MB

Being in your early career feels a lot like being a Chappell Roan fan in 2023 – people are just starting to pay attention, but you know you’ve been here, putting in the work. You are finding your voice, showing up in rooms where no one expects you to be, and hoping someone finally recognizes that you’re that girl (or, you know, that professional).

When I started my career, I truly had no idea what I was getting into. I thought the hardest part would be learning technical skills – SQL, Tableau, or even figuring out how to use Microsoft Teams without accidentally exposing my entire desktop. But what’s been even more interesting is learning how to navigate the early career experience itself – being in spaces where people have decades of knowledge, finding ways to contribute meaningfully, and figuring out how to grow while still being new.

I’ve come to realize that being in your early career isn’t just about “getting through it” until you have more experience – it’s about maximizing this phase, learning at a crazy pace, and making your presence known. And honestly, that’s been one of the most exciting parts so far.

The Reality of Being the Youngest in the Room

Being early in your career is a unique experience – you’re constantly learning, adapting, and figuring out how to make an impact while still finding your footing. It’s a mix of excitement and uncertainty, where every project is an opportunity to prove yourself, but also a reminder of how much you don’t know yet.

There are moments when you feel like you’re hitting your stride – contributing ideas, solving problems, and making a name for yourself. And then there are moments when you realize everyone around you has years (or decades) of experience, and you’re still learning the unspoken words of the workplace.

But here’s the thing, being in this stage isn’t just about earning experience – it’s about maximizing the advantages that come with being new, curious, and adaptable. So let’s break it down…

The Advantages: Why Being Early in Your Career is an Asset

1. You are a Fresh Set of Eyes You don’t have the weight of “this is how we’ve always done it.” You see inefficiencies that others overlook because they’ve been working within them for years. Don’t be afraid to challenge norms, ask why things are done a certain way – you might find that no one has a good reason.
2. You are Adaptable & Quick to Learn While more senior colleagues have deep expertise, you have the tendency to pick up new tools and skills much faster. You don’t have to “unlearn” outdated habits – you just jump into what’s most relevant today. Develop a reputation as someone who figures things out. If you can become the go to person for solving new challenges, people will seek you out.
3. People Want to Help You – If You Let Them There’s an advantage to being new: people are more open to mentoring, explaining things, and giving you opportunities if you show initiative. I’ve found that most people love sharing their expertise – it’s just about asking the right questions. Find your career board of directors. Whether it’s a formal mentoring program or casual coffee chat, having a mix of advisors can help guide your career choices. (Pro Tip: Read “The Cilantro Diaries” by Lorenzo Gomez to learn more about how to create your own personal board of directors).

The Challenges: Why Early Career Feels Like Running a Race Without a Map

1. You Don’t Have Decades of Context (Despite Common Assumption) A lot of workplace conversations assume shared history – projects that started before you were hired, references to past situations, or even inside jokes from “the old days”. The fix? Ask questions with confidence. Instead of pretending to know, voice your questions. People respect curiosity, and you’ll get caught up faster.
2. Balancing Humility and Confidence There’s a fine line between being a sponge and speaking up when you have something to contribute. Being new means there’s always something to learn – but that doesn’t mean your perspective isn’t valuable. Set a small goal every meeting, even if it’s just asking a clarifying question. Getting comfortable with contributing helps you build credibility over time.
3. Everyone Else Seems to Have a Network Already You’re stepping into an industry where relationships have been forming for years. Other people already know who to go to for what, who gets things done, and which slack channels hold all the unspoken rules. Be intentional about networking. Instead of feeling like an outsider, treat every interaction as a chance to connect. You don’t need decades long network – you just need a few good people willing to share what they know.

Lessons I’m Learning Along the Way

Early career is kind of like when you show up to brunch late and everyone’s already deep in conversation – you’re trying to catch up, figure out who ordered what and not sound clueless when you finally chime in. Except instead of bottomless mimosas it’s a room full of people who have been in their careers for decades and casually reference projects from 2015, as if you weren’t learning to drive at that time.

At first, I thought the key to surviving this stage was faking it until I make it. Wrong. Being new is actually a power move if you know how to use it. So here’s what I’ve learned about navigating early career without feeling like the intern who accidentally replied all.

1. Confidence Isn’t About Knowing Everything – It’s About Showing Up Prepared Early career confidence isn’t strutting into a meeting like you’re the expert – it’s more like getting ready for a first date with someone out of your league. You don’t have to know their life story, but you better come in with some good conversation starters.
2. The People Who Grow Fastest Are The Ones Who Aren’t Afraid to Ask Questions There’s a myth that asking questions makes you look inexperienced, but in reality, it makes you look engaged. The fastest learners aren’t the ones pretending they already know everything – they’re the ones collecting knowledge like it’s a limited edition vinyl.
3. Your Perspective Has Value – Even When You’re the Least Experienced Person in the Room Just because you don’t have a decades worth of experience doesn’t mean you can’t bring something new to the table. Sometimes, being new means you’re seeing things others overlook.
4. Find People Who Push You to Level Up Your career isn’t a solo tour. Surround yourself with people who inspire, challenge, encourage, and make you think bigger.
5. You Don’t Have to Have It All Figured Out Yet Early career isn’t about having a flawless, 10 year strategic plan – it’s about collecting experiences, learning skills, and staying open to whatever opportunities come next. Make the most out of where you are now.

Here’s the truth – being early in your career isn’t about proving you belong so you can finally feel comfortable in the room. It’s about embracing where you are right now and making the most of it.

You don’t have to have the next ten years mapped out. What matters is that you show up, stay curious, and take advantage of the fact that this stage of your career is full of possibility. Being new is never a weakness – it’s your greatest advantage.