Lately, I have found myself frequently considering my career path. How did I get here? What are some of the decisions I’ve made along the way? Why did I make that move? What was I thinking?!

Maybe I’ve been so reflective lately because it seems that in the blink of an eye, I went from “fresh out of school” to mid-career designer. Maybe it’s because everyday I still strive to make small changes to achieve that “perfect balance” of good work, sustainable financial foundation, work/life balance, etc. Whatever the reason, there is one thing I can point to that is central to almost every decision I have made, which I think (for better or worse) could be valuable to anyone – in almost any field – in any line of work.

Always land somewhere where you can learn from someone smarter than you.

Here are a few ways to look at it:

Never be the smartest person in the room.
I can say with confidence that the most valuable work environments I have found myself in were those where I knew most people around me were much smarter than me about certain things. I knew the things I needed to play the role I did, but there was much to take in by watching, talking with and getting help from my co-workers who were experts in areas where I was deficient. I will also say, that in my experience, there is much to learn from peers who may not be directly related by discipline or responsibility. There have been times that I have learned the most valuable lessons from my clients, or even the people who have helped me with problems outside of the space where I was operating day-to-day.

I would also offer that, if at some point you find yourself thinking you’ve learned all you can from those around you and you are at the top of the food chain, you might want to seriously consider where you are. Maybe it’s time to find that smarter person and hire them…or maybe it’s time to move on yourself.

If you’re not learning something, be teaching something.
In my opinion, when we are in a work environment full of learning opportunities, it’s also important to stay aware of our responsibility to contribute in that same spirit. The power of a group can increase exponentially when everyone works to put something into the knowledge base. By looking for those chances to teach something ourselves, and to be “givers” and not just “receivers,” we collectively increase the richness of the work environment we are all in. These kinds of workplaces have always been the most fulfilling to be in.

Interestingly – even at the 14 year-mark –  the best advice on this topic I have ever heard has been from Pentagram’s Michael Bierut, ironically while giving fresh-out-of-school students advice. Make learning a life long pursuit.

Tags: Career Advice, Daniel Pipitone, Learning

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