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Written by Katie Boushall
Reviewed by Daniel Gonzalez
When a new graduate looks toward their future, they need to know how to take steps that move them forward. To make progress, young professionals need to take action even when the future is uncertain. To take steps forward, they need the clarity to make decisions and stay focused on what matters as their career unfolds.
This article explores how students and young professionals can assess their current situation, consider different options, and commit to actions that support their career growth.
When college students consider entering the workforce, they often assess their readiness based on their technical skills. While these skills are certainly important, they represent only one piece of the larger puzzle. To build a career, young professionals must also develop thoughtful decision-making abilities.
Decision-making involves evaluating the options available and choosing the path that best aligns with one’s values. However, many individuals tend to overlook this process, relying instead on ingrained habits that may overlook crucial aspects of their current circumstances.
Students and early-career professionals need decision-making skills that empower them to progress—not just for significant choices like selecting a job or moving to a new city, but also for the small, everyday decisions that shape their work lives. This includes figuring out how to tackle tasks when they feel overwhelmed or fatigued.
By learning to make decisions that foster their growth, young professionals can build on their existing knowledge and establish a clear sense of direction in their work. This newfound clarity will make it easier for them to navigate challenges and continue moving forward in their careers.
A concept called “psychological independence” explores how people can strengthen their decision-making skills to create more agency in their lives. It involves the ability to make clear decisions, take responsibility for actions, and handle challenges effectively—skills that are crucial for career growth. By cultivating psychological independence, students can adjust to new situations more easily and take initiative in both their careers and lives.
One key component of psychological independence is “future orientation.” This concept can help people take initiative in their lives. Future orientation is the process of understanding your current situation, considering possible future actions, and taking proactive steps toward what matters to you. Students can use future orientation to build self-direction and initiative.
Here’s how students can develop this skill:
By understanding where they are, imagining different possibilities, and taking action, students can learn to take initiative in their careers and take actions that support their growth.
As the job market continues to evolve, the ability to make decisions based on current information becomes increasingly important. Individuals must learn to focus on the present and assess their options to move forward in a way that supports their long-term growth. Unfortunately, traditional institutions often overlook this crucial skill.
That’s where IndeKnow comes in. We can partner with your organization to integrate these essential decision-making skills into your existing programs. By doing so, you’ll empower your students or team members to make informed choices now and in the future, helping them navigate their career paths more effectively in an ever-changing landscape.
