The head of HR at a company with over 60,000 employees shares his 5 best career tips for 20-somethings
I was born just a few years too late to be considered a true Millennial, but when it comes to work, I share the same attitudes and experiences as my slightly younger colleagues.
Unlike previous generations, for whom entire careers were spent at the same company, many of us who can still call ourselves young without raising eyebrows believe in following our passions, in finding meaning in our work, and in welcoming change rather than rejecting it.
These principles have guided my own career. I started out as a physician's assistant, developed a real interest in running a business, transitioned into an administrative position overseeing outpatient operations, and was later appointed head of human resources – or "Chief People Officer" — at Northwell Health, New York's largest private employer.
We have more than 61,000 people working with us, and helping them find and do the jobs they love has taught me a thing or two about what truly matters when thinking about a career. Here, then, for the benefit of my only-slightly-younger colleagues, are the five principles to always keep in mind when looking for that perfect job:
1. Be passionate
We're a big organization, and we have all sorts of people working with us, but more and more these days, we see applicants coming from tech or finance firms. These young men and women understand that a "cool" job — the kind that inspires screenwriters to dream up slick movies or hilarious shows on HBO — can only give them so much satisfaction. They've realized that they're much more likely to find meaning and joy in a job that they are passionate about, one that involves helping people feel better and do better.
So don't ask yourself only the obvious questions — how much does a job pay, say, or what are the hours — but also the harder ones. Would your career make a difference in people's lives? Would it help you wake up every morning feeling grateful? If the answer is no, you might want to look elsewhere.
2. Be curious
I work with a lot of smart people who spend their days doing unbelievable things like curing diseases and saving lives, so I'm a bit of an authority on what makes really accomplished and deeply intelligent people tick. The one thing they have in common is this: They're curious.
No matter how celebrated they are, or how well-compensated, the best of the best are always hungry to know more, and they're clever enough to realize that you can learn from anything and from anyone. So whether it's taking the time to research that company that's interviewing you for a job next week or opening yourself up to learning about new industries and occupations you never really thought about, curiosity is a key to success.
3. Be clear
Hollywood movies often portray the office — or hospital — as a place where there is a hidden agenda and silence is golden. In real life, the opposite is often true. In not wanting to draw attention to ourselves, or in being too anxious or too insecure, we fail to speak our minds and say what is it that we really want.
It's a pity, because, as anyone who has ever had the pleasure of overseeing a human resources department will tell you, clarity is often the best policy. Say precisely what it is that you'd like, and you may very well get it. Keep quiet about it, and that project or promotion will never go your way.
4. Be part of a team
Whether you are in the semiconductor industry, run a shipping company, or work at a potato chip factory, it doesn't matter — your business is always first and foremost about people. People are always at their best when they're feeling respected, which means that companies benefit from simply being mindful of others.
Sadly, this isn't obvious to many of us, and too many are focused primarily on ourselves, our responsibilities and our opportunities. Taking a few minutes in the beginning and end of each day to think about your team and how to be more supportive of them can make life in the office not only more productive but also much more pleasant.
5. Be you
That's not just a Hallmark card sentiment — it's the only bit of business advice truly worth contemplating. Others around you may inspire you with their success, their smarts, their resourcefulness, or their style, but emulating them is never the answer.
A career, at least the kind worth having, is about finding out who you are, what you like to do, and what you're good at and then learning how to do just that as well as you possibly can. So if you're confused about what path to take, your gut is the best guide you have.
Joseph Moscola is the senior vice president and chief people officer of Northwell Health.
NOW WATCH: An exercise scientist reveals exactly how long you need to work out to get in great shape