"Ignore what your parents say": When Shark Tank investor Barbara Corcoran challenged traditional career expectations

Barbara Corcoran, a real estate entrepreneur and investor on Shark Tank, has consistently emphasized that young individuals should take control of their career paths rather than adhering to external pressures, particularly from their parents. In an interview with LinkedIn News on October 27, 2022, she stated,

"I always give the same advice: ignore what your parents say, especially if it's an affluent kid—a lot of pressure."

Barbara Corcoran's perspective challenges traditional career expectations, arguing that individuals should experiment with various opportunities to discover their strengths and interests rather than feeling compelled to follow predetermined paths.

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Shark Tank Barbara Corcoran challenges traditional career advice: The case for exploring multiple paths

Exploring career paths through experience

Corcoran believes that young people benefit from trying multiple career paths instead of making early, definitive choices. She compared career exploration to trying on outfits, explaining that individuals only know what suits them after experiencing different options.

"Try as many suits on as you can to see what you like. When you land on something you like, you're going to know, and you build a career on it," she stated.

She also criticized the expectation that individuals should decide their future professions while still in high school. The Shark Tank investor questioned the emphasis placed on early career planning, saying,

"Even in high school, what do you think you want to do? What do you think you're going to major in? Who the heck knows?"

Her remarks highlighted concerns about the pressure young people face when asked to make long-term career decisions without sufficient experience.

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The impact of narrow career focus on the economy

Corcoran also addressed the broader economic impact of individuals following rigid career paths from an early age. She responded to a statement by Redfin's CEO mentioned during the interview, who expressed concern about the lack of diverse work experiences among job applicants, particularly in fields like technology. Corcoran supported this viewpoint, stating,

"It's terrible. What do you want? An individual who can do one thing is never good for the economy."

She explained that creativity and innovation often stem from varied experiences rather than a singular focus. The Shark Tank investor further noted that exposure to different industries and roles fosters adaptability and problem-solving skills.

"If you draw creativity only from your own arena, it's not that creative," she explained.

Corcoran suggested that individuals who experience different jobs, including less prestigious roles, develop a broader perspective that contributes to innovation in their careers.

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Learning from non-traditional work experience

Corcoran also emphasized the value of non-traditional work experiences, noting that she applied lessons from her past jobs to her success in business. She mentioned that some of her most useful insights came from working as a waitress, rather than from her time as a real estate broker.

"I probably draw more of my waitressing experience than I do from my real estate broker negotiating experience," she explained.

The Shark Tank investor argued that roles often considered entry-level or unrelated to a chosen career can provide practical skills that are more valuable than formal education. She stated,

"I draw from all these menial jobs. I mean, I learn so much—it's much, much better than an MBA."

Corcoran’s remarks suggested that gaining hands-on experience across different fields can be just as beneficial, if not more, than following a conventional educational and career path.

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Shark Tank airs every Friday at 8 PM ET on ABC, with full episodes available for streaming on Hulu.