The best advice to build your dream career
It can be difficult to define your dream career, let alone pursue it – the path can be fraught with risks and insecurities.
Just ask Luminous Formulaco-CEOs of Christine Chang and Sarah Lee. The couple quit their jobs as global marketing executives at L’Oréal in 2014 to pursue a bigger dream: launching their own skincare brand inspired by Korean heritage and their K beauty trends.
Chang and Lee pooled $50,000 in savings to start Glow Recipe and run it as a two-woman operation until they could afford to hire more staff. While that meant staying up late packing shipments and testing products, the early days of Glow Recipe also taught them invaluable lessons on how to grow a successful business and career. .
Now, Glow Recipe is one of the most popular brands in skin care, ending 2021 with an estimated $100 million in sales and including celebrities like Lizzo and Lili Reinhart as fans. tomb.
Chang and Lee sat down with CNBC Make It and share their best advice on how to land – and land – your dream job.
‘Always think two or three steps ahead’
Lee says it’s easy to get caught up in the daily grind, but no matter what stage of your career you’re in, you should always have a clear goal of what you want to achieve.
A human resources director at L’Oréal Paris gave Lee this advice at the beginning of her career and it has stuck with her ever since: “Always think two or three steps ahead, not just the next step in front of you.”
Once you have a clear vision of what you want your career to look like, start mapping out what you need to get there.
“Have an ultimate vision in mind and work your way toward it,” explains Lee. “It helps if you break it down into more manageable goals, then plan the small steps you need to take to get there.”
‘Never do it alone’
Chang can demonstrate the importance of a support system in pursuing your dreams: Hers includes Lee and a close group of other startup cofounders the duo have befriended throughout their lives. their journey.
Although Chang describes herself as “very independent” and “sometimes finds it difficult to ask for help,” she quickly learned the value of having supportive colleagues and mentors. judge from your perspective after the release of Glow Recipe.
“Being able to share your ideas, wins and losses, and honest conversations about running a business is an incredible source of emotional support,” she says. “It’s okay to ask for help… never do it alone!”
To follow Chang’s advice, reach out to people who’ve already embarked on a similar path to yours, or have your dream job, and ask for their expert advice and advice on romance. your special situation.
“You want to be constantly thinking about how to build a community of people who can support you and who you can help in return,” she added.
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