The Power of Aligning Your Job with Your Skills

Say you are a fresh graduate with an engineering degree, excited to tackle real-world problems. Working at a firm that thrives on engineering expertise, like one in construction or oil and gas, ensures your skills are not just used but are central to the organization’s success. Contrast that with a role at a company where your engineering background is secondary, perhaps in a logistics department of a retail firm. While the latter may offer its own perks, it doesn’t quite match the opportunities for growth, fulfillment, and expertise you’d find in an engineering-focused environment.

Now, I understand that people do not always know what they want, and in fact, according to HR experts, about 52% of graduates end up in professions different from their field of study. But what I am saying is that once you figure out what you want to do, just move to the company whose core is your core.

When you work in a company that directly taps into your skill set, you naturally grow faster. Every task sharpens what you know while introducing new layers of complexity, and the impact of your work is clear. Take the example of accountants who begin their careers at top auditing firms like Deloitte or Accenture. Their roles push them to solve high-level financial problems, navigate compliance landscapes, and gain exposure to diverse industries.

That kind of environment accelerates growth in ways a non-core job often can’t. Moreover, working in your field places you among industry peers, creating a network of relationships that can lead to mentorship, collaboration, and future opportunities. A young civil engineer in an oil and gas company builds connections with technical experts, project managers, and procurement specialists—relationships that could shape their career for decades.

There’s also a strong sense of credibility and expertise that comes with starting in your core field. Companies that operate within your skillset provide rigorous training and hands-on experience, positioning you as an authority early in your career. Beyond that, there’s a sense of fulfillment when you’re solving problems or creating innovations that resonate with your training. A lawyer working on major cases, an architect designing functional spaces, or a software engineer developing complex algorithms will often feel more connected to their work than someone applying their skills in a peripheral role.

A friend of mine who studied civil engineering couldn’t get a job on time so he settled for a role in a hotel coordinating maintenance and repairs as a facility manager. He felt underutilized. After two years, he switched to a construction company where his technical skills were central. Not only did his career accelerate, but he now has his construction company because of the network he built over the last 10 years in the built environment. Another friend, a finance graduate started at a tech startup. When he moved to an auditing firm, his career skyrocketed. Certifications, tools, and industry knowledge came quickly, and within five years, he was able to move from Pwc Nigeria to a PwC in Europe. He’s now in one of the Big 3.

Where you begin can set the tone for your entire career. Aligning your first role with your core skills allows you to maximize your potential, grow rapidly, and find genuine satisfaction.

Of course, life isn’t always perfectly aligned, and detours can offer valuable lessons.

But if you can start in a space that celebrates and amplifies your skills, it’s worth pursuing.