The Dream Job System Podcast 4 Pieces of Advice I Would Give To My 18 Year Old Self | Ep #820
4 snips
Mar 25, 2026 He shares four career lessons for younger selves, including why following what excites you matters. The value of starting side projects early for skills and experience is highlighted. Tips on using a .edu email to boldly network and reach high-profile people are discussed. The conversation also stresses embracing failure and collecting varied experiences through action.
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Learn Outside The Curriculum
- Do pursue learning outside of required coursework when classes don't excite you.
- Austin Belcak recommends online courses, books, communities, or self-teaching to explore interests early while you have time.
Student Years Offer Low Risk High Return
- Insight: Time as a student is a low-risk window to experiment and build skills you won't easily have later.
- Austin regrets not using undergraduate years to start projects like coding or marketing efforts that require time.
Start A Side Project Early
- Do start a side project to build skills and real experience while you're still a student or early in your career.
- Austin used freelancing, blogs, and marketing projects to gain digital marketing experience not available in his jobs.