QUESTION:

How do I know if I will be able to grow in my career? I know a lot of people my age who seem to be stuck in "dead-end" jobs. I really don't want to be paying all of this money to get a graduate degree if all I am going to achieve is a Coordinator or Manager level job by the time I'm a middle-aged dad. What would you advise me and others like me to do to ensure career success?

ANSWER:

I know  a number of young people (and their parents!) who share your concern. Thequestion is always  - "how am I going to be successful in such a scary, debt-ridden, high-unemployment world"? I'll start by saying there are no guarantees in life. Short of having a crystal ball, none of us can know for sure how we will fare in the world. But, there are things one can do to significantly increase one's chances for happiness and success in life. Here are some of the ways to improve your odds in your quest to find career success/life happiness:

1. Start by having a positive/optimist attitude - I'm not saying you have to be some phony "Pollyanna-type", but people do enjoy being around people who inspire them - no one wants to spend time with a naysayer. Be as positive as you can be in any given situation;

2.  Remember to be helpful to people ahead of you in thecorporate/organizational hierarchy and those coming behind you.

3.  Take classes - All of thestudies show that the more educated one is - the greaterthe average salary the person will earn. You may not see a direct correlation now between your earning your graduate degree and your current earnings - but be assured, you will benefit in thelong run;

4.  Make your own luck - stay engaged - go to events, help plan events, volunteer - no one gets ahead by stayed holed up in their apartments or homes - get involved!

5.  Stay ahead ofthe technology curve - I know a number of young folks who have been invited to important meetings/events, etc. because they know how to handle the latest gadget,  become adept at social media methodologies, make fancy power point presentations, figure out how the Ipad works, etc. I'm sometimes surprised when some young folks don't know how to work simple technology processes - don't be one of them!

6.  Read, read, read - make sure you are "up on the news" - that means being aware of a myriad of subject areas including politics, sports, movies, trivia, entertainment, whatever - it's important to "be in theknow" - especially in Washington;

7.  Remember to thank thefolks who help you and also learn to ask for help - find a mentor and be a mentor;

8. Be savvy - have "situational awareness" to what is going on around you;

9. There's no replacement for hard work - try to take on some tough assignments - be reliable, dependable and loyal to your organization;

10.  Try to stay physically healthy. Exercise. Eat in moderation. Pray and/or meditate.

11.  Do the best you can do. Give your current job your all. When it's time to go - you'll know.

Good luck!