Cruel & Crucial Lessons: The Perks and Pitfalls of Being Young in The Professional Workforce

As a young professional with just over two years of work experience, I have come to learn some harsh realities of the professional workforce. The past two months of job seeking have been eye-opening, and I have discovered the perks and pitfalls of being a young worker. At 23, I am at a unique stage in my career, where I am just starting to gain experience and understanding of the professional world. However, with this comes the challenge of navigating a highly competitive and ever-changing industry, where youth can be both an advantage and a disadvantage.

At this point in my career, I find myself vying for positions alongside more experienced job seekers, particularly in the field I am passionate about — community marketing. Every job opportunity posted on professional networks like LinkedIn seems to require a minimum of 3 to 4 years of experience, which puts me at a disadvantage as a relatively junior candidate.

While being young and lacking in experience can put me at a disadvantage in the job market, I refuse to let these challenges deter me from pursuing my professional goals. Despite facing numerous interviews and rejections, I have remained steadfast in my determination to succeed and have continued to compete with more experienced candidates. I believe in my abilities and am committed to developing the skills necessary to excel in this highly competitive industry. Over the past two months, I have learned valuable lessons through my successes and setbacks in the job recruitment process. I will share the perks and pitfalls that I have discovered along the way.

The Pitfalls of Being Youth and Newbie

• Limited Practical Experience

Starting as a young and less experienced candidate in the professional workforce can feel like running a marathon against someone who started before you. More experienced candidates have a head start and may have an advantage over you.

I have had personal experience with this issue. I made it to the very end of the recruitment process for a job, but in the end, the company decided not to hire me because they felt I lacked the experience or was too “tad junior.”

This experience highlights one of the potential pitfalls of being a young and less experienced candidate. Employers may hesitate to hire someone with limited practical experience, as they may doubt your ability to perform specific tasks or make independent decisions. However, it’s essential to keep pushing forward and seeking opportunities to gain practical experience and develop your skills. Like in a marathon, progress may be slow at first, but with persistence and a growth mindset, you can overcome these obstacles and succeed professionally.

• Not Taken Seriously

Being young and less experienced in the professional world can often lead to a lack of credibility and not being taken seriously. Older colleagues and managers may view you as inexperienced, naive, or not knowledgeable enough to contribute meaningfully to the team or organization.

Not being taken seriously can be frustrating and demotivating, especially when your skills and contributions are undervalued. It can also hinder your career progression and limit your opportunities for learning and development.

Make sure to prepare thoroughly for every aspect of the recruitment process, despite my relative youth and limited experience. I am committed to learning and working hard to compete with more senior job seekers, and I aim to prove this through my performance on assignments, interviews, and all other requirements. Ultimately, I believe that my hard work and enthusiasm will speak for themselves and help me overcome the obstacles of being a young professional in a competitive job market.

• The Insecurity & Self-Doubt

It can be challenging to navigate the competitive landscape of the professional workforce, particularly when facing rejection and disappointment in the recruitment process. Many young job seekers may feel that their relative lack of experience or qualifications makes them less desirable to employers, leading to feelings of inadequacy and self-doubt.

I experienced insecurity and self-doubt when I was rejected for a job I wanted and was very close to getting. However, I managed to handle the situation well. If my best was not enough for that particular employer, I might need to learn more and find a workplace that would support and teach me. I reminded myself of the phrase, “Things don’t work out for a reason,” which kept me confident when dealing with rejections. Although rejection may be painful at the moment, it can also mean that a better opportunity or person is still out there. In time, I realized I would eventually be grateful that the job or person didn’t work out, as it would make room for something or someone better.

I did my best in the job application process, and coming close to succeeding is evidence that I am capable. The only thing holding me back is my lack of experience, which I recognize and am working to improve. I remind myself that I have already done my part by doing my best, and it is up to the employer to decide whether to hire me or not. I focus on continuing to grow my skills and knowledge to become a more competitive candidate.

The Perks of Being Young

Despite all the pitfalls as a youth, we have something to offer the company. Here are some things I realize during the whole process:

• High Potential for Growth

High growth potential is a valuable trait that young professionals can bring to a company. We have the time, and most know we are still newbies who need to learn. I find myself and my friends in the same situation, very eager to learn as we realize this is the time for us to learn and grow. We are young and need to maximize our youth to stretch our skills and knowledge. Our eagerness to learn and develop can make us high-potential candidates for future leadership roles within the company. As we gain experience and knowledge, we can take on greater responsibilities and contribute to the growth and success of the company. Companies can benefit significantly from investing in the development and growth of their young professionals, as they can become key players in shaping the company’s future.

• Adaptable & Tech Savvy

A fresh perspective is an invaluable asset in the professional world. It allows for new ideas, approaches, and solutions that may not have been considered. As young professionals, we can often offer a unique perspective due to our different life experiences and perspectives. We may have a different outlook on industry trends, customer needs, and emerging technologies that can bring a competitive advantage to a company. Fresh perspectives can also help break through groupthink and lead to innovation, helping companies stay ahead of the curve.

• Fresh perspective

It is an invaluable asset in the professional world. It allows for new ideas, approaches, and solutions that may not have been considered. Young professionals, in particular, can often offer a unique perspective due to their different life experiences and perspectives. They may have a different outlook on industry trends, customer needs, and emerging technologies that can bring a competitive advantage to a company. Fresh perspectives can also help break through groupthink and lead to innovation, helping companies stay ahead of the curve.

Everything Takes Time

Indeed, everything in life takes time and requires patience. Whether pursuing a career, building a meaningful relationship, or achieving a personal goal, the road to success is often paved with challenges and setbacks.

It’s important to remember that success is not an overnight phenomenon. Even the most accomplished individuals had to endure years of hard work, dedication, and perseverance to reach their goals. Feeling discouraged when progress seems slow is normal, but it’s important to keep pushing forward and not give up.

Building a successful career, for instance, requires a lot of time and effort. It’s common for people to start at the bottom and work their way up, gaining experience and expertise along the way. Success in any career requires consistent effort and a willingness to learn and grow.

The key to success in any area of life is to trust the process and keep working towards your goals, even when progress seems slow. Staying focused, maintaining a positive attitude, and learning and growing are essential. Failure is a natural part of the journey, providing valuable lessons that can help you achieve more tremendous success in the future.

Ultimately, success is a journey, not a destination. It requires patience, persistence, and a willingness to put in the time and effort necessary to achieve your goals. By staying focused on the process and trusting in your abilities, you can overcome any obstacle and achieve the success you desire.