Think of every job or career you would like to have in terms of skills. Do you have those skills, and if not, how would you go about acquiring those skills? Before I say the word "skills" one more time, think of what those jobs have in common. Do they involve working with your hands? Is there a high amount of action/drama that requires quick thinking and multi-tasking? Will you need to become better at public speaking?

Now, which skills (HA!!) are you willing to work on right now in order to reach near-perfection by the time you are 25? Pick 3. Those will be your strengths. Forget being a well-rounded person. Make your strengths stronger, make them GREATER. Your weaknesses can be ignored or compensated for.

Understand how to ask a question without sounding stupid or looking ignorant. Ask for help if you need it. Once you've mastered something, show them you can do it well.

Do NOT EVER be afraid of your boss. They may not be your equal, but they are not your King or Master, either. Show them that you can interact with them on a socially normal basis, and they will appreciate not having to act all stuffy around you. Also, show them you are willing to take constructive criticism by directly asking them for an informal feedback session. Just 3 minutes in a side room to ask if there's anything you could be doing better, and if they give you a turn to critique, do it carefully and slowly and honestly.

Figure out what you are best at. Find a way to get paid to do it. Again, is it one of the skills involved in your dream job?

Learn how to cultivate favors. By that, I mean do a lot more "helping others out" than "asking someone else to help you out." When it comes time to ask for that big favor, they shouldn't have to think twice about pitching in.

Finally, never stop learning, because it makes you seem ambitious, and increases your value. Learn to be more friendly, learn to be a better conversationalist, learn the ins and the outs.


P.S. Mind your personal hygiene, especially your oral hygiene.