Career Development Tip #1
For some time now, a fellow tester and friend has encouraged me to write and share a few thoughts on career development. I’m now attempting to do just that—confidently sharing the key factors that have helped shape my own career, along with a practical tip.
Most of us enter the workforce unaware of what truly contributes to building a fulfilling career or how to actively develop it. So, where did I look for guidance when it came to career growth?
A senior professional in the training department immediately caught my attention as a newcomer to the corporate world. This individual displayed a level of confidence in their work that stood out—not because of a fancy job title or strategic friendliness with their manager, nor by doing their manager’s job in addition to their own over extended hours. The growth I observed in them came from how consistently and brilliantly they showed up at work each day.
Super confident—yes, and I also became aware that their own team members often mocked this confidence, likely out of envy. Yet, the trainer remained composed and unwavering. That, to me, was the most authentic display of confidence: staying grounded and unshaken in the face of mockery or adversity.
What stood out from observing this individual:
a) They were not a people pleaser and never sought to win approval.
b) They guided newcomers and peers solely through their demonstrated skills—free from gimmicks, favoritism, or performative behavior.
c) They showed up to work respectfully and consistently.
I may not fully understand what people mean when they use the term “professionalism,” as it is often misapplied. So instead, I prefer the word respectful—to describe someone who sets an exemplary standard just by being present, helpful, and skilled in their role.
From this person, I learned:
A) Show up to work not with the desire to dominate or impress, but to humbly learn. You can do this with quiet confidence and respect, without being submissive or overbearing.
B) Don’t fear how others perceive your confidence. Be confident anyway.
C) Be brave. Commit to doing meaningful work and trust in the unique value that only you can bring.
I genuinely enjoyed coming to work during that period because I knew I could learn from this individual. The guidance I received after my first conversation with them proved invaluable, especially for anyone starting out as a speaker or professional.
A Tip:
To advance your career, look for your own Dronacharya—a role model or mentor. Choose this person wisely. This mentor doesn’t need to be your manager or even someone in your department. Observe how someone carries themselves at work—how they value their time and respect others’ contributions.
The Other Side of the Coin:
Unfortunately, we are often introduced to office politics before we are introduced to career development. For those of us who come to work simply to work and learn, this can be disheartening. Be mindful of individuals who, in the name of collaboration, waste time—both theirs and yours. Deep work requires focus and zero tolerance for distractions.
Here’s a truth many of us come to realize: no matter how much effort we put in, outcomes are often dictated by someone else. That someone can either uplift your career or hinder it. I’ve witnessed both. Ideally, that someone is a mentor who has walked the path with integrity and is willing to guide you. But sometimes, it’s someone who has built nothing and relies solely on politics to maintain their position—following such individuals leads nowhere.
So, who should guide a newcomer? The answer: be self-driven. No one is truly concerned whether you stay at a job for a day or a decade. Commit to your own aspirations rather than attaching your growth to a company or an authoritarian figure. Pursue skills that are not taught or used in your current role. Learn from genuine practitioners, and avoid those who use manipulation as a stepping stone.
Don’t accept a pre-defined career ladder. Instead, build your own, customized to your values and vision of what your career should look like—starting from where you are today.
Why would a mentor choose to guide you? You don’t need to prove you’re the best or try to please anyone. Simply show up with sincerity, engage in learning, and share that knowledge generously. Continue to seek knowledge actively and fearlessly. Where there is fear, learning diminishes—and creativity and focus cannot thrive.
Learn to learn. Then move on when a better opportunity presents itself. The size of the opportunity will often depend on how you have used your time at work. Many who put in long hours are still denied career growth for reasons both apparent and unclear. Make the best use of your time—it’s your most valuable asset.
Deep Work:
Dedicate your working hours to deep, focused work. Too much time is wasted in unproductive meetings or in listening to uninspired chatter. And yet we often call that “collaboration.” Many of us would be more productive without endless interruptions—emails, messages, and impromptu meetings. While it may not always be feasible to say, “I’ll check emails between X and Y hours” or “Please don’t ping unless urgent,” we must recognize that real urgency is rare. Meetings and emails should serve meaningful discussions. Otherwise, we’re just filling calendars and calling it a day.
Try to politely decline or reschedule meetings when appropriate. Mindless attendance is counterproductive.
Final Thoughts:
If you dedicate yourself to deep work, you’ll step off the corporate hamster wheel faster than most. If your primary focus is skill-building, career development will follow as a natural consequence—whether you notice it or not.
Most of us enter the workforce unaware of what truly contributes to building a fulfilling career or how to actively develop it. So, where did I look for guidance when it came to career growth?
A senior professional in the training department immediately caught my attention as a newcomer to the corporate world. This individual displayed a level of confidence in their work that stood out—not because of a fancy job title or strategic friendliness with their manager, nor by doing their manager’s job in addition to their own over extended hours. The growth I observed in them came from how consistently and brilliantly they showed up at work each day.
Super confident—yes, and I also became aware that their own team members often mocked this confidence, likely out of envy. Yet, the trainer remained composed and unwavering. That, to me, was the most authentic display of confidence: staying grounded and unshaken in the face of mockery or adversity.
What stood out from observing this individual:
a) They were not a people pleaser and never sought to win approval.
b) They guided newcomers and peers solely through their demonstrated skills—free from gimmicks, favoritism, or performative behavior.
c) They showed up to work respectfully and consistently.
I may not fully understand what people mean when they use the term “professionalism,” as it is often misapplied. So instead, I prefer the word respectful—to describe someone who sets an exemplary standard just by being present, helpful, and skilled in their role.
From this person, I learned:
A) Show up to work not with the desire to dominate or impress, but to humbly learn. You can do this with quiet confidence and respect, without being submissive or overbearing.
B) Don’t fear how others perceive your confidence. Be confident anyway.
C) Be brave. Commit to doing meaningful work and trust in the unique value that only you can bring.
I genuinely enjoyed coming to work during that period because I knew I could learn from this individual. The guidance I received after my first conversation with them proved invaluable, especially for anyone starting out as a speaker or professional.
A Tip:
To advance your career, look for your own Dronacharya—a role model or mentor. Choose this person wisely. This mentor doesn’t need to be your manager or even someone in your department. Observe how someone carries themselves at work—how they value their time and respect others’ contributions.
The Other Side of the Coin:
Unfortunately, we are often introduced to office politics before we are introduced to career development. For those of us who come to work simply to work and learn, this can be disheartening. Be mindful of individuals who, in the name of collaboration, waste time—both theirs and yours. Deep work requires focus and zero tolerance for distractions.
Here’s a truth many of us come to realize: no matter how much effort we put in, outcomes are often dictated by someone else. That someone can either uplift your career or hinder it. I’ve witnessed both. Ideally, that someone is a mentor who has walked the path with integrity and is willing to guide you. But sometimes, it’s someone who has built nothing and relies solely on politics to maintain their position—following such individuals leads nowhere.
So, who should guide a newcomer? The answer: be self-driven. No one is truly concerned whether you stay at a job for a day or a decade. Commit to your own aspirations rather than attaching your growth to a company or an authoritarian figure. Pursue skills that are not taught or used in your current role. Learn from genuine practitioners, and avoid those who use manipulation as a stepping stone.
Don’t accept a pre-defined career ladder. Instead, build your own, customized to your values and vision of what your career should look like—starting from where you are today.
Why would a mentor choose to guide you? You don’t need to prove you’re the best or try to please anyone. Simply show up with sincerity, engage in learning, and share that knowledge generously. Continue to seek knowledge actively and fearlessly. Where there is fear, learning diminishes—and creativity and focus cannot thrive.
Learn to learn. Then move on when a better opportunity presents itself. The size of the opportunity will often depend on how you have used your time at work. Many who put in long hours are still denied career growth for reasons both apparent and unclear. Make the best use of your time—it’s your most valuable asset.
Deep Work:
Dedicate your working hours to deep, focused work. Too much time is wasted in unproductive meetings or in listening to uninspired chatter. And yet we often call that “collaboration.” Many of us would be more productive without endless interruptions—emails, messages, and impromptu meetings. While it may not always be feasible to say, “I’ll check emails between X and Y hours” or “Please don’t ping unless urgent,” we must recognize that real urgency is rare. Meetings and emails should serve meaningful discussions. Otherwise, we’re just filling calendars and calling it a day.
Try to politely decline or reschedule meetings when appropriate. Mindless attendance is counterproductive.
Final Thoughts:
If you dedicate yourself to deep work, you’ll step off the corporate hamster wheel faster than most. If your primary focus is skill-building, career development will follow as a natural consequence—whether you notice it or not.
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