In a recent article on www.careerealism.com, J.T. O’Donnell discusses the “10,000 Hour Rule.” Ever heard of it? The 10,000 Hour Rule simply says that no one gets to the top of their field unless they log at least 10,000 hours of practice. Malcolm Gladwell describes the idea in his book called Outliers: The Story of Success about how professional success doesn’t just depend on intelligence and talent. Of course we know that another factor should always be considered in seeking a successful career, the direction and favor of Almighty God. But Gladwell has a pertinent point.
Consider this. Bill Gates’s private school gave him access to the latest computer technology, ultimately allowing him to learn computer programming at a faster rate. He was able to put thousands of hours of programming under his belt as a teenager. Gladwell maintains that this series of events was the real catalyst for Gates’s success.
O’Donnell goes on to comment in her article that one of the biggest complaints she hears from managers is the lack of professionalism they see from recent college graduates. She points out that the 10,000 Rule explains why: most college grads today have not been required to work through high school and college in professional settings. They are under the mistaken impression that college teaches this sort of thing when it doesn’t; young professionals end up trying to log their first office hours in the workplace, frustrating management in the process.
Lesson to learn? You don’t necessarily have to hold down a full-time job while balancing a full school load, but you can seek out paid or unpaid internships, part-time jobs, volunteer work, or opportunities to advance your career skills on your own time. Look for ways to set yourself apart from the pack of other college grads, and try to seek out extracurricular activities that complement your chosen career path, not just any old position to make money. But most importantly, ask God for wisdom and the opportunities He knows you need. He’ll provide when you let Him be your guide.
O’Donnell, J.T. “10,000 Hour Rule: Why Young Workers Struggle after College (and why some seasoned professionals do too!)” Careerealism.com. December 3, 2008.