Editor's Note: This blog is cross-posted from the Clean Energy, Education, Empowerment (C3E) online network, www.c3enet.org. Learn more about C3E here.

When I started my first “real” job 33 years ago, there was absolutely no way I would have predicted the route my career would take over the course of the next three plus decades: to a trade association, a consultancy, the US Government, three large US multi-nationals in Europe, and finally to a solar company in Arizona.  I certainly never would have forecast that I would end up in business or in solar!  I have been very happy with the road I have taken—or that has taken me—and I have absolutely no regrets, but there’s no question that I could have benefited from some words of advice along the way; advice that might have smoothed out some of the bumps and potholes I encountered during my travels.  Here are some of the words I would share with my younger self.

1. Ask for guidance early and often.  Identify people whose advice you trust and ask them for career guidance even if you don’t think you need it.  It can’t hurt and it almost certainly will help.  Early in my career I was lucky enough to work with and for individuals who were leaders in their professions.  Having a career discussion with any one of them would have been invaluable, but I didn’t ask because I didn’t want to “impose” or “presume.”  What I didn’t realize at the time is that most people enjoy helping young people find their way.  It makes them feel valued and provides them an opportunity to “give back.”  Take full advantage!  Start with me if you like.  I'm happy to help.
2. Take the initiative.  My first boss was brilliant, very busy and… a terrible manager.  I wasted a lot of time waiting for him to tell me what to do.  My advice today to my younger self would be to take the initiative, figure out what might be helpful or at the very least instructive, and get started.  This is probably easier today than it may have been back in the day, what with the internet and all.  Don’t let a poor or busy manager make you a poor employee.
3. Accept help.  It took me a while to figure out that I wasn’t expected to do everything on my own and that I wouldn’t be judged for asking for help.  Bring other people in on your projects when it makes sense and share the credit for getting the job done.  This will not only make you more successful, but it will also improve your teamwork skills and help develop your internal network.
4. Don’t worry about not having a 5- or 10-year plan.  Some people know exactly where they want to be and what they want to do and have mapped out their careers for years in advance.  Others have no idea what they want to be “when they grow up.” There is nothing wrong with being opportunistic and being open to new experiences.  You’re not letting yourself be side-tracked; you’re taking advantage of what the world has to offer.
5. Be confident.  A very smart and talented friend of mine who has had a series of increasingly challenging and high profile positions in government once confided in me that he frequently feels like a fraud, despite the fact that he has been eminently qualified for every position he has held.  At some point in our careers most of us have felt the same way.  It’s normal.  Don’t worry about it.  Just don’t give into self-doubt.  If you weren’t qualified, you wouldn’t have gotten hired. So…take risks.  Reach high. Trust in yourself.
6. Don’t dwell on your mistakes.  Everyone makes them. Learn from them and move on.

At the end of the day, make the most of your opportunities.  Make a difference.  And enjoy yourself.  The world is your oyster.  That is the advice I would give my younger self.