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What Would You Tell the Younger You?The women of Connect: Professional Women’s Network share the advice they wish they’d gotten when they were starting out.

CONNECT: PROFESSIONAL WOMEN’S NETWORK

madmack66, Flickr

I was making a decision between taking a fellowship overseas and taking a job in media in NYC. My mentor at the time told me that if I didn't take the opportunity to explore the world then, that it would only get harder once I embarked on a career in journalism/TV.

©2012 LinkedIn Corporation. All Rights Reserved.

Mary Catherine WellonsSocial Media Director

at CNBC

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Adria Richards, Flickr

There is an old joke that there are two kinds of successful people: the one talking and the one waiting to talk. It's easy for leaders to get caught in the "I know it all" trap, so listening is key. 

Gloria BowmanCommunications &

Association Management

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smohundro, Flickr

On the outside, dress as if you have been promoted. Dressing appropriately, professionally and stylishly sets the stage for instant positive impressions. On the inside, always come from a thoughtful, polite, honest and caring place when dealing with people.

Elizabeth LewCommercial Property

Manager at C&H Lew LLC

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Fortune Live Media, Flickr

Choosing a good mentor early on and nurturing that relationship is SO valuable. And remember: It is up to you to nurture that relationship, not the mentor. Call them, email them with quick questions, and you'll find they will be responsive and helpful and view it as an honor to mentor you.

Cyndy Murrieta  Media Group Director at

MMGY Global

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Fail, fail, fail. Do it often and quickly. You will learn so much, and the successes you have will be sweeter, have more significance and allow you to work through all the fat to get to the meat of life. 

Brandi HammonUtah Real Estate

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Learn to negotiate your salary and benefits! I see a large majority of young women entering my field paid an average of 15-20% less than male counterparts because they didn't ask for more. Because of this setback, it takes them years in a position to catch up.

Liz GerrishAnalyst at Radiant ZEMAX

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Visibility counts more than ability. Almost everyone is competent in the skills required at your company. Seek out opportunities to speak in front of meetings. Visibility is your primary competitive differentiator that will get you that next promotion and more pay. 

Connie HarrymanVirtual Creative Problem Solving

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Join the conversation!Connect: Professional Women’s Network, Powered by Citi, is an online community to help women achieve the careers they want and discuss the issues relevant to their success.

For more great insights from Connect members, check out the discussion What Professional Advice Do You Wish You Were Told In Your 20s?

Visit linkedin.com/womenconnect for more information and to join the group!

Cover photo by Eugene Wei, Flickr

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