Failing Forward: How Professionals Navigated Career Bloopers

Success Often Starts with Mistakes

Trying to land your first internship or job? It can feel like you have to get everything right. But here’s a secret: even successful professionals mess up. The key is learning to fail forward — turning mistakes into valuable lessons and stepping stones toward your goals.

That’s where AZYouthforce comes in.

AZYouthforce is a dynamic career exploration program that prepares young adults for real-world jobs — and connects them to paid internships with top employers across the Valley. Teens in the program receive work experience, build their resumes, and gain a mentor who’s genuinely invested in their success. You don’t have to be perfect to start — you just have to be willing to learn.

Bouncing Back: Learning from Mistakes

Lorie Mills, a manager at Toyota, learned the hard way that trying to do everything yourself doesn’t make you a great leader. After burning out early in her career, she realized the power of letting her team learn from their own mistakes. Her takeaway? Making space for failure can lead to innovation and growth — for you and the people you work with.

Turning “No” into Success

Carla Deegan from The Coca-Cola Company once got rejected from a job she really wanted. At the time, it felt crushing. But that “no” led her to a career she now calls the best of her life. Her advice: “It’s hard when you don’t get what you want, but if you stay the course and keep growing, new opportunities will come.

Discovering Your Passion: Finding the Right Career Path

Pete Stuart of NASCAR grew up dreaming of becoming an NFL quarterback. When he realized that wasn’t so realistic, he didn’t give up on his love of sports. Instead, he found a fulfilling career behind the scenes in the industry. Pete’s story shows that your dream job might come in a form that you didn’t expect.

With AZYouthforce, you’ll explore different career paths, meet peers from across the Valley, and discover how your passions and talents can align with real job opportunities — all while earning a paycheck.

Tips to Bounce Back and Move Forward

Here’s how to turn a career hiccup into a step forward:

• Ask for feedback – Learn what you can do better.
• Stick with it – Every rejection is a lesson, not a final answer.
• Build skills – AZYouthforce training helps you grow before and during your internship.
• Stay positive – Attitude matters as much as experience.
• Keep exploring – Don’t be afraid to try something new.
• Reflect – Use every experience to grow your confidence.

Why AZYouthforce?

AZYouthforce isn’t just about internships — it’s about launching your future:

• Get paid while gaining experience that looks great on college or job applications.
• Train with pros before you start your internship, so you’re ready to shine on day one.
• Connect with mentors who are there to support you and help you achieve your career aspirations.
• Explore career paths through our AZYF internships that could introduce you to a field that you didn’t even realize you wanted to pursue.
• Join a community of motivated teens from all over the Valley.

Mistakes are part of the process — even for people who have achieved great success in their careers. What matters is how you respond, grow, and keep moving forward. With the support of AZYouthforce, you’ll learn how to turn setbacks into skills — and get closer to the future you want.

Ready to get started?
Apply for AZYouthforce today and take the first step toward discovering your career path — with support, training, and a paycheck along the way.

This story was originally published by BGCA. Read the full story on their website.