If you want a career, this is important

The interview is going fine. Questions and answers are meandering like a lovely river – the job offering seems to be certain. This is when the applicant asks her bold last question: „What would you have liked to know when you were in my situation?“ I am smiling. „Always choose the person you are working for and not the topic.“

The applicant pauses. „I didn‘t expect that answer“, she admits. We are both sitting in silence for a moment enjoying our thoughts wandering around the idea in the room. Choosing a person. Not a topic. Selecting a teacher. Not a task.

When you think of it, it really makes sense. Our worklife is only interesting when we are on a learning curve – even the senior partners of consulting companies always refer to their constant learning curve that has kept them on their career track. And learning is never done alone. We need teachers in our life who show us new things. They are training us, giving us roles to try our new skills and provide feedback.

If you choose a job just for the tasks, you will hit the end of your learning curve quite quickly. Then you are employed for your knowledge and skillset which you will put to work. The company will even want you to stay put in your role – because you are connected to a task that needs to be done.

But a teacher will love to train you and see you progress. Only with constant feedback you will be able to grow.

In addition, this teacher will also be in rooms where your career steps are discussed. You rely on his or her strength to set you on new roles. Therefore, it really makes sense to search for a good teacher and get on your constant learning curve.

Foto von Filip Bunkens auf Unsplash