Career lessons learned 20s — the game-changing insights
Career lessons learned 20s can completely transform your professional trajectory—I know because they changed mine. At 24, I applied to Oxford and Cambridge MBAs despite being underqualified, and against all odds, I got into both programs. That bold decision taught me invaluable lessons that I wish I’d known earlier. After working with 10+ managers, transitioning from operations to sustainability at Amazon, and building a successful career, I’m sharing the 5 most powerful career lessons that will help you avoid the mistakes I made and accelerate your success.
Lesson 1: Never self-reject — let others reject you
The power of applying despite doubts
The most important career lessons learned 20s is this: never self-reject. Give others the opportunity to reject you instead of closing doors yourself. Throughout my 20s, I held back from applying to roles and courses because I thought I wasn’t qualified enough or didn’t meet all the job requirements. But here’s the truth: when you self-reject, you’ve already closed the door before learning what’s behind it.
My Oxford and Cambridge MBA story
When I was 24, I applied to both Oxford and Cambridge MBAs despite having less experience than the average candidate (who typically has 6 years). Everyone told me I wouldn’t get through and should wait another year or two for more work experience. But I applied anyway—what was the worst that could happen? I’d lose my application fee. Guess what? I got into both programs. Sometimes I look back at my younger self and feel incredibly proud that she didn’t give up.
Apply first, worry later
Yes, there were times I applied and failed. But there were also times I applied and succeeded—and those moments completely changed my career trajectory. The key is understanding that you don’t need to meet every single requirement. Focus on your strengths and let the hiring committee or admissions team decide if you’re a good fit.
Lesson 2: Master upward management
Your manager is crucial to your career growth
One of the most valuable career lessons learned 20s is learning how to manage your manager. This isn’t manipulation—it’s understanding that every manager has their own working style, and what works with one might not work with another. Throughout my career, I’ve had about 10 managers, and I learned that managing up is just as important as managing down.
The performance review wake-up call
I learned this lesson the hard way. One manager only cared about results and wanted to be informed when tasks were completed or failed. When I moved to a new role with a different manager, I followed the same approach, thinking I was doing everything right. But during my performance review, I discovered my manager had no visibility into my day-to-day challenges, small successes, or conflicts I was dealing with.
Adapt to your manager’s style
After the initial frustration, I realized I needed to understand what each manager wanted. If they needed to see my daily challenges, then that’s what I’d provide. The relationship with your manager is a two-way street—it’s not just their responsibility to manage you. You need to make their job easier by understanding their preferences and communication style.
Lesson 3: Say yes to unexpected opportunities
When life gives you lemons, make lemonade
Another crucial career lessons learned 20s is saying yes to new experiences. I’m not suggesting you say yes to everything and get overburdened, but when unexpected opportunities arise, don’t hold back just because you don’t know enough about that area. Sometimes the best career moves come from the most unexpected places.
My KPMG secondment success
While working at KPMG on client projects, I was briefly benched due to lack of projects. At the same time, a secondment opportunity opened up in a completely different department. Most of my peers said no because it was unfamiliar territory and they weren’t sure how it would impact their careers. But I said yes, and it became the most exciting project I did at KPMG and one of the biggest success stories on my resume.
My Amazon sustainability transition
Currently, I work as a sustainability program manager at Amazon, but I’d never worked in sustainability before this role—I was in operations. When this opportunity came up, I said yes and have been figuring it out on the job while thoroughly enjoying it. I could have easily said no due to uncertainty about how it would change my career, but saying yes opened up entirely new paths.
Nothing is a one-way door decision
Remember: nothing in life is truly a one-way door decision. If you try something and don’t like it, you can always come back. That’s infinitely better than never trying at all. The fear of making the “wrong” choice often prevents us from making any choice at all.
Lesson 4: Master communication skills
Written and verbal communication are non-negotiable
One of the most fundamental career lessons learned 20s is developing strong communication skills—both written and verbal. This skill is essential regardless of your career path. You might be incredibly hardworking, but if you can’t present your work or write about it effectively, your efforts won’t get the visibility they deserve in corporate life.
Why writing matters
Writing helps clarify your thoughts and identify gaps in your thinking. It forces you to organize your ideas logically and communicate them clearly. In today’s remote work environment, written communication is more important than ever, as much of our interaction happens through emails, reports, and digital platforms.
Why verbal communication matters
Verbal communication skills give you confidence in meetings, presentations, and interviews. They help you articulate your ideas clearly and persuasively, making you a more effective team member and leader. The ability to speak up and contribute meaningfully in discussions can significantly impact your career trajectory.
Overcoming presentation anxiety
I used to be terrified of presenting in meetings and speaking up. I worried about being judged by my manager and peers. But one thought completely changed my perspective: everyone in that room, including your manager, is a human with flaws. You don’t need to put anyone on a pedestal. Everyone is equal—some people just have more experience, which is nothing to be scared of. This mindset gave me the courage to speak more in meetings, and the more you practice, the easier it gets.
Lesson 5: Don’t make career decisions based solely on money
Money matters, but it’s not everything
The final career lessons learned 20s is avoiding the trap of making career decisions based purely on salary. While money is important, it shouldn’t be the only factor in your decision-making process. Consider the whole package: work-life balance, the impact you’re creating, learning and growth opportunities, team culture, and your relationship with your manager.
Consider multiple factors
There are numerous factors to consider when making career decisions: work-life balance, the impact you’re creating, whether you’re learning and growing, team culture, manager relationship, company values, growth opportunities, job security, commute time, and more. If you focus solely on money, you’ll likely find yourself unhappy within a few months.
Career decisions should be holistic
In a recent Oxford talk, I shared this exact advice: career decisions should be about the whole package, not just a salary bump. Unless it’s a life-changing increase with better scope, think twice. I actually have about 11-12 factors that one should consider before making a job switch or career change, which I can expand on if there’s interest.
How to apply these lessons today
Start with self-reflection
Apply these career lessons learned 20s by starting with honest self-reflection. What opportunities have you been avoiding due to self-doubt? What’s your relationship like with your current manager? Are you saying yes to new experiences or playing it safe? How are your communication skills, and what can you improve?
Take one small step
Don’t try to implement all these lessons at once. Pick one area to focus on first. Maybe start by applying for that role you’ve been hesitant about, or have a conversation with your manager about their communication preferences. Small, consistent actions lead to significant changes over time.
Embrace the learning mindset
Remember that career growth is a continuous journey. I thought I’d have everything figured out by 30, but I’ve realized there’s still so much to learn. Embrace the process of continuous learning and improvement, and don’t be afraid to make mistakes along the way.
Common mistakes to avoid
Waiting for the perfect opportunity
One of the biggest mistakes I see people make is waiting for the perfect opportunity or the perfect timing. The truth is, there’s never a perfect time, and opportunities rarely come wrapped in a bow. Take calculated risks and learn from the outcomes.
Neglecting relationship building
Another common mistake is focusing solely on technical skills while neglecting relationship building and communication. Your ability to work with others and communicate effectively often matters more than your technical expertise in most roles.
Chasing money over growth
Finally, don’t fall into the trap of chasing the highest salary without considering other important factors. A slightly lower salary at a company where you can grow, learn, and make an impact is often more valuable than a higher salary at a dead-end job.
FAQs
Q: What are the most important career lessons learned 20s?
A: The most important career lessons learned 20s are: never self-reject, master upward management, say yes to unexpected opportunities, develop strong communication skills, and don’t make decisions based solely on money.
Q: How can I apply career lessons learned 20s to my current situation?
A: Apply career lessons learned 20s by starting with self-reflection, taking one small step at a time, and embracing a continuous learning mindset rather than trying to implement everything at once.
Q: Why are career lessons learned 20s so important for long-term success?
A: Career lessons learned 20s are crucial because they establish the foundation for your entire career trajectory, helping you avoid common mistakes and accelerate your professional growth.
Q: What’s the biggest mistake people make when applying career lessons learned 20s?
A: The biggest mistake is waiting for perfect opportunities instead of taking calculated risks, or focusing solely on technical skills while neglecting relationship building and communication.
Live example — user point of view
I was stuck in a dead-end job making $45,000 when I discovered these career lessons learned 20s. I’d been self-rejecting from better opportunities for months, thinking I wasn’t qualified. After reading about the “never self-reject” principle, I applied for a role I thought was out of reach—a marketing manager position requiring 5 years experience when I only had 2. I got the job and a $20,000 raise. I also started managing up better with my new manager, learning her communication style and providing the visibility she needed. Within 18 months, I was promoted to senior manager. These lessons didn’t just change my career—they changed my entire mindset about what’s possible.
