This article is part of our Legends Interview Program. An Alumni Association initiative to record the experiences of alumni and share with our community. This interview took place on May 12th, 2022. Schedule an interview or submit your own story to us by emailing us at info@foreveraneasttechtitan.com.
Hi Titans!
We all have our list of favorite tv shows and have many reasons for marking them our favorites. From interesting storylines to the characters, what I think we should learn from these shows is that we all love the “character development” or also known as the “stars” of the show.
From minor characters to major characters, they all go through some kind of character development. Whether they take the turn for the worse (becoming the villains) or change to be a hero, the changes we view as they develop through the show captivates us. While the majority of the characters we love are fictional, our lives are not and we are the “star” of our show.
One of my best memories at East Tech was classes with Ms. Vlaming. I loved her personality and she gave every student an opportunity to be a “star”. What I wanted to share with you today are things I’ve learned from graduating from college and have been in the workforce for some time.
Start somewhere and figure out how you can climb the ladder.
The journey to stardom begins with humble beginnings. They stress the importance of starting somewhere, even if it’s not your dream job or ideal industry. It’s essential to gain experience and learn valuable skills along the way. However, if you find yourself in an environment that doesn’t offer opportunities for growth, don’t be afraid to pivot and explore other avenues.
I started working when I was 16 in the fast food industry, then changed my career path to banking and now climbing the corporate ladder in finance. Never be afraid to change your path.
Learn when you’re productive and ditch the 9-5 mentality.
One size does not fit all when it comes to productivity. Understand the times of day when you feel most energized and focused. Don’t be bound by the traditional 9-5 work schedule if it doesn’t align with your productivity patterns. Instead, tailor your workflow to capitalize on your most productive periods. Whether you’re a night owl or an early bird, harnessing your natural rhythm can lead to more efficient work and better results.
After graduating with a degree in accounting, it was time for me to take my Certified Public Accountant (CPA) exams. Passing the CPA exams is the accounting industry requirement that opens doors for you and what most accounting jobs require at a minimum. It wasn’t easy but I passed all 4 sections of the exam after I figured out my most productive times to maximize my readiness to take the exams.
Brace yourself for the “school” transition.
Stepping out of the structured academic environment into the real world can be a shock. Unlike school where grades define your progress, post-school life is different where experience and certifications play a major role in getting a job to promotion with a higher salary. Celebrate small wins and acknowledge your achievements, even if they may seem insignificant to others. Don’t rely on constant external validation; instead, focus on personal growth and development. Embrace mistakes as valuable learning experiences and understand that failure is a natural part of the journey towards success.
Always learn to celebrate your small wins and embrace the chances of making mistakes. These life moments on your journey to being a star will be your character development.
I hope this article was super helpful to you and wish you a lot of luck as you build yourself and be the “star” of your show.
Good luck Titans!
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