Junior employees who ask thoughtful questions and challenge directives constructively rise faster than those who just complete tasks. Critical thinking and good communication are the skills that separate fast-rising juniors from the rest.
Critical thinking skills. Like when I see young folks come into companies and they're ready to ask questions, but also challenge what they're being told to do in a productive way. Please be good communicators as well. But definitely the ones that come in with those skills, I've seen them pick up the things we need them to learn and move forward more rapidly than those who are just focused on checking the box. So please come with some critical thinking skills. And if you don't have them, if you're afraid to use them, work on that bit. I think that is invaluable no matter what you choose to do.
