Webinar: How to make your 20s count

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This webinar will show you how to make the most of your 20s so that you can set yourself up for an engaged, fulfilling life. It includes four days of of video sessions and email-based course materials. You can purchase this workshop for anytime, on-demand access. The cost is $195.

Get access now.

The most important thing to do in your 20s is figure out where you fit. Find your place in the world, pick your friends and family. You will make 85% of the major decisions in your life by age 35. And your earning in the first ten years of your life has exponential impact on your earning throughout the rest of your life. So act like your 20s matter, because if you act like they don’t matter, then they won’t matter.

To make the most of your 20s you need to make mistakes, because mistakes show that you’re moving forward and trying new things. But it’s important to make intentional mistakes. This means that you need to have goals, and plans, and when they don’t work out, you make new goals, and new plans. This four-day webinar will show you how to do that:

Day one: Figure out where you fit in the work world.

  • Understand your personality. Personality type is so important when you’re choosing your career that all Fortune 500 companies use personality type testing to make sure employees are in the right job. I will show you how to understand your personality in a way that many people don’t understand until later in their career. If you understand your type, you’ll understand which jobs you’ll be great at and which jobs will be fulfilling.
  • Create a short-list of job types that will be right for you. It’s overwhelming to feel like you can do anything. But the truth is that each of us will be rock stars at only a few things. Once you identify your strengths the list of jobs you will like becomes much more clear. And that’s the list that will effectively guide all your decisions for most of your life. Part of living with intention in your twenties is having a clear vision for the type of life that will feel best to you. I will show you how to find that life early on, so you can guide yourself to it.
  • Pick your location. Location is important at this time in your life. It determines lifestyle, the range of companies available to you, and even who you marry.  Understanding how location impacts your happiness levels and your career potential will enable you to confidently narrow the list of locations where you apply for jobs.

Day two: Get a job even though you have no experience. 

  • Learn the secret language of resumes. Most people in their twenties have way better experience than they show on their resume. The language of resumes is one that makes any job sound important. I’ll show you how to use this language  so you’ll not only have a better resume, but you’ll also have more self-confidence in what you’re worth to employers.
  • Turn a tiny network into a job. You probably feel like you don’t have a network. But you actually only need one or two well-employed people to help you get a job. I’ll show you how to leverage your network by giving very clear directions about what you want the person to do for you.
  • Skip entry-level jobs to make your job hunt easier. Often entry-level jobs are harder to get than jobs that require a few years experience. I’ll show you how to skip entry-level jobs by writing a resume that looks like you’ve already done that work. If you’re applying to jobs that fit your personality type, then you’ve already done a lot of that work in your life. You just need to convey that on your resume.

Day three: What to do if you don’t get a job.

  • Spot-check yourself. Usually there is a particular reason that you are not getting a job. I’ll tell you how to know if it’s your resume, your interview skills, or the jobs you’re going after. But the good news is that it’s never all three. So you can fix that one spot, and then go at it again, with better results.
  • Write your resume backwards. If you don’t have a job it’s probably because you are missing that zinger at the top of your resume that says you’re a perfect fit. The way you get that is to write the resume first. Figure out what your resume would need to say to get the job. Then make up jobs for yourself to create that resume. I’ll show you how to work backwards creating the resume that will get you the job, and, at the same time, you will be building an employment history by doing real and relevant work.
  • Start a company. The point of a company is not always to make money. Often, starting a company gives you the experience you need to get the job you want. I’ll show you how to start a company overnight and have that company transform your resume. At the same time, you’ll be blown away by how much you can accomplish on your way to landing a job.
  • Use your elevator pitch. Every time someone says “So what are you doing now?” it’s a time to advertise yourself as a great employee. The answer you give is the way that you enable people to help you get the job you want. I’ll show you how to craft the perfect answer so you convey yourself as excited and going places and full of possibilities.

Day four: Q&A

Ask me anything about your job hunt. Everyone can learn from each other in this last session when we focus on specific issues you have encountered and how to overcome them.

The cost is $195. 

Get access now.

 

 

52 replies
    • Penelope Trunk
      Penelope Trunk says:

      Yes, you can download any of the videos and watch them whenever you want. So you can miss any night and you’ll be fine.

      Penelope

      • Fred Seiteta
        Fred Seiteta says:

        Thank you for your clarification. I’ll sign up as soon as I get paid!
        I’m so glad you create this seminar, it comes at a perfect time for me.

  1. Lisa B. Sharp
    Lisa B. Sharp says:

    Hi Penelope – great topic for a seminar ! I needed this seminar when I was in my 20’s. I’m in my 40’s now but I still feel lost (I’m an ENFP). Are you thinking of doing other age related /stage of life seminars or is coaching the best thing for someone like me? I’ve got 2 degrees but never found what I am looking for.
    Btw, I absolutely love your blog!
    Lisa B. Sharp

  2. christy
    christy says:

    Hey Penelope, how about one just for Xers who listen to you, and if we think you’re crazy it’s in the good way, and who are trying to sort out how the hell to get out of the entrenched hole we’ve dug for ourselves.

    Not that I’m being confessional or anything…

  3. HbdD
    HbdD says:

    It sounds amazing. Too bad it is too expensive for most of the 20 somethings who need it, me included. Can’t spend that much cash in one go…

    • karelys
      karelys says:

      most 20 year olds have an iphone, an ipad, a laptop, shoes that are expensive, etc.

      There are very few who don’t know how to scrape that kind of money. Even if unemployed. There’s always prostitution ;).

      No seriously, someone in her 20s that doesn’t already have those luxuries could borrow money and promise to pay, let’s say 3% of every paycheck for a year from the job gotten as a result of this seminar.

      • Carmen
        Carmen says:

        I agree. Her seminars are worth every penny and worth the effort if prostitution is your only resource :) I’ve taken three of her seminars and never regretted it. Entertaining and fun too.

        • karelys
          karelys says:

          If you think about it, when people go out on dates and sex is expected/desired and one of the people one date pays for dinner (sometimes it’s really expensive) you could just say “save it, give me the money, let’s just have sex” and then pay P the money.

          It’s funny that we call direct exchange of money for sex prostitution but when there’s an exchange of dinner and drinks it’s a date.

          I got way too derailed.

      • Emma
        Emma says:

        Ha! I’m 28 and I feel like based on your introduction, it’s just too late for me – already picked a spouse, which determines my geography because he is about to start an academic career, and moving around based on that will really limit my job search. Also, spent too long in school, didn’t earn much money or get far in an industry. Already screwed up for life?

        Maybe you should market this to people a year or two out of college who haven’t really had time to MAKE any mistakes – or, better, people about to graduate college in a year or two. Not that I regret my marriage at all – that’s probably the best decision I made in my 20s! – but career-wise, I’m 7 years into those first 10, which makes it sound like I’ve “wasted” my 20s.

        On another note, are you still holding to your “have kids before 25” advice, which is going to make it harder to spend those 10 years out of college investing in a career? Especially given that it’s rare for part time jobs in the US to come with job security or interesting responsibilities, so balance is tough.

  4. Gwen
    Gwen says:

    When I read the title of this, I loved the idea immediately. But having read the description… I already have a job, a husband and a city. Ah well. :)

  5. Eve
    Eve says:

    Hi Penelope,

    I think you will be getting more comments from us over 40.. who can afford your seminar and will do it in a heartbeat. We have lost our careers, or what we had 5 years ago, and are trying to decide what’s next. Do you feel because you’re on the same boat that you can’t coach us?

    • Penelope Trunk
      Penelope Trunk says:

      I coach tons of people in that position. I don’t do very many seminars, and I chose this one because so many people have been asking for it.

      Maybe the next one will be for people later in life. That makes sense to me.

      Penelope

      • Monique
        Monique says:

        I’m in my 40s, and Penelope has done an amazing job of coaching me — straight, no chaser. She’s also infused her candor with kindness, which should not have surprised me because she knows I’m an INFP.

  6. Carmen
    Carmen says:

    Your 20s are all about self-discovery.

    Your 40s are all about self-exposure, getting comfortable exposing yourself so other’s can learn from it.

    It’s all up to you in your 40s. You’ve been given opportunities up until then. People start to look towards you for opportunities.

    Finding fulfillment in your 40s means taking whatever knowledge you have to offer, and then teaching that to someone else.

    I, personally, have no clue what I could teach anyone or how to go about it.

    The first step is getting comfortable exposing myself ;-)

  7. karelys
    karelys says:

    Remember what you said about me being a person of ideas when we had the session?

    It’s truer than ever. Or maybe it was but I didn’t know and so now I can actually see it.

    I can’t stop thinking of ideas. And I’ve become fascinated by the idea of resume language and job description language and job titles.

    I think lots of people get scared of the jargon when they are job hunting. They feel inadequate and like they don’t add up. I am so fascinated by this that I want to spend my day applying for jobs but I am worried my boss will think I am not exclusive to him (he gave me more money and a bonus when I complete a year with him if I essentially signed up to be exclusive or “commit”).

    But it’s so much fun! especially when getting to the interview part.

  8. Liz
    Liz says:

    You have made it very clear you loathe Generation Y, why should any member of that generation look to you for support or advice? Plus, you’re borrowing language and concepts pretty heavily from Meg Jay – someone who actively does NOT alienate or resent the generation she is trying to help.

      • karelys
        karelys says:

        wow, this is nuts! I love how she’s slapping people with truth but with such a sweet voice!

        Having come from a culture when at 15 you’re considered a woman and essentially expected to be a full blown adult by 19-ish I was so confused by the whole “you have time! relax! have fun!”

        Then when you say things like “have kids by 25 and then build a career. Marry a breadwinner” people freak out.

        Life has to be lived on purpose.

  9. Kevin
    Kevin says:

    “Personality type is so important when you’re choosing your career that all Fortune 500 companies use personality type testing in order to make sure employees are in the right job.”

    I’ve worked for a Fortune 500 company for years, and I’m not aware of the company performing any personality testing.

    • Penelope Trunk
      Penelope Trunk says:

      Different companies use it differently, but as executives move up the ranks they always get some sort of coaching which includes personality testing. The personality testing enables them to clearly understand their strengths and weaknesses and those of other people. But also so the company can be sure they are investing in people who can climb the ranks.

      Penelope

  10. sandyb
    sandyb says:

    I’m tempted to sign up for this, just to see if I handled my 20s the right way. But I’m going to hold off for a seminar you do about making the most of your 30s.. because it’s nice to know that all the ground work you did in your 20s was intended for something great. At 32 (soon turning 33), I’m never sure.
    -sandy.

  11. ru
    ru says:

    Hi Penelope,

    How is “making your 20s count” seminar different from “finding your dream job” seminar if a lot of the 20s seems to be about find your dream job.

    As in, what will the 20somethings get out of this seminar that is different from the last one?

    Thanks

  12. sj
    sj says:

    I hope you are planning a seminar on how to prepare for/maximize your 40’s – I am 38 and would totally sign up for that! Your blog is always insightful, thank you.

  13. Mary
    Mary says:

    The 20s are most important to experiment with what life has to offer! It’s not over after college. I would sign up my daughter in a heartbeat, because but the dates fall right into finals week at her college. Might you be offering this again in the future?

    • Penelope Trunk
      Penelope Trunk says:

      Hi, Mary. I record the seminars. So you can buy any of them at any time – just email me.

      Penelope

  14. Milly
    Milly says:

    I’m almost 22 and cannot afford these things. I also have aspergers. (I tick all the boxes). Worst of all I live in England where there is little belief..nevermind research in aspergers. This course I think would be highly suited for young adults who have such personality traits. 20 year olds with laptops, ipads and expensive trainers usually use their student debt or still are treated by their parents. If you’re lucky to get a part-time job BUT live with your parents maybe you could afford the course. If you live alone yet are still in your early twenties it’s going to be hard to pay bills and eat. Unless you you go to university and rely on student debt. If you’re lucky to have a 9 to 5 job under the age of 25, you will most likely be target against an agist mentality (In Europe at least). So the question is how does a young person living independently gather such money for a course? I think it would be a great idea though.

    Btw I was a teacher in Asia at age 19 and later worked a full-time job in England. If I have made any typos please excuse me.

    • Amy
      Amy says:

      I’m not sure how this would work, but maybe there’s a way to crowd source yourself some ‘scholarship’ funding for the course online? You could offer something (not copyrighted) in return for people contributing to your interest in the course- like having coffee dates friends/family who contributed where you discussed what you learned and got their input? Or something creative and applicable to your situation. As a person of about the same age, I would say just don’t end up with a credit card bill you can’t pay! Crowd-source donations from people might be slightly better than the prostitution suggestions above. :)

  15. Amy
    Amy says:

    Penelope,

    Is there any reason that you wouldn’t recommend this seminar for Canadians (other than maybe having slow internet in our igloos and any other Canadian jokes)? I am very keen on it, just want to gauge its applicability to a slightly different country/culture. Thanks.

    • Penelope Trunk
      Penelope Trunk says:

      Hi, Amy. I coach a lot of Canadians one on one, and I’ve not noticed significant differences in the approach to the job market in the US and Canada.

      Penelope

      • Grace
        Grace says:

        Penelope, what kind of differences have you noticed? Would it still be applicable to Canadians?

  16. Kristine
    Kristine says:

    Hi Penelope! I’m 23 and I love your advice, but I already have an unusually good job that I’m happy with. If you offered a similar seminar, about how young people can leverage their personality to set themselves up for career ADVANCEMENT then I would be very interested in attending.

  17. Elizabeth
    Elizabeth says:

    I found this post aggravating because it reminded me of all the things I am missing out on because I have two children aged under 3 and am the primary carer and we moved back to our home town to be close to family but away from our professional networks. Then I remembered I turned 30 last week so I’m no longer even in my 20s. I think my 30s will be about digging my way out again.

  18. Holly Cuperus
    Holly Cuperus says:

    This is such a great idea. I have gone through a similar seminar that was a lot more expensive. I might be tempted to do something like this geared more toward transitioning careers.

  19. Catarina Abreu
    Catarina Abreu says:

    Penelope, I am 28, unmarried and still figuring things out but feeling that time is running out and I’ve “wasted” my 20’s. Is this seminar applicable to me?

  20. Klicia Oliveira
    Klicia Oliveira says:

    Hello Penelope! I’m a 22 year old Brazilian student almost finishing my BSc in Geophysics and I’m now going to spend a year studying in the UK and looking for an internship there.
    I can say this seminar is everything I’ve been looking for, though I have a couple of questions:
    1) Do you think the advice would be adapted for my field of work and for job searches in the UK/Europe?
    2) Will the seminar be available for future purchase as a pack of downloads or DVDs? Though I can’t afford it right now I believe that it would be an invaluable resource in the next months.

  21. MJ (unplannedlifeblog.com)
    MJ (unplannedlifeblog.com) says:

    I know that in my 20s I would never have been in a sensible enough frame of mind to even be reading this blog and trying to apply all this great information. It’s all very strategic and makes sense, but I personally did not think and make decisions about my life in this way in my 20s, I just muddled through and hoped for the best. I guess now that I’m in my 30s things have changed and I am trying to be more deliberate about the decisions I make, but mostly I still feel like life is trial and error…and all the things that have happened in my life to get me to the relatively good place I am now were ‘mistakes’ at the time. I think mistakes are important; they’re the only way some people learn! I don’t know where I would be if I had followed a set course for my 20s…taking risks and chances seems to have worked for me so far.

  22. Thomas
    Thomas says:

    Everyone who is in there 20 are lucky to have something like this nowadays. While not in my 20’s I can say this would have been so helpful back then.Take advantage of the opportunity.

  23. Paula
    Paula says:

    I like the topic. I needed this seminar when I was in my 20′s. now it is too late for me .
    “Understand your personality” this paragraph ist great :)

  24. Susan
    Susan says:

    What great seminar topic for that age group. I have a 23 year old son fresh out of college and we’ve had many conversations about how he could get a job without having any experience. Luckily he was able to get one that’s made a perfect first job but a seminar like this would have benefited him tremendously right after graduation.

  25. Heather Sanders
    Heather Sanders says:

    The #1 topic I wish someone had hammered into my head in my 20’s was Think Ahead: Debt Can Steal Your Peace and Dreams

    I’m happy for the struggles in my 20’s (and there were many), because I didn’t make the same mistake in my 30’s and now, 40’s.

    I married at 22, had my first child at 23, had my second child shortly before I turned 27, and my third at 30. My husband and I accrued serious commercial credit debt in college, and he had 60,000 worth of student loans to boot. We came into our twenties buried in 80,000+ in debt. It took 9 years to unbury ourselves from it, and that debt made a lot of decisions for us.

    It is a tremendous topic to approach, in my opinion.

  26. Esme
    Esme says:

    I signed up but didn’t receive any info back about what happens next. Will I be getting further communication soon?

  27. Mark
    Mark says:

    Hey Pen, I’m a 28 yr old looking at reassessing my career and this seminar sounds perfect for the stage I’m at in my life. Being based in South Australia I won’t be able to participate in the live seminars and was wondering if you would be available to answer follow up questions via email?

  28. Todd McGann
    Todd McGann says:

    Penelope-

    Just found you and wanted to ask a question about starting a business but cannot determine what to do. I have the money, motivation, time.ect. I don’t want to reinvent the wheel. No word changing ideas like starting another Microsoft. I just need a neet conctept that some some person started in Florida that can be transplanted to my area. Just something unique but I cannot think of anything. All the start-up magizines suggest the same eight ideal starting with carpet cleaning, oil changing/tune up shop. No thanks. Where would you suggest looking for that unique idea? Advice from your readers too would be great.

    Thank you…

  29. Abiyeler
    Abiyeler says:

    The informations are so lovely and so usefull so thank you very much. Be sure i will use all of them keeping in my mind.Have a goog luck.

  30. Karl
    Karl says:

    I see that these videos are available for sale through Paypal. Is the post-seminar rate less than the live one?

  31. vickylue
    vickylue says:

    Hi Penelope, really love your website. You are really doing your think. I guess I need to put in a little extra work on my site, because yours puts mine to shame.

    Keep up the good work!

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