Let’s talk about genuine career transformations. Not the surface-level, fake-it-till-you-make-it type, but the authentic, challenging, ambitious journey. The kind that begins at the lowest step of the ladder and ends with you pausing to think, “Wow. I actually made it happen!”
If you’re in your early 20s and feeling overwhelmed about your future, let me start by saying this: you do not have to have it all figured out to begin. What you do need is vision — or at least a willingness or drive to chase after something bigger than where you are right now. Even if that vision is foggy or undefined, just take the next step. One level up at a time.
Start Where You Are
During undergrad, I worked part-time in the same industry I was studying. I started at the bottom — the true entry-level. I was the newbie, the cleaner, the one soaking it all in while doing the smallest and simplest tasks. But I kept showing up. I asked questions. I paid attention. I worked passionately like I was already in the position I wanted next.
Nearing the end of college, I had already climbed into a mid-level career position. That meant I was going to be stepping into the post-grad world with a sustainable job and valuable experience. Immediately after graduating, I landed a low-level management role because I came with education, experience and ambition.
Six months later, I got promoted to a mid-level management role in a major corporation. A type of position that takes many people years to get into. At that point, I became the youngest manager in the entire organization for this position ever, breaking boundaries, challenging expectations, and setting new standards. I rewrote the script for what a 20-something woman could do in that space.
And let me be real with you, it wasn’t always easy. I took the hard times with stride, and I never stopped chasing what I wanted, or figuring out what I wanted as I went. Your power lives in that combination of drive, confidence, and clarity (even if that clarity is still evolving)
Never Stop Evolving
And the story doesn’t end there — because growth doesn’t stop at a job title. Right now, I’m back in school, pursuing my master’s degree to level up even further. Why? Because I believe in always reaching higher. Improvement should never stop. Once you reach one level, don’t get comfortable, get curious. Get hungry again.
Complacency is the enemy of potential. So I stay learning. I stay stretching. I’m building the foundation for the next level of success. And so can you.
Vision Is Your Foundation
Having a vision, no matter how broad or flexible, serves as your guiding compass. Even if your destination isn’t crystal clear, choosing a direction sets you on a path. Seeking financial freedom? Creative fulfillment? Career advancement? Start taking steps toward it. Apply for that job. Sign up for the course. Start the blog. Reach out to someone in your dream role, interview them, shadow them. Dare to ask the bold questions that challenge you.
You don’t have to go from entry-level to CEO in one leap. In fact, you can’t, leveling up is layered. It’s a process of consistent action, bold decisions, and inner confidence. Sometimes, the power move is saying yes to a challenge. Other times, it’s saying no to staying small.
If No One’s Said It Yet — You Deserve to Be There
Let me be the one to tell you: you belong in the room, at the table, leading the conversation. You don’t need to wait for permission. You don’t need to shrink your ambition to fit in. You’re not “too young” or “too new.” You are ready, and you will continue to grow as you go.
I didn’t always know exactly where I was headed, but I refused to stay stuck. I moved. I climbed. I pushed. I invested in myself, time, energy, and education, because I knew I was building something bigger than just a job.
And you’re next. ✨
Start messy. Start scared. Start without the plan fully figured out. Just start.
Because you already are that boss a$$ b*tch — now it’s time to act like it. 🖤
Best,
Madison <3
