Salma Karina Hayat : Career Growth Tips I Wish I Knew at 20

When I was young, I believed in following a map—a carefully laid-out plan that promised career success. As I got older, I realized the reality was more like navigating a forest. There was no single path, only choices, missteps, and discoveries. Here are the lessons that transformed my perspective.

1. Become Indispensable by Doing the Uncomfortable

It’s easy to stick to your job description, but the magic happens when you go beyond it. Identify the problems others avoid, and take the initiative to solve them. This doesn’t mean working overtime or taking on everything—it means strategically positioning yourself as the person people can count on when the stakes are high.

When you start volunteering for high-stakes projects, you don’t just build skills; You build trust. And trust, more than talent, is what gets you noticed. These are valuable career growth tips that will set you apart from your peers.

2. Negotiate for More Than Money

Your paycheck is important, but it’s not the whole story. Early in your career, you may think a raise meant you are succeeding. Over time, however, you’ll come to realize that growth opportunities—such as mentorship, cross-department exposure, or training programs—are just as valuable.

When negotiating, ask for experiences that stretch you. A bigger paycheck fades into routine; new skills open doors you didn’t know existed.

For more insights, check out my blog post on effective strategies to ace any interview on my website, Karina Hayat.

3. Chase Curiosity, Not Just Titles

Titles can support career growth, but they alone don’t guarantee fulfillment. Instead, focus on what genuinely excites you. If you’re still exploring different roles, embrace opportunities that fascinate you—you may uncover a pivotal turning point in your journey.

Passion might feel like a luxury, but curiosity? It’s a reliable compass that will never steer you wrong. One of the best career growth tips I can offer is to follow your curiosity instead of merely chasing titles.

4. Security Is a Myth—Diversify Anyway

You might think a stable job is your safety net, but here’s the truth: no job is ever completely secure. Imagine facing an unexpected layoff—what will save you then is the network you’ve built and the side skills you’ve developed.

Treat your career like an investment portfolio. Whether it’s freelancing, expanding your network, or mastering a new skill, diversification isn’t just a good idea—it’s essential for survival.

5. Master the Art of Storytelling

Your resume gets you an interview, but your stories get you the job. Whether you’re pitching an idea to your team or convincing a client, the ability to connect through narratives is a superpower.

Stop listing achievements as bullet points and start weaving them into compelling “wins” that showcase not just what you did but why it mattered. The result could be more opportunities and more buy-in from others.

6. Your Career Isn’t Just About You

Success isn’t just about climbing higher than peers. The people you work with matter just as much as the work itself. Strong teams accomplish great things, and strong relationships outlast any individual role.

Invest in relationships—whether through mentorship, collaboration, or simply showing up for colleagues when it counts.

7. Don’t Wait for Permission to Grow

It’s tempting to wait for promotions or official approval to take on more responsibility, but waiting only holds back growth. Creating your own opportunities is key.

If a current job doesn’t offer growth, consider starting a side project, switching industries, or taking risks. The biggest leaps often come without anyone giving you the go-ahead.

8. Redefine Mondays

We spend a third of our lives at work—why waste it dreading Mondays? When a job drains you, it’s hard to find joy in the beginning of the week. However, finding meaningful work makes even the most challenging days feel rewarding.

When work aligns with personal values, Mondays become a fresh start rather than something to dread.

9. Leaders Shape Careers—Choose Wisely

The best leaders don’t just delegate tasks; they believe in others more than they believe in themselves. Poor leadership, on the other hand, can drain confidence and stifle growth.

Great leaders don’t just assign work—they provide purpose. If a current leader doesn’t inspire, seek one who will challenge and motivate you.

10. Your Career Is an Evolving Story

The truth is career paths are not linear. As you grow older and gain more experience, it becomes clear that careers are made up of chapters, rewrites, and plot twists.

Every change, whether it’s a new role or an entirely different industry, adds richness to the journey. Keep your mind open to new experiences, as they will continually shape your career narrative.

11. Cultivate Emotional Intelligence

While technical skills can land jobs, emotional intelligence (EQ) determines career longevity. Understanding others—what motivates them, how they work, and what they need—is crucial in professional settings.

Focusing on emotional intelligence can immediately change how colleagues respond, helping build stronger teams and resolve conflicts with ease. EQ is an invaluable tool for navigating complex work environments.

Conclusion

Your career isn’t just a sequence of roles; it’s an ongoing narrative shaped by the decisions you make, the risks you take, and the people you meet along the way. Keep learning, stay curious.

These lessons aren’t meant to tell you what to do. They’re invitations to reflect, adapt, and grow in ways that make sense for you. Your career is a canvas. Paint boldly.

What’s the next step in your career, and how will you apply these career growth tips?