What advice would you give to your younger self?

Words by Bianca Oana Asanache

As the new season has kicked off, we want to welcome our new mentees in a special way. This is a fresh start, a new chapter of your life. If you’re here, it’s because you have already made an important decision for yourself. You are ready to change.

Know that others were here before you. Just like you, they have been through the same process, felt the same feelings, and overcame the same obstacles.

In the previous semester, our last PMW session was a reflection on the long journey of our mentees. We asked them to contemplate their path with its many twists and turns and share their experiences. That session is their legacy, passed onto you, new PMWs, their 6-month long learning lessons. Consider their stories as words of wisdom coming from a future version of yourself. Although we are not all in the same position (different culture, visa status, skills and experience), the process we have to go through is very much the same.

Here are their golden nuggets for you:

Baby steps are still an improvement, no matter how little. Don’t rush the professional migrant process. Complete the task at hand. It would build up your confidence over time.

Embrace your cultural background, it is NOT a disadvantage.

Embrace past work experiences (yes, even hospitality) and be proud of them, they are all valuable.

Don’t be scared of rejection, it’s not personal. It’s all about falling and rising every time, over and over again.

Ask for feedback and pay close attention to it, use it to your advantage.

Put your effort in one thing at a time. Be patient, things will eventually happen.

Find a balance between your dreams and reality.

Familiarise yourself with the Australian culture and use some Aussie lingo if you can (e.g., cheers instead of thanks). It’s not about letting go of your culture but making an effort to use the language at least at work.

You will find out that you’re stronger than you think and that there are many people who care about you and what you’re going through. It’s important that you reach out to people when you need help, knock on all the doors available to you, you don’t know which one will open.

When you don’t get what you want, don’t dwell on it, but accept it and adopt new strategies. It’s a trial-and-error process: if the problem is not your resume, then maybe it’s how you interview.

Finding professional work in Australia is a matter of time, never stop applying for jobs. Your time will come. Don’t be in a rush to get into any employment, it may not be the right one for you.

Learning is a never-ending process. It’s not just about unlocking a new skill set but also learning new things about yourself.

Be patient with people different from you, they will bring a new perspective that may help you see things from a different angle.

Set yourself a goal, e.g., apply for 2 jobs a week, and keep the momentum going.

When you interview or when you start a new role, tell people what type of training you need and what transferable skills you have. This means that you can apply for jobs where you don’t tick all the boxes but where you can still add incredible value.

Develop a network on LinkedIn and get in touch with people in your industry. Don’t stop networking after you get a job. This is where you start growing. Your network will help you get a much clearer vision of your trajectory.

If you feel emotionally and physically defeated, take a rest, like a proper rest, and start again.

Thinking about your personal journey, what advice would you give to your younger self and what that advice tells you about the future?