This week’s feature is Ian Winder Jr. Ian is an Attorney in The Bahamas. He recently created a legal blog, BahaLaw.org to keep people informed of legal updates and recent cases in The Bahamas. He is also known for his amazing shots of beautiful places that he has visited on his travel blog, TheBahamianTraveller.org. Today, Ian is going to talk to us about his journey so far in the corporate field as a lawyer and give practical tips for surviving corporate life.
What has your experience been like in the workplace so far as a young professional?
My experience so far has been very welcoming. I have been fortunate enough to work with individuals who have been supportive of my development as an attorney. It is, however, a learning process – every day I feel as though I learn something new. I have also been grateful to have the opportunity to experience a wide range of areas in civil law.
What are some important things to consider when transitioning from studies to the corporate world?
Even though you may have excelled in your studies, be prepared to assess the process by which you learn. There will a deluge of information thrown at you and you need to be able to find the way most suitable to you to process and retain them.
Additionally, you will work with professionals who have thrived in their respective professions for decades. It is essential to begin to instill the necessary confidence in yourself that you both deserve to exist in the same realm. You need to understand that while they are older and more experienced they deserve respect. However, do not forget that they also sat where you sat. They were once in your shoes and over time and with luck and a lot of hard work, you, too, will stand where they currently are.
What has been the biggest adjustment for you in becoming a young professional?
The biggest adjustment for me, personally, is the workday. University, in itself, is a de facto job, but it doesn’t compare to the real thing. There is something about sitting down at a desk all day that is inherently wearisome. In University, you have gaps in the day where you can relax with friends, or you can take a nap. There are even days where you have no class at all. I can assure you that it does not happen when you have a full-time job. You are at work every day. Your sick days are limited and your vacation days are limited. That said, it can be an adjustment for any young professional – as it was for me!
What do you think is the key to being respected as a young professional?
I believe that the key to being respected is to be devoted to your craft. Colleagues and clients respect those who are willing to put in the extra work and who are not prone to making mistakes. I have seen that respect is also given to those who are proactive and take initiative. Examples of this can be taking steps to further your development and continuing your education by means of seminars or conferences.
I believe that the key to being respected is to be devoted to your craft.
What inspired you to start your legal blog, BahaLaw?
There are a few reasons why I started it. The first was to get my name out there in the legal world and to stand out from my peers – that ties into my earlier point about being proactive as a method to gain respect.
The second was for my own edification. I’ve realized that the best way for me to remain current on the latest developments in the legal profession was for me to write about it.
The third and final reason was that I like to write. I think I’ve written so many essays of the years in University that it is now a part of me. I’m not a huge fan of advocacy, so naturally, the easiest way for me to get my point across is writing it down.
How do you find a work-life balance?
It’s really hard, to be honest. I have a puppy to take care of; two blogs and I play soccer – in addition to working full time. My days are very long and I often sacrifice some things to find time for others. I think prioritizing what is necessary and what is merely convenient is the key to achieving the right balance.
What is your advice for surviving in the corporate world as a young professional?
I believe that you should accept that even though you’ve finished university, the process of learning will continue. I think I may have learned more post-university than while I attended university. Moreover, the things you learn as a young professional are invaluable and will go a long way in your development.
If you think of an essay, university or even high school is the introduction. It crucial in setting the scene but that is all it does. The main body is starting your job and entering the corporate world. This is where the ‘real’ learning takes place and where life in the workplace begins. It is our goal to reach retirement – the conclusion in this proverbial essay. However, that cannot be done unless we build the appropriate foundations. In light of the above, my advice is to keep an open mind, accept constructive criticism, and be ready to learn!
What is your top tip for surviving your twenties?
My top tip is to enjoy it. I think we get so caught up in following the societal norms of planning to get married, to buy a house, and have kids that we forget to actually live. Even though you’re a young professional, take the time to travel, to go out with friends and to do the things that you could not when you were a ‘broke’ college student! This is your life, it is happening, so don’t let it pass you by.
My top tip for surviving your twenties is to enjoy it!
You can follow Ian on Instagram @thebahamiantraveller or like his page on Facebook, The Bahamian Traveller. To stay updated with Bahamian legal news, subscribe to his website, BahaLaw.org. For travel tips and updates, subscribe to his website, TheBahamianTraveller.org.
What was your favourite quote from Ian? Let us know in the comments!
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