No Filter Required

Our articles to date have reflected topical issues facing the eladers of our industry, centred around accountability, being opportunistic, challenging one's comfor zone along with personal and professional growth. 

It's important at regular intervals to take stock, stop and reflect on the learnings to date and re-evaluate the road map to come, therefore we have taken this opportunity to share our filter-free career advice, mantras and attitudes that we have and continue to implement and grow upon in the aim of career growth, sustainability and ultimately success; 

1. SHOW UP; every single morning and make each day count. You got the job for a reason, you know. 

2. CAN DO; we all know the word 'no' doesn't exist when it comes to delivering our clients needs and the same goes for opportunities presented by management. A little 'fake it till you make it' will have a big impact on the trajectory of your career. 

3. HEY GOOD LOOKIN; having clothes you feel confident in is important, with 55% of confidence perception coming from body language. Invest in some good basics. You'll easily earn the money back further down the line. 

4. ONE FOR THE POOL ROOM; aligned with the theme of our article, keep stock of all accomplishments and achievements from day one on a new job, these will be very handy for support pieces, business cases and reviews.

5. YES EVEN THEM; everyone you work with - the good and the bad - is indirectly mentoring you and visa versa, each and everyday. There is so much to be learnt from observing the capable, the incompetent and everyone in-between. 

6. SORRY NOT SORRY; stop apologising for everything. A delayed response to an email or not being able to work late again doesn't warrant an apology. 

7. IT WAS ME; following on from point 6, do take ownership when you make a mistake, it is healthy to make mistakes as long as you learn from them. Taking a solution orientated approach, transparency and timeliness in rectifying them, will ensure people not only respect you more for it. 

8. NO DAD BODS; never become complacent, the ever changing demands and needs of a business along with your own personal and professional endeavours may come to a cross roads at anytime. Keep your LinkedIn updated and your mind open to other opportunities, always. There is no harm in a conversation. 

9. CAN I FIX IT?; the single best question you can ask when being interviewed is: 'What is your biggest problem and how can I solve it?' Thank us later. And once you get the job? Keep asking it. 

10. PLAN FOR THE WORST AND HOPE FOR THE BEST; our days are filled with endless planning; the plan, the back up plan, the back up to the back up plan. The same goes for our careers; remember the most interesting and exciting careers never go exactly to plan. Embrace that. 

11. LEARN AND EARN; learning more = earning more. Take advantage of your company's training budget and get involved with free skill sessions like 'Google's Digital Garage'. Take full advantage of MEA's free webinars or purchase a ticket to a MEA PD session or Evolve which combines networking and learning (we are all about efficiency!)

12. NOT JUST A BAD DAY; we all have bad days. But no job is worth bad weeks that turn into months.

13. OUTSIDE THE LINES; times are changing, roles, companies and our industry is more competitive than ever. Be noticed and progress by exceeding expectations of your job description, take initiative and shout your success and those around you from the rooftops.

14. WE WERE ALL THE NEW KID ONCE; no matter your title, status or longevity within the company or industry, never forget what it felt like to be the newbie on his or her first day. 

15. RAISE THEM UP; the best leaders put others first, we have all seen the manager whom claims glory for your and/or your team's work. Remember that praising someone else doesn't steal your shine, it only makes you shine brighter. 

Throughout your life, you will always recieve career advice - some good and some bad. What you do with the advice you recieve is up to you, but in some instances, it can prove to be invaluable. Work out what is relevant to you and prosper. 

Article originally written by Jessica Christy and Ashleigh Cooper for the December 2019 issue of MEA Matters.