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If you’re a new graduate or early-career professional, chances are you’ve already felt the pressure to “figure it all out.” A dream role. A clear path. A perfect plan.

But what if that kind of clarity doesn’t come until after a few wrong turns? What if discovering what isn’t right is just as valuable as knowing what is?

These were some of the powerful reflections shared during �����Ʊ’s inaugural Career Compass Live virtual event - an evening filled with candid advice from successful alumni who’ve pivoted across industries, roles and even countries to find fulfilling careers on their own terms.  

Career paths are rarely linear - and that’s okay

Dr Martin Anderson, now a senior executive in fintech, shared how his journey started in pharmaceutical sales (a job he didn’t love), transitioned through academia and ultimately landed in a technology role that “felt like being paid to do puzzles all day.” The message? Follow what energises you, even if it means starting over.

One attendee reflected:

“The path to discovering your true talents is paved with attempts and adjustments. Never fear the process of elimination.”

Planning matters - but so does flexibility

Sanam Esmaeili, a program manager at Amazon Web Services, spoke openly about pivoting away from agency recruitment into strategic talent acquisition and eventually into global programs. Her advice?

“Have multiple career plans. Account for change in your priorities, your industry and even your lifestyle.”

A participant summarised it perfectly:

“To identify what it is I really want from a job - and use that as a guide.” 

You don’t need to meet 100% of the criteria

Sanam also shared something that resonated deeply with many graduates:

“Recruiters aren't looking for someone who fits the job description 100%. They're looking for someone who fits 60% - and brings the other 40% with curiosity and a willingness to learn.”

That small shift in mindset? Game-changing. As one attendee put it:

“Be brave - and feel free to make your application your own project.”

You learn from everything - especially the things that don’t work out

Vittoria Zanchetta’s story struck a chord with many. Her early rejection from a dream graduate program left her feeling lost. But through short-term jobs, unexpected detours, and some major risks - including leaving jobs without something else lined up - she eventually found her home in internal communications, a field she hadn’t even known existed at the start. Her lesson was deeply human.

“Sometimes the universe closes doors you weren’t meant to walk through. If you stay open and keep showing up, the right ones will find you.”

One attendee echoed this:

“Try everything, do more research, build rapport and more transferable skills.”

Continuous learning is essential - but rest is too

Whether it was Vittoria’s ability to bounce back through short courses and side projects during periods of unemployment, or Martin’s embrace of lifelong learning (despite already having four degrees), the panellists made it clear: your professional growth never really stops.

But that doesn’t mean you need to be doing online courses at midnight.

“Sometimes you need boring to build confidence. It’s okay to slow down and pick things up later,” Sanam reminded us.

So, what’s the takeaway?

Try more. Reflect often. Be willing to change direction. Don’t fear uncertainty - use it.

And remember - your career isn’t a ladder. It’s more like a climbing wall. You can move sideways, even backwards and still make progress.