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What is the hardest thing you encountered when in your career?
I am a future sophomore in high school. I really want to understand a lot of career aspects so when the times comes I am fully aware. #career-counseling
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Maren’s Answer
Hi Elle,
What a thoughtful question! Challenges can obviously vary from role to role and industry to industry, but I think one of the most common challenges I've faced would be lack of communication and clear expectations for cross-functional projects (projects my team works on along with other teams). From that, I've learned that the more communication that takes place, the better. It's more beneficial for you to be over-informed than under-informed! Similarly, asking questions helps to avoid unclear expectations. If you are the slightest bit unsure about how something should be done -- ask!
Remember, most jobs involve collaboration with other team members, so learning strong interpersonal skills is very important. This might even be something to think about when engaging in any group projects you're assigned.
Hope this helps you to think about and prepare for the best way to face some of the challenges you can encounter in your career!
What a thoughtful question! Challenges can obviously vary from role to role and industry to industry, but I think one of the most common challenges I've faced would be lack of communication and clear expectations for cross-functional projects (projects my team works on along with other teams). From that, I've learned that the more communication that takes place, the better. It's more beneficial for you to be over-informed than under-informed! Similarly, asking questions helps to avoid unclear expectations. If you are the slightest bit unsure about how something should be done -- ask!
Remember, most jobs involve collaboration with other team members, so learning strong interpersonal skills is very important. This might even be something to think about when engaging in any group projects you're assigned.
Hope this helps you to think about and prepare for the best way to face some of the challenges you can encounter in your career!
Updated
Mickael’s Answer
Hi Elle,
Awesome question!
I think the hardest thing is when your management is requesting things you totally disagree on. The things are usually:
- totally wrong or useless feature in your existing product or feature that cannot be developed as requested.
- a deadline that you know cannot be honored
This is usually why I say to younger people: do not seek a career on your own passion unless you are you own boss (and even so) or you are really ready to put aside what you would really want to to do what you are asked for.
Awesome question!
I think the hardest thing is when your management is requesting things you totally disagree on. The things are usually:
- totally wrong or useless feature in your existing product or feature that cannot be developed as requested.
- a deadline that you know cannot be honored
This is usually why I say to younger people: do not seek a career on your own passion unless you are you own boss (and even so) or you are really ready to put aside what you would really want to to do what you are asked for.
Updated
Nathalie’s Answer
The hardest thing I learned was that I wasn't in the right career! I started off as a software engineer but something was missing. I loved the solving of complex problems but I felt too remote from the customers who were using the problem to feel rewarded. I tried marketing and even sales to get closer to that problem but then I didn't have enough of the 'problem solving'. It took me 5 years to find my calling in Product Management and General Management.
My advice is to take the time to pause if something seems off and figure out the reason why. Don't spend too much time in a place that doesn't make you happy.
My advice is to take the time to pause if something seems off and figure out the reason why. Don't spend too much time in a place that doesn't make you happy.
Updated
Priscilla’s Answer
Working for a manager that it's not ethical. That happened to me in my early career, and it was awful. I couldn't look at the person's face anymore. I went to HR to raise the issue, and left the company. Thankfully, that only happened once.