Entering the workforce as an intern or fresh graduate can feel overwhelming. Reflecting on my career, which began over 25 years ago in Chemical Engineering, I’ve come to realize that the lessons I learned early on still hold today. My journey started with an internship at Kimberly-Clark, where I learned that the practical, on-the-job experience was just as important—if not more so—than what I learned in school.

At the time, I had to choose between R&D and Environmental Engineering. Naturally, I gravitated toward R&D, drawn by the desire to innovate and create. One key lesson I took from that experience was the importance of asking the right questions: What responsibilities would I have? Who would I report to? And perhaps most importantly, would there be compensation for my time? Having worked since the age of 13, I was accustomed to being compensated for my efforts, so even a small amount for lunch or transportation seemed like a sign of respect for the work I was contributing.

Now, more than two decades into my career, I find myself reflecting on the pressures facing today’s job market, particularly in tech. New talent acquisition has become more competitive, and the rush for higher-paying positions can cloud one’s judgment. My advice to new professionals or interns is simple: stay connected to the reasons you chose this career in the first place.

While the pursuit of higher salaries can seem tempting, especially when professors and peers might encourage it, jumping from one job to another in search of a paycheck often leads to dissatisfaction. I’ve seen many peers job-hop for one or two years, only to find themselves in positions that don’t fulfill them in the long run. Instead, I advise being selective about the projects or roles you engage with, focusing on the ones that challenge you intellectually and help you grow. The greatest rewards are often found in learning new things, not just earning a bigger paycheck.

Looking back, the hardest decision I made was to prioritize meaningful work over monetary gain. Today, as a CEO, I’m grateful that I’ve been able to shape the types of engagements my team takes on. I strongly believe that the more difficult the challenge, the greater the reward—not just financially, but in terms of knowledge and experience. This mindset is essential in technology, where constant learning is a cornerstone for success.

For those entering the job market or applying for internships, here are some key takeaways:

1. Work Should Be Enjoyable: Find an internship or job that excites you. Passion leads to long-term success and reduces the urge to jump ship for short-term benefits.
2. Perks Aren’t Always Monetary: Sometimes the best benefits come in forms other than pay. Learning opportunities, mentorship, and meaningful work experiences can be more valuable.
3. Working from Home Isn’t a Perk in Tech: Remote work has its advantages, but in tech, collaboration, and innovation often thrive in team environments. Balance is key.
4. Disconnect Regularly: It’s easy to get lost in screens, but stepping away to engage in offline hobbies or activities can help maintain mental clarity and creativity.
5. View Every Role as a Learning Opportunity: Whether it’s your first internship or your fifth job, approach it with the mindset that every experience is a chance to learn something new.
6. Know When to Lead, and When to Follow: Depending on your aspirations, you might want to step into leadership roles early. But equally important is knowing when to be a team player and dive into hands-on work.
7. Continuous Learning Is Key: In a fast-evolving industry like technology, never stop learning. It’s the driving force behind vertical career growth and future opportunities.

Ultimately, I believe that the most successful careers are built on a foundation of passion, learning, and meaningful engagement. So when choosing an internship or starting your first job, look beyond the paycheck—focus on the experience, the challenges, and the growth opportunities that will shape your professional journey.