Bill Gurley, general partner at Benchmark Capital, recently spoke at the University of Texas. During the talk, he gave his 5 keys to a rewarding career.
I’ve listed them below, with some additional thoughts of my own.
- Pick a career about which you have immense passion
If you’re lucky enough to have a passion at a young age, great. Most people, however don’t, which is fine. Your first job doesn’t have to be your last one. In fact, there’s a good chance that it might not even be in the same the industry that you ultimately settle into. - Be obsessive about learning in your field
In the words of Charlie Munger, I have nothing to add. - Develop mentors in your field
It’s hard to find somebody who will take you under their wing. Fortunately the best mentors can all be found sitting on the shelves in the library. You can talk to them whenever you want, free of charge. - Embrace peer relationships in your field
Gurley said “if you’re not using Twitter, you’re missing out.” I could not agree more. You would not be reading this if it weren’t for the inspiration I found by following Ben Carlson, Morgan Housel, Patrick O’Shaughnessy and many others. - Always be gracious and pay it forward
Don’t be an a-hole. If you’re lucky enough to ask to have your brain picked, annoying as that phrase may be, do it.
Watch the whole video below, it’s worth your time.
