too! 🔔 Follow me and 'hit' the bell on my profile.

A friend of mine was recently laid off, and he reached out to ask for some advice on how to approach his job hunt. One thing I told him was that this is actually the perfect moment to pause and reassess. A layoff is painful, but it also forces you to confront an important question. What do you really want to do next? Not what is available today. Not what a recruiter happens to send you. What you actually want to do. The type of company you want to be part of. The kind of work that energises you. The teams you enjoy working with. The parts of your previous roles you loved, and the parts you never want to repeat again. Once you have that clarity, the next steps become an exercise in intentional searching instead of just taking the first job that comes along. One thing I have noticed is that many people approach their job hunt in a very passive way. They wait for opportunities that appear on job portals or from recruiters, and they choose from whatever happens to show up in front of them, instead of what they actually want. There is a better and far more intentional way to approach your career. Instead of browsing endlessly on job sites, start with clarity. Here is the approach I would challenge you to try. 1 / 🎯 List five companies you genuinely want to work for Not fantasy dream companies, but realistic ones that excite you. Companies that would hire someone with your skills today. Companies you would be proud to join. 2 / 🧩 Identify the roles that suit you best Look at your skill set, strengths, and experience, and write down the roles in each of these companies that you would be qualified for. Focus on roles you can realistically get now, not ten years from now. 3 / 🤖 Use AI to expand your list of roles Use ChatGPT or any AI tool to help uncover roles in these companies that you may not know exist. Sometimes the best fitting roles are the ones you never thought to search for. 4 / 🔍 Search LinkedIn to check availability Look for these roles on LinkedIn. If they are not open, look for people who currently hold these positions or for hiring managers who oversee these teams. These contacts can give you clarity on timing and requirements. 5 / ☕ Reach out and make your own luck Send a message, ask for a coffee, or ask if their team might be hiring soon. Many opportunities never make it to the job boards, and many people are willing people are to share information or offer guidance. Far too many people jump straight into panic mode and take the first role that appears in front of them. But your next job shapes the next few years of your life. It deserves more thought than that. If you are in a similar situation or considering a change, give yourself the space to be deliberate. Think about the companies that excite you. Think about the roles that fit your strengths. Take ownership of the process and reach out to people. Make your own luck. Build a career you actually want, rather than one that happens by accident.

If you’re wanting to move from one industry to another but you don’t have the right experience or qualifications, where do you start? And, what if you feel too “old” to do this. Is it even worth it? All very good and common questions I hear! So, let’s break it down: 👉 You’ve been working in X job or Y industry for Z number of years. 👉 You want to move to industry A or job B. Where do you begin? Well, obviously as a career coach I won’t just be jumping right into the practicalities! I want to get under your skin and find out WHY! Yes, like an annoying child who never stops asking why, I’d be asking you a whole host of questions about why now, why this job, why not that job you’re already in, what does this new job/career give you……etc, etc. Before we take the leap, it’s important to get clear on your motivations. Once you’re sure about that, we can look at the practical steps to get there. Getting from X or Y to A or B! You start at the end, if that makes sense. Once you know what you want to do, it’s a lot easier to know where you want to get to. So, you need to go on a bit of a fact finding mission! 🔎 👉 Who do know who does that job? 👉 How could you find someone who works in that sector? 👉 How can you find what’s needed to get that type of role? So, you want to be looking at job descriptions for the type of job you’re looking for. Looking at what experience and skills are required. Then deciding if you need to study or retrain or do volunteer work to get some experience in that area. Speak to people doing that job or working in that sector. How did they get into it? Do they like it? What’s the salary? You get the idea….. Next, gather all the information you have and think about if this job is for you. 👉 Does it interest you? 👉 Does it pay enough? 👉 Are there jobs in your area / online that you could apply for? 👉 Are you prepared to study full time/part time to get what you need? 👉 Are you prepared to take a side step/step back to get the experience and skills you’re lacking? 👉 Will you have to take a drop in salary? Can you afford to do that? Some career changes can be made quite easily by re-presenting your current experience, skills and qualifications to meet the needs of the new employer. Others may take longer. It just depends how much you want it and if it’s possible for you. Personally, I’ve taken lower level jobs, studied full time as a mature student, moved locations etc etc to get to where I am today but that was the right choice for me. Ultimately you need to know what’s required to make the move and then weigh up if it’s right for you! It may take a bit of hard work and time but it may be the best thing you ever did 🤩 #Careers #CareerCoaching #CareerChange #Jobs

Choosing a career after 12th feels like standing at a giant crossroad with 10 confusing signboards🤷♀️ Everyone’s shouting directions — parents, cousins, Sharma ji, and the neighbour who once cracked NEET in 1997. So how do you actually figure out which path to take? Here are 3 powerful frameworks/models that can help students or their parents choose a career path that makes sense for them(not just society) ✅ 1. IKIGAI Model (The Japanese Secret to a Fulfilling Career) Ask yourself 4 questions: -What do I love? (Interest) -What am I good at? (Skills) -What can I be paid for? (Market) -What does the world need? (Impact) Example: A student I mentored loved designing, was great at storytelling, and didn’t want a traditional desk job. Instead of engineering, she explored UI/UX design. 3 years later, she’s working at a design agency and building her own digital art page on the side. ✅ 2. Career Triangle:Passion – Potential – Practicality Don’t just chase passion blindly. Check if your interest, your aptitude, and the industry demand align. -Passion: Do you enjoy doing this? -Potential: Do you have the skill or willingness to learn? -Practicality: Will this pay your bills and grow in the future? Example A commerce student wanted to become a musician full-time. But she also loved marketing and storytelling. She found a sweet spot in music marketing – she now works with music labels promoting indie artists! How cool right? ✅ 3.The 3C Filter: Clarity – Curiosity – Coaches This is more process-oriented for those still exploring. Clarity- Start with a broad idea (e.g., "I want to work with people" or "I like solving problems"). Curiosity- Intern, shadow, take short courses to test waters. Coaches- Talk to seniors, professionals, career coaches who’ve walked the path. Example: A student I know thought she wanted to do law. After interning under a lawyer and taking a MOOC in psychology, she realised it wasn’t for her. She’s now studying psychology and plans to become a behavioural therapist. Career clarity doesn’t come overnight. It’s a mix of self-awareness, experimentation, and conversations. And it’s okay to not have it all figured out by 18. Instead of following the noise, choose a method that works for YOU. Your career is not a race. It’s a journey of alignment. Would you add another framework to this list? #CareerAdvice #CareerClarity #CareerFrameworks #Ikigai #Careercoach #dhairyadecodes

“I don’t know what I want to do with my career…” Let’s just go ahead and normalize this. Because more people are here than you think. And not just once, sometimes multiple times throughout their lives. (I know I’ve been here. More than once.) But the part we don’t talk about enough? The HOW. → How do you figure out what you actually want? → What fits? → What makes sense for your life now? So here’s what I’ve learned from being that person and helping other people work through this same exact thing: 1. Stop trying to force yourself to pick a job title. - Scrolling job boards hoping something clicks? - That usually leads to frustration. - Truth is, most of us don’t even know how to name what we’re looking for. Start by asking: → What kinds of problems do I enjoy solving? → What work has felt most like me, even if the title didn’t reflect it? → What do people always ask me for help with? 2. Look at the why behind your past roles (and other parts of your life). → What were you brought in to do? → What made you feel useful or alive? → What did you outgrow, and what did that teach you? Your career has patterns. You just haven’t been taught how to read them yet. 3. Use this filter: Pay. Power. Peace. → Can you live off it? → Do your strengths actually matter here? → Can you breathe? If it doesn’t hit at least 2 of the 3, it’s probably not it. 4. Don’t just run to quit your job, run small experiments. You don’t need to burn it all down. You need data. → Try a course. → Join a project outside your usual lane. → Ask someone, “What do you actually do in your role?” Clarity is built in motion—not in your head. 5. Keep a “Could-Be-Me” list. Every time something lights you up, write it down. Then ask: → Why does this resonate? → What strengths do I already have? → What would I need to build? No pressure. Just explore. 6. Create a Career Criteria list. Think beyond the job. Ask: → What kind of life do I want? → Flexibility or structure? → Am I best front-and-center or behind the scenes? → What are my absolute no’s? You’re not trying to fit into a job, you’re building a career that fits you. Let me say this: If you’re in the “I have no clue what I want to do” season… -You’re not broken. -You’re not late. -You’re just being honest with yourself. And that’s where real clarity begins. If you want support figuring it out with guidance, strategy, and real community, I got you. Drop “PATH” in the comments or DM me and I’ll send you the info to join the P.A.T.H. Forward™ Community. You’re not behind. You’re in the middle of realignment. And that’s brave as hell. 💥 _______________ Join the P.A.T.H. Forward Community: https://lnkd.in/gDMj8V5r Hi, I’m Erica Rivera, CPCC, CPRW. 👋 Voice-finder. Story-shaper. Career strategist. I help you untangle the career story you were handed — and rewrite it in a way that aligns with your values, your vision, and your next chapter.