17 february 2026
How to start a career in 2026: tips from an HR expert that will help you stand out among candidates and build a strong professional foundation
In 2026, the start of a career will no longer resemble the familiar scenario of “study, get a job, work for years.” The market is moving faster than curricula can keep up, and the first profession is increasingly becoming not a finish line, but a testing ground. Young professionals are afraid of losing a year or two “to nowhere,” employers are afraid of making a mistake with their choice, and LinkedIn reminds them every day that someone at 23 has already become a C-level. In this noise, it is easy to get lost and start chasing not experience, but a beautiful job title. HRD, HR & Career Consultant Alona Kasinova suggests looking at the start of a career differently — as a strategic period of intensive learning in a real business environment. Don’t be afraid of experiments, but clearly distinguish...