When I was asked to write an article with tips for young professionals, my mind immediately went to the advice I've heard—and given—for years.
Work hard. Show up early. Stay late. Maintain a healthy work-life balance. Ask for feedback. Go above and beyond. Be dependable.
None of that advice is wrong. In fact, it's all valuable.
But as I started making my list, I paused. Every day at enFocus, I have the opportunity to work alongside incredibly bright, driven young professionals who are successfully navigating today's workplace. Instead of writing about what I think young professionals should do, why not ask those who are doing it well?
Here's what I learned.
Network Before You Need To
Alicia Einfalt's advice is simple: network early and network often.
She didn't wait until senior year of college to start making connections. Early in her college career, she introduced herself to the staff in her university's career center. Those conversations led to her first internship, which ultimately opened doors that brought her to enFocus.
Her biggest takeaway? Relationships create opportunities long before you realize you'll need them.
Networking doesn't have to feel transactional. It can be as simple as introducing yourself, asking thoughtful questions, staying connected, and being genuinely curious about other people's experiences.
Find Someone Who's Been There Before
For Bingjie Liu, one of the most valuable investments you can make is finding a mentor.
That mentor doesn't have to be a CEO or executive. It could be a peer, a colleague a few years ahead of you, or an experienced professional whose career you admire.
Industries evolve quickly, and having someone who can provide perspective, challenge your thinking, and help you navigate change is invaluable.
His advice was refreshingly practical: don't overthink it. Attend networking events. Ask someone to coffee. Request an introduction. The worst someone can say is no—but many people are surprisingly willing to help when simply asked.
Never Graduate from Learning
Joseph McKeirnan believes one mindset separates good professionals from great ones: a commitment to continuous learning.
He recommends Mindset: The New Psychology of Success by Carol Dweck, which explores the difference between a fixed mindset and a growth mindset.
A fixed mindset assumes your abilities are largely set. A growth mindset believes there is always more to learn.
That perspective matters most when things get difficult. Every career includes projects that stall, mistakes that sting, and moments where the easy option is to quit. A growth mindset reframes those moments as opportunities to improve instead of evidence that you've failed.
The best professionals aren't the ones who know everything. They're the ones who never stop learning.
Don't Wait for Opportunities—Ask for Them
Anna McVay shared advice that may be the most uncomfortable—and the most impactful.
Be comfortable making the ask.
Ask for help.
Ask for an introduction.
Ask to be included on a project.
Ask for feedback.
Ask for the opportunity.
As Anna puts it, "Every time we choose not to ask, we're leaving something on the table."