For new and junior level employees, gaining experience is crucial to advancing in your career. No matter how good your education is, certain aspects of the business have to be learned on the job. That experience counts for a lot with employers who need new hires to come up to speed and contribute to the company’s productivity as quickly as possible.

When you are first starting out, you may have difficulty getting the kind of position you really want. It is important to take the long view and map out a plan for how you are going to get there. That may include getting the proper credentials, certifications or licenses, as well as acquiring relevant experience. Rarely are you going to find one position that is going to satisfy all your needs and serve as a launch pad to your ideal job. Stay open to new possibilities and regard each opportunity as a chance to add to your store of knowledge and experience. Even a short-term assignment can be a valuable learning experience and another step along the path to your ultimate goal.

In my company, I have received many resumes from talented up-and-coming candidates who clearly lack the experience necessary for the type of position they are applying for. My advice to them is always the same: Don’t be in such a rush to climb the career ladder. Take the time to get the proper experience. You may find your goals change over time. At the very least, when you do get that position you want, you will have gained the qualifications that will help ensure your success.