I recently had the pleasure of hosting a session on Career Growth via the Outreach initiative of the K J Somaiya Institute of Management. While the students I interacted with did an awesome job of summarizing our discussion, I thought it will be useful to share the full list with you through a more detailed post.

These insights should prove useful if you are a student in a business school or starting out early in your career. I’ve also included some actionable advice and real-world examples, plus a bonus tip at the end!

1. Keep Your Options Open
   The corporate world rewards flexibility, not rigid plans. Don’t box yourself into one domain – exploring diverse paths can lead to surprising opportunities. Example: In Consulting, trying both Strategy and Operations projects can reveal which suits you better and open doors to unexpected roles.
2. Failure is Just a Step Forward
   Setbacks aren’t roadblocks – they are part of the journey. Embrace risks, experiment boldly, and don’t be afraid to pivot when things don’t work out. Each failure has the potential to teach you something valuable, if you are open to the lessons. Example: In Tech startups, founders often fail with their first product but use the feedback to launch better versions later.
3. Think Practical, Not Just Theoretical
   Academic theories can provide a strong foundation, but real-world decisions need practical solutions. Focus on applying what you learn to solve actual problems and make an impact. Example: In Marketing, you can use Consumer Behavior theories to design campaigns, and then test them in real markets to see what actually works.
4. Break Free from the Standard Path
   Don’t just follow the typical MBA career path – craft a journey that reflects your unique strengths and goals. Look beyond traditional roles and explore areas of work that can help you leverage your training in more ways than one. Example: Instead of joining a large bank, joining a fintech venture can help you bring innovation to the world of Finance.
5. Build Relationships, Not Just a Resume
   Networking is not about collecting contacts – it’s about creating meaningful connections. Reach out, ask questions, and stay in touch to grow your support system. Example: Connecting with senior industry professionals at networking events can lead to good insights and maybe new opportunities too.
6. Stay Curious, Keep Learning
   The real world evolves fast, so you need to make learning a habit. Explore new tools, trends, or skills to stay relevant and adaptable. Example: In the world of Supply Chain Management, learning about Blockchain can help you understand how to improve transparency in logistics.
7. Leverage Your Uniqueness
   Identify what sets you apart – whether it’s a niche skill, cultural insight, or creative thinking – and use it to add value in your work. Example: In the Retail industry, bilingual professionals can help design campaigns aimed at diverse customer bases, giving their team an edge.

Bonus: Build Skills via Side Projects
You can use side hustles or passion projects to test new skills and explore emerging interests. They can not only boost your resume but can also help you stand out. Example: Creating a personal app or blog can help showcase your coding skills, even if you’re applying for an Analyst role.

These insights are all about curiosity, resilience, and growth, and can help you shape a mindset for success! I hope they inspire you to take action…