Offering advice to fellow millennials holds significant value for me. Being part of this generation myself, I recognize the challenges we face. Despite a more robust economy in 2006, it took me eight months to secure a marketing job. My journey taught me crucial lessons: the importance of building and leveraging relationships, and the significance of early career decisions. Here are ten pieces of advice every millennial should consider to advance their career:

1. View your career as a collection of experiences. Rather than focusing solely on tenure or your college major, seek diverse experiences. Whether it’s working with multiple employers, across various functions, or in different countries, each experience broadens your perspective and enriches your skill set.

2. Pursue a job you’re passionate about. Settling for a job solely to pay the bills isn’t advisable. Research suggests that lack of passion leads to short-lived tenures. When you’re passionate about your work, you’re more engaged, productive, and likely to achieve success.

3. Strive to make a significant impact early on. The sooner you contribute meaningfully to your organization, the quicker you’ll gain recognition and support. Millennials understand the value of immediate impact and seek opportunities to prove themselves from day one.

4. Embrace risks in your career. In today’s dynamic economy, playing it safe is itself a risk. Whether inside or outside corporate boundaries, taking risks fosters learning and demonstrates initiative to your superiors.

5. Prioritize face-to-face interactions over screen time. Strong relationships are built through personal connections, not just online interactions. Soft skills, such as communication and interpersonal skills, are highly valued in today’s workplace.

6. Quantify your accomplishments and create case studies. Recruiters seek tangible outcomes rather than generic job descriptions. Documenting the measurable impact of your work enhances your marketability and justifies career advancements.

7. Sacrifice short-term gratification for long-term success. Investing time and effort early in your career yields dividends in the future. Consider the bigger picture and prioritize activities that contribute to your long-term goals.

8. Establish a personal website to showcase your portfolio. A dedicated website serves as a centralized platform to exhibit your achievements and skills. Continuously update it with new projects and experiences as you progress in your career.

9. Travel and embrace diverse cultures and languages. In a globalized world, cultural competence and language proficiency are assets. Experiencing different cultures enhances your adaptability and marketability in an increasingly interconnected world.

10. Seek mentors who embody your desired lifestyle. Choose mentors strategically based on their industry experience and lifestyle alignment with your goals. Their guidance can provide invaluable insights into navigating your career path effectively.