The 10,000 Hour Rule: why young workers struggle

Malcom Gladwell, a popular business author, suggests that young workers (and sometimes older ones too!) struggle because of what he calls the 10,000 Hour Rule: it takes 10,000 hours of practice to get to the top of your field.

Why is this important? Because knowing how to succeed in work, like anything else, takes practice. 10,000 hours is about 5 years 'full-time'. As a student, if you've 'practiced' working in college and university, you're much better equipped to deal with the professional world when you emerge as a graduate. Uni teaches you how to do the work, but it doesn't teach you anything about how to survive in the business world. Getting a degree nowdays is basically the entry ticket - it proves you can stick at something. What it's really all about is what work 'practice' you already have.

You'll find it much easier to get a job if you already have some experience under your belt. Internships, part-time jobs or summer jobs are all ways to help you prepare for the working world. Start 'practicing' now!