If I was graduating in 2024, this is what I’d do differently -

I’d be brave enough to dream…
Rather than become an expert at building someone else’s dreams.

Because you see, the big career decisions that I once made as a student and fresh graduate didn’t come from within. They were fueled by advice given by well-meaning people around me.

For instance, I was interested in economics and psychology - they were my major and minor in school.

This combination could’ve easily translated into a fascinating career in marketing but instead, I chose to make a case for it in finance because…

Finance was more lucrative, more ‘respected’ and honestly, the path of least resistance too. 😳

Everyone around me was going into finance and finance recruiters aggressively marketed on campus - enticing us with fancy foods and attractive offers.

Which is why I ended up:
✅ Following the herd into finance
✅ Working at a big brand name company (because who wouldn’t want to have BlackRock on their CV?)
✅ Buying into the corporate definition of success - hustling to climb the corporate ladder and vying to get paid more and more

While I will never regret having those experiences and a big brand name on my resume, I also realise now that obviously things were never going to end well

…I was living someone else’s dream!

Of course I wouldn’t be happy.

*

So yes, if I was graduating today, I would dream big.

I wouldn’t have extinguished my interest in marketing by saying, “It’s not prestigious enough and doesn’t pay as well.”

Instead, I would’ve challenged myself. Told myself to dream of becoming the CMO of Coca-Cola or Nike.

Who knows - it could have happened.

If I’d only dared to dream.

And had someone whisper in my younger self's ear:
Stop being so practical. Start being audacious.
Embrace your interests, even if they don't seem "prestigious" or even if others aren’t into it.
Cultivate strong opinions. They're your compass in life.
Remember that people with dreams are the ones who make them reality.

What would you do differently if you were graduating in 2024?

Let me know in the comments below!

And if you need help getting out of a career that you feel lost in, contact me LOST. I’ve been through the emotional/financial rollercoaster of career pivots and audacious moves, and I’d love to help you find your dream job. 🚀