The women of Connect: Professional Women's Network share the advice they wish they would've received when they were starting their careers. Visit http://www.linkedin.com/womenconnect for more information and discussion.

1. 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.
©2012 LinkedIn Corporation. All Rights Reserved.

2. 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
Mary Catherine Wellons
only get harder once I embarked on a career in journalism/TV.
Social Media Director
at CNBC
©2012 LinkedIn Corporation. All Rights Reserved. CONNECT: PROFESSIONAL WOMEN’S NETWORK

3. 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 Bowman
Communications &
Association Management
©2012 LinkedIn Corporation. All Rights Reserved. CONNECT: PROFESSIONAL WOMEN’S NETWORK 3

4. 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
Elizabeth Lew
thoughtful, polite, honest and caring place when dealing with
Commercial Property
Manager at C&H Lew LLC people.
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5. 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
Cyndy Murrieta
questions, and you'll find they will be responsive and helpful and
Media Group Director at
MMGY Global view it as an honor to mentor you.
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6. 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 Hammon
Utah Real Estate
©2012 LinkedIn Corporation. All Rights Reserved. CONNECT: PROFESSIONAL WOMEN’S NETWORK 6

7. 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
Liz Gerrish
of this setback, it takes them years in a position to catch up.
Analyst at Radiant ZEMAX
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8. 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
Connie Harryman
differentiator that will get you that next promotion and more pay.
Virtual Creative
Problem Solving
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9. 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
©2012 LinkedIn Corporation. All Rights Reserved. CONNECT: PROFESSIONAL WOMEN’S NETWORK

10. ©2012 LinkedIn Corporation. All Rights Reserved. CONNECT: PROFESSIONAL WOMEN’S NETWORK 10