It’s Not Easy Being Green

One of the biggest challenges I face in my career is my age. But, let me tell you something – I’ve met a fair share of adults with ‘years of experience‘ that use that as their line, simply because it’s the only value they can offer up about themselves.

I’m sure this is an issue across the board and not just in the advertising industry. I’ve noticed that to certain people, ‘being young’ has some kind of negative light to it. It drives me nuts because I for one, know what I’m capable of. Never be intimidated by someone who uses years of experience as their main reason for being great. Years of experience do not equate to…

• Your level of talent

• Being a hard worker

• Your level of expertise

The Good

Having years of experience is a positive quality. It makes you more credible and it should mean you know more than someone who’s just starting out. We all love to hear, “this isn’t my first rodeo”, especially if it’s a doctor about to do surgery on us. Experience should make you more effective and efficient. But the truth is, there are doctor’s out there who got by with D’s.

You should want to know everything about your field and continue to master it. If you don’t, you’re in the wrong job.

The Bad

There are some things you won’t know until you have the experience. And that’s ok, as long as you don’t make the same mistake twice. Sometimes people won’t listen to your input because they don’t see your value just yet. You have to start somewhere, and it may not be where you want to be. Lastly, some people will always associate being young as a bad thing, and unfortunately there’s not much you can do about it.

The Reality

A good company would prefer to hire someone who’s looking to do the best job possible and who’s never satisfied. The perfect candidate does exist – and they won’t always have 10 years of experience. Do they think on their feet? Will they work an hour longer to get the job done, or will they clock out at 5 on the dot everyday? Is everything they do good enough to get by, or does it reflect all of the years of experience they brag about? Do they have ideas to contribute, or do they just not care that much?

If you’re a young person that’s dying to get their foot in the door, who’s willing to learn and put in the work – that’s more important than someone who has 10 years under their belt but doesn’t care. Use your good qualities to show a company why you’re valuable and what you’ll bring to the table. Don’t forget to ask them what they’ll do for you to ensure you’re growing. Interview the company while they’re interviewing you. In time, you will learn as you grow.