What I’ve Learned from Being the Youngest Professional on My Team
by Elly Kjeldbjerg
As a recent college graduate, I approached my first full-time job out of college as a sponge – soaking up as much knowledge and as many experiences as I could. I attended conferences, held more informational interviews than I can count, and continuously asked questions. I listened openly and over time, I grew my confidence, understanding, and acumen. While I still have much to discover, I wanted to share six key lessons I learned from a year and a half working full time in the nonprofit sector that I carry with me every day:
1. Being a young professional does not have to be limiting. This was something I didn’t originally feel. When I first started, I was worried about ageism and bias, but my team lifted up the positives that come with being a young professional. Since I was new to the field, I wasn’t constrained by the way things “have always been done”. Having a fresh set of eyes and the excitement of a new field gave me energy and focus and made me a valuable contributor in a different way. For example, I offered ideas that improved operational efficiencies and streamlined processes.
2. Layer a critical lens on top of the rose-colored glasses. As someone who assumes best intentions, it was an important lesson to learn that it takes a critical lens to achieve growth. In looking at my team, my organization, and the structures we operate within – it’s possible to feel lucky and to see the areas of improvement. Being grateful for opportunities and flagging where change is needed are not mutually exclusive. Holding both is important and helps improve the work we are passionate about.
3. “Nobody knows what they’re doing”. A colleague said that to me when I told them I was struggling with Imposter Syndrome. I didn’t feel like I had any insights to offer or worthwhile thoughts to share. I was comparing myself to all the excellent people I was surrounded by and was left feeling inadequate. No one is an expert on everything, and everyone has more to learn. Just because I’m a young professional, doesn’t mean I can’t also be excellent.
4. Do it afraid. At the beginning of my time as an operations associate, I asked my people leader questions I probably knew the answer to just because I wanted to make sure I was right. I was terrified of doing the wrong thing. My people leader pushed me to learn by trial and error. To draft something, have it corrected, and then learn from those mistakes. It was a scary but important step on my journey to trust myself in this space.
5. “Perfection is the enemy of progress”. A Winston Churchill quote I heard during my first major project partnering with our Associate Vice President. There are only so many focus groups, so many revisions, and so many iterations of one document you can go through and still keep your sanity. There isn’t one “right” way to do something and trying to combine the many ways of approaching it into one package is a losing battle. I commit to trying my best, to being open to feedback, and to being comfortable putting the pencil down.
6. Be grateful for every correction. Whether it’s on a project or in my language, I am so thankful for every correction. I appreciate feedback on my projects pushing me to try a different angle. Most importantly, I appreciate the times coworkers have educated me on ways to be more inclusive. For example, I didn’t initially consider the ramifications of declining to use a microphone during a large presentation and how it leaves out people who are hearing impaired. A colleague shared an article about the ableism in that assumption, and since then I’ve adjusted my thinking. The chance to learn about another’s perspective is a gift, not a reason to feel defensive.
Since most of my time in my current role has been during a global pandemic, there has been growth opportunities aplenty. New challenges have required innovative solutions – if it sometimes feels like you’re building the airplane as it’s flying – just know no other “crew member” can offer your unique perspective and ideas. Being the youngest person on a team can feel intimidating, but just because there’s always more to learn doesn’t negate all that you’re already capable of.
- Elly Kjeldbjerg, Greater Twin Cities United Way -
