3 Insights for (and from) a Young Professional

A global pandemic, job loss, and an industry switch placed Cara Stapleford in uncharted waters early on in her career. Here's her advice for other young adults facing the unknown.

Four and a half years ago, I never would have predicted my life would look the way it does today.

In early 2020, I was a master’s student in the Nutrition and Food Studies department at New York University. Alongside classes, I was working as an educator at a local farm when the pandemic hit. 

Suddenly, I found myself sitting through online lectures with no job and no idea what to do next. 

Despite having no experience in financial services, I applied for a job in the Spring Oaks Capital Compliance department. It wasn't what I envisioned for myself at the time, but they had an opening, and I had bills to pay. I had doubts and wondered how my background in food would translate here, but I thought to myself that I would somehow make
it work.

Four years later, “making it work” in an industry I’d never even considered has turned into so much more. I’ve been challenged, developed confidence, taken on new responsibilities, and I continue to learn from my peers every day.

Here’s my advice for young professionals from someone who’s right there with you.

1. Change is inevitable. Learn to work with it. 

When I was hired, I knew I had a steep learning curve ahead of me. I had entered an entirely new world.

It was confusing, intimidating, and overwhelming at first, but my passion for people and problem-solving helped me stay the course. I made it work. I let go of my expectations of how my career trajectory was “supposed” to look, and I tackled what was in front of me. Four years later, I’m so glad I did. 

Global pandemic or not, change is inevitable. Embrace it when it comes because sometimes our biggest changes and challenges lead to the most unexpected opportunities. 

2. Use comparison to lift yourself up instead of letting it bring you down. 

I was hired alongside an experienced compliance professional. Naturally, she picked up on everything much more quickly than I did as a beginner. 

I couldn't help but compare myself to her. It made me feel inadequate.

After a while, I learned to use this comparison habit to my advantage. I looked to her to help me determine where I could improve. She became not only a resource but also a source of motivation. That’s when the real progress began. 

3. Concentrate on what’s within your control.

An employer once told me that the beginning stages of your career are largely defined by others when you’re not in the room. This always stuck with me. I was energetic and ambitious and I knew I wanted to go further, but there was only so much I could do to make that happen faster.

So rather than speculating about what was happening in the meetings I was not in, I was better off focusing on what I could control: my time and effort, willingness to learn, and positive outlook. 

In a world where we value instant gratification over everything, this daily grind can feel stifling. But to quote Miley Cyrus, “Ain’t about how fast I get there/ Ain’t about what’s waiting on the other side/ It’s the climb.” 

Don’t let the climb be a deterrent; let it be your motivation. In the meantime, show up with a great attitude, ask all the questions, have a strong work ethic, and be someone people want to work with. It will take you far. 

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