Move over Bella Swan, there is a new leading lady in the world of teenage fiction!
Katniss
Her name is Katniss Everdeen – the fictional star of the extremely popular trilogy, The Hunger Games.
Oddly, while watching this (super realistic) story about a country who forces its children to kill each other, I couldn’t help but think there are some valuable career lessons to be learned from Katniss’s adventure.
1. Let Others Help You
Katniss is understandably wary of the adults who surround her during her trip to the Hunger Games. However, she soon realizes the value of her mentor, Haymitch, who may be a stumbling drunk most of the time but won the Hunger Games himself as a younger man. Clearly, Haymitch knows exactly what to teach promising young “tributes”. Along the way, Katniss meets others willing to help her succeed in her endeavors; once she opens up to the idea of receiving advice, she finds their counsel valuable.
Letting others in on your job search journey can be scary, but it is absolutely necessary. There are people who have been in your place before you ready to help you find your career path. Take advantage of their knowledge!
2. Embrace Your Strengths
When first heading to the Hunger Games, Katniss doesn’t know how she will become a real contender in the fight to the death – let alone win. Before simply giving up, however, Katniss reflects upon what she has learned in her young life that might help her succeed. It turns out that all of those hours spent hunting small game for survival will aid her greatly in her fight at the Hunger Games.
It can be difficult to realize what you are truly good at – but once you do, take advantage of the skills you already have developed. This will make your career path easier and you will ultimately be a more effective employee.
3. Look Out for Yourself
One of the most valuable lessons Katniss Everdeen teaches us throughout The Hunger Games is that you must look out for yourself. When she was young, her father died, and Katniss immediately took over the duties of hunting and gathering food to provide for her younger sister and mother.
When it comes to your career, you are your own advocate. Others will be happy to help you along the way – but you must make the big moves on your own.
Spoiler Alert: All of these skills helped Katniss Everdeen ultimately win the Hunger Games. By following her lead, you can find success and happiness in your career – and win your job search competition.
erica roberts 
Three great skills and talents that can be learned by all.
This is some great advice. I guess we take the things we know for granted sometimes not expecting them to help get us in! Great read!
Thanks, David! Glad you enjoyed it.
I love it! Read the books, saw the movie and now I feel completely justified for spending the time. I was working on self improvement.
Exactly! :) Thanks for reading.
What great parallels you’ve drawn! Even if one had yet to see the film, you’ve clearly laid out your “lesson” for us! Thanks!
Thanks, Rick!
In times of challenge, I would often say to myself “I am a Warrior”. It helped me to feel strong and ready to take on the world!
Sally, I LOVE that! Affirmations are really helpful to me as well, might steal that one from you. ;) Thanks for reading!
I haven’t seen “The Hunger Games” – but I love it when you can glean lessons from books and movies and actually use them in your life. I haven’t been thinking of seeing the movie, but I may have to see it now.
I wasn’t planning on seeing the movie either, Susan! I got roped into it by some friends, but it was actually really entertaining – and I obviously learned some valuable lessons from it. I’ve heard the book is better (but isn’t the book ALWAYS better than the movie?) :) Thanks for your comment!
Just reminded me I should finally watch that movie!
Oh, good! I’m glad. It’s a pretty good story! I enjoyed it.
Although I haven’t seen the movie, I can imagine how these traits helped Katniss. This would be a terrific college paper on drawing conclusions. And although you’re young and have your whole career life ahead of you, you are quite smart when it comes to employee empowerment. Good on you for keeping this blog and posting such accurate info. It would certainly make me as an employer take notice!
Thank you so much, Lisa! I really appreciate that. Glad you enjoyed the post!
Haven’t watched this, but these are three skills that will help most people. I like how you have used a trending topic to write an article around your subject!
Thanks so much! I’m glad you enjoyed it.
I’ve heard good things about the film, and now I know the winner. ;) Three solid bits of advice which we should all practice.
To be fair, it did say Spoiler Alert! ;) Thanks for reading!