I did this Thing for Thing 10 (oops), and, as I mentioned at the time, it’s a pretty standard route. So all I can do for this one is try to give some (not very sage) advice to people at earlier stages in their career than me…
- Be confident about what you know but don’t pretend to know when you don’t.
- Don’t be afraid to ask questions. People won’t think you’re stupid (or if they do they won’t tell you…!) and it’s better to find things out for definite than wonder if you know or not.
- Make the most of as many opportunities as you can. Be open to the possibility of opportunities and be able to spot them.
- Keep track of the things you’re doing – conferences you attend etc.
- Keep an up to date CV.
- Make the most of professional networks.
- If you don’t ask, you won’t get. Apply for stuff! Ask if you can get involved.
- Don’t not apply for stuff because of fear of failure.
- Stop fearing failure. It won’t get you anywhere.
- Join a Union.
- Join CILIP and/or another professional body.
- When at all possible, don’t do it if you don’t love it.
