3 answers
Julian
Student
1
Question
Asked
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What skills or habits made the biggest difference in advancing your career early on I want to focus on the right things now to avoid common mistakes and grow faster. #Fall25?
What skills or habits made the biggest difference in advancing your career early on? I want to focus on the right things now to avoid common mistakes and grow faster. #Fall25
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3 answers
Priyanka Olikshetri
Real Estate Agent and Social Media Marketing Manager
4
Answers
Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
Updated
Priyanka’s Answer
Hi Julian,
From my own experience, the biggest difference in career growth comes from developing the right habits early on. Technical skills matter, but what really pushes you forward is consistency, communication, and attitude.
I've learned that being reliable, taking ownership of your work, and constantly learning new things makes people trust you more and opens up opportunities. Building good relationships and communicating clearly also go a long way it's not just what you know, but how you connect with others.
Most importantly, keep improving yourself. Even small daily efforts add up over time. Stay curious, be open to feedback, and always aim to deliver your best -that's what really helps you grow in your career.
Summary:
Be consistent and take ownership
Keep learning and improving
Communicate and build relationships
Stay reliable and positive
From my own experience, the biggest difference in career growth comes from developing the right habits early on. Technical skills matter, but what really pushes you forward is consistency, communication, and attitude.
I've learned that being reliable, taking ownership of your work, and constantly learning new things makes people trust you more and opens up opportunities. Building good relationships and communicating clearly also go a long way it's not just what you know, but how you connect with others.
Most importantly, keep improving yourself. Even small daily efforts add up over time. Stay curious, be open to feedback, and always aim to deliver your best -that's what really helps you grow in your career.
Summary:
Be consistent and take ownership
Keep learning and improving
Communicate and build relationships
Stay reliable and positive
Yami Rodriguez
Human Resources
2
Answers
Los Angeles, California
Updated
Yami’s Answer
Hi Julian! Love this question, here’s what made the biggest difference for me early on:
Showing up prepared - This sounds simple, but it changed everything. I’d skim background docs, jot quick notes, and walk into meetings knowing the basics. It meant I could ask smarter questions and contribute early, even when I was new. People notice when you’re the one who actually read things.
Staying curious - Any time I hit something I didn’t understand, I followed the thread: asked “why?” or “how does this fit into the bigger goal?” That curiosity helped me learn way faster and made me more valuable to the team.
Getting comfortable with feedback - I used to tense up whenever someone gave me notes. Once I learned to treat feedback as information instead of judgment, everything sped up. I’d ask for specifics, apply them quickly, and people trusted me more because they saw I could adapt.
Taking initiative - If I noticed a gap or something that wasn’t working, I didn’t wait for permission, I’d propose a solution or start a small fix. Even tiny improvements added up and showed that I cared about the work, not just my tasks.
You’re already thinking ahead by asking this, keep doing that, and you’ll grow faster than you expect!
Showing up prepared - This sounds simple, but it changed everything. I’d skim background docs, jot quick notes, and walk into meetings knowing the basics. It meant I could ask smarter questions and contribute early, even when I was new. People notice when you’re the one who actually read things.
Staying curious - Any time I hit something I didn’t understand, I followed the thread: asked “why?” or “how does this fit into the bigger goal?” That curiosity helped me learn way faster and made me more valuable to the team.
Getting comfortable with feedback - I used to tense up whenever someone gave me notes. Once I learned to treat feedback as information instead of judgment, everything sped up. I’d ask for specifics, apply them quickly, and people trusted me more because they saw I could adapt.
Taking initiative - If I noticed a gap or something that wasn’t working, I didn’t wait for permission, I’d propose a solution or start a small fix. Even tiny improvements added up and showed that I cared about the work, not just my tasks.
You’re already thinking ahead by asking this, keep doing that, and you’ll grow faster than you expect!
Dawne McGibbon
Sr. Director, Field Services - Canada Division
3
Answers
Milton, Ontario, Canada
Updated
Dawne’s Answer
Many employees make the mistake of relying too much on their leader to plan their career. Instead, set your own goals with clear deadlines. Make sure these goals align with the company's direction and are practical. Think of your career as a journey, taking steps toward your ultimate goal. Communicate openly with your leader for guidance, training suggestions, and opportunities to gain experience.
Find a mentor and coach early in your career who can help you grow, and remember, these people might change as you progress. Build a personal brand, expand your network, and regularly review your goals since they might evolve. Be purposeful, curious, and ready to take risks.
Find a mentor and coach early in your career who can help you grow, and remember, these people might change as you progress. Build a personal brand, expand your network, and regularly review your goals since they might evolve. Be purposeful, curious, and ready to take risks.