Four ways young women can prepare for career success

Why wait until you land your first job to start preparing for success? Our Women of Influence co-op student, Elizabeth Papadopoulos, is still in high school, however, she’s already begun the work to ensure she’s well-equipped to start her future career on the right foot. Here are her tips — learned through personal experience — to prepare for your future career.

by Elizabeth Papadopoulos

As a seventeen-year-old girl in high school, I understand the immense pressure that the future can place on you. The future is unpredictable, with endless possibilities and opportunities for us to seize.

Recently I had the opportunity to do a co-op placement at Women of Influence. During my time here, I have learned so much about becoming an empowered young woman. I have also learned many valuable skills that will help me become successful in my future career, skills that I hope other young women of my generation have the opportunity to develop.

Based on everything I’ve learned over the past 8 months, here are my four tips on how to prepare for success in the workplace.

Tip #1: Don’t be afraid to adapt

Change has always been one thing that scares me — I like to be in my comfort zone and nowhere else. However, when you are working, sometimes you are put in positions that make you nervous, or that you might not be 100% comfortable with. The best thing to do is to just go with the flow! Think of these situations as experiences or lessons to be learned and seize them. If you put yourself in a position where you might not be comfortable now, adapting to new situations at work in the future will seem much easier. Change, as I have learned, can be a good thing.

Tip #2: Be Confident

You are your best advocate; no one else knows you as well as you know yourself. Having confidence is so important while on the job. Trusting yourself and your abilities will make your job easier, and prove that you probably know more than you think. So instead of second-guessing yourself, trust the skills you have and use them to convince people why you are an essential member of their team.

Tip #3: Build a Good Support System

Although self-confidence is a key part of becoming successful in your future, it is also helpful to have a group of people who support you. Whether it be a co-worker, a friend or your mom, having a person or a group of people who will support your decisions is crucial. Parents, take note: supporting your daughter in her professional career is an important factor in her success. You can help give your daughter confidence for the future by supporting her today.

Tip #4: Get Experience

My time as a co-op student at Women of Influence has been so valuable. I have learned so many things that I will be able to use in my future jobs. I recommend any young woman to get a job, volunteer at local businesses, or participate in your school’s co-op program like I did. I guarantee that you will learn something that you will use in your career. Currently, I use the skills that I have learned here to help with my school work. Getting experience is an amazing way to prepare for your future career and lead you to success.

Overall, it’s important to start early when preparing yourself for a successful career. Adapting, building confidence, having a good support system and getting experience are just some of the ways that you can prepare for your future jobs. Even though the future is unpredictable, knowing who you are and what you can do will help you become a great leader. Good luck!

Do you know a young woman of influence looking for her first job experience? Send an email to info@womenofinfluence.ca and let us know!