Building a successful career is often about persistence, learning, and adapting, especially in those early days when everything feels unfamiliar. I remember when I resumed work years ago, still somewhat "grey" despite my prior experiences at various places: a brief stint at NTA, the Public Relations Unit of a State University, a telecommunications company as a Marketing Officer, and even as Advert Manager of a small newspaper publishing firm. Those roles had prepared me, but the terrain still felt new.
I never allowed myself to be idle. Even while pursuing further academic qualifications to better fit into my vision of becoming a high-flying PR professional, I was always striving to learn more, pushing myself beyond my limits. I wanted to be ready for the challenges that came with the path I had chosen.
One aspect that truly tested me was writing. There are many types and styles of writing, and I quickly learned that in a professional setting, your editor holds the final say. Every organization has its specific writing style, known as the "house style," and sometimes, a piece of work you feel proud of can be rejected simply for not aligning with it.
I would often write, thinking I had done a great job, only for my editor to challenge me: "Are you writing a news story or a report?" It was tough at first, but I refused to get frustrated. Instead, I studied the style meticulously, paying attention to the differences. In the early days, I would write directly, making minimal changes from the transcription, just enough to suit the event and avoid rejection.
It wasn't always easy, but I never gave up, and I never got discouraged. Even when I wasn’t assigned to write, I did so voluntarily. I stayed committed to the process, refining my craft with each draft. Sooner than later, I mastered the house style, gaining confidence, and eventually, I began to write without fear of rejection.
Success is built brick by brick, and learning the ropes is just the beginning. It’s the constant effort, the willingness to improve, and the determination not to give up that shapes a truly successful career.
Lessons Learned:
1. Hard Work and Persistence Pay Off: Success is rarely immediate. You need to put in consistent effort, even when the path seems unclear or challenging. I never allowed myself to be idle and continuously worked hard, even while pursuing further education.
2. Learning is a Continuous Process: No matter how prepared one feels, there is always room for growth and learning. My prior experiences did not fully prepare me for the demands of my new job, so I had to and still am embracing the learning process because learning is continuous.
3. Adaptability is Key: Every workplace has its unique culture and expectations. The concept of the "house style" demonstrates that it’s important to adapt to ones environment, even if it means adjusting what one thought one knew.
4. Constructive Criticism is a Gift: Receiving feedback is not always easy, especially when it feels like your work is being rejected. However, I learnt to see it as a chance to improve, not something to be discouraged by.
5. Perseverance through Challenges: Despite setbacks, I stayed committed. Instead of giving up, I kept writing and adapting, proving that perseverance is essential for mastering new skills.
6. Take Initiative: Be proactive. Do not wait to be told everything before you get to doing it. Even if you get rejected, do not stop. Push yourself, just write and keep writing it will eventually pay off.
7. Success Takes Time: Mastery doesn’t happen overnight. It is a gradual process that required my patience, practice, and resilience.
Tips to Pick Up:
1. Embrace Feedback: See every piece of constructive criticism as an opportunity to improve, not as a personal attack on your abilities.
2. Stay Flexible and Adapt: Be willing to adjust your approach to fit the specific needs of your role or organization. Flexibility in your skillset makes you more valuable.
3. Be Consistent: Keep working at your craft, even when you face obstacles. Regular effort and practice are the foundations of success.
4. Take Initiative: Don’t wait to be assigned tasks. Actively seek opportunities to contribute, learn, and improve. This shows dedication and can accelerate your career growth.
5. Learn the Culture of Your Workplace: Whether it's a house style or the way things are done, understanding and fitting into your organization's culture will help you succeed.
6. Stay Resilient: Setbacks are a natural part of growth. Don’t get discouraged. Instead, focus on how each challenge is preparing you for greater success.
7. Invest in Yourself: Pursue further academic qualifications to better fit your aspirations, continually invest in your personal and professional development. It enhances your expertise and readiness for greater challenges.
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