Yan Liang's Tips for Successful Professional Growth
Yan Liang T. | Consultant, Commodity Management | Singapore
Originally Published: July 17, 2024
I joined Dell four and a half years ago and am currently serving in my fourth role with Service Procurement. Like many of us, my professional life has been filled with challenges, rejections and moments of self-discovery. I started this journey a decade ago and encountered many setbacks that tested my resolve, yet every experience taught me invaluable lessons on resilience and grit. Through it all, I kept moving forward, recognizing professional growth is not a destination, but a perpetual journey.
I’m happy to share three tips which were extremely helpful when balancing demands from my family, my career and my aspirations. These were my anchor, especially through many late nights studying for my graduate diplomas and professional certifications, all while working full time and raising a family. I hope you’ll gain something valuable regardless which stage of professional growth you’re seeking.
Tip 1: Make it a PRIORITY
Not all things are equal, so intentionally block out time for things that matter. Our priorities may change during different seasons of life, but one thing doesn’t change: We need to laser focus on things that matter. This principle held true for me when I was a fresh graduate a decade ago and continues to now, as a working parent with three young kids. Make professional growth a priority, learn to say no (respectfully) and invest time in other things that equally matter, like health, family and relationships.
Tip 2: Make it a HABIT
Small changes don’t just accumulate, they compound! As a habit, I will set a minimum time every day to improve on one thing that matters in my current season of life. The one thing could be spending quality time to strengthen relationships, practicing a new skill to gain mastery or taking extra classes to learn new knowledge. Break every development goal into smaller, bite-sized pieces and chew on it daily. No effort is too small. Everything becomes easier once set into a habit.
Tip 3: Make it AMAZING
Growth is painful, but necessary. A lobster grows inside its rigid shell until it becomes confined and uncomfortable. To grow further, it sheds the old shell and grows a new one. This process is painful, but without it, a lobster remains small and vulnerable to predators. In the same way, professional growth is painful, but we can make it amazing. Find an accountability buddy, block out time daily set incremental goals, celebrate success (no matter how big or small) and don’t stop growing.
To learn more about life at Dell, visit Our Stories.
Be The First To See New Opportunities
Join Our Talent Network
Sign up, stay connected and get opportunities that match your skills sent right to your inbox.