Job: Account Representative, Financial Planning & Insurance (United States)

In my second year I recommended myself for almost every possible test program or group that I could get involved. With only 50% of those programs making it through, the fact that I put my face and name out there made me someone to rely on.

Being perfect is a goal, but not a reality. I suggest anyone in this field strive to put their best foot forward, but understand we are human, we make mistakes. It's how you react under this pressure that will make a name for yourself.

I am fortunate to have a boss who is not only very good at what he does, but lets me learn along the way. Find someone who is one of those "No question is stupid" and attach yourself to them. This is your fountain of knowledge and will make you stand out among your peers.

At first this will take a delicate balancing act between work and absorbing knowledge, but in the end it will shave hours off your workload each week. This will allow you to move ahead as well and give you the freedom to choose when you're ready for a promotion instead of waiting to be asked.

Also, computers are 90% of the job. It's the 21st century and there's no way around it. If you do not know how to be 99% proficient on a computer, take those times to learn from a geek like myself. You can shave hours off your time here as well and you will make friends with someone who can vouch for your improvement come time for you to move up.

One last thing, do not be afraid to ask for help. You should not do it often, but showing this humble side is what managers like. You stick up for yourself, you show you know your limits and you show you are not trying to let work slip through the cracks because you realize you're not superman. This is often a misconception among colleagues in my field. They feel that if they say something, it means they could get fired. I take on a lot of accounts, but I know where my limit is. I know my accounts, organized in excel, and can answer to whether I can help in a matter of minutes.

These are the few things that I have learned from just experiencing everything. If something goes completely wrong for someone else, I jump on board, try to help and learn something new every time.