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Do you remember your first grade teacher? What about your childhood friends? Now consider what was important to you at age six. I hate to break it to you, but those days are long gone. We’re “young professionals” now. Where did the time go? It seems like only yesterday I was riding bikes with my younger sister and the neighbor kids.

Fast forward to 2009 and I'm juggling countless meetings, conference calls and deadlines. In addition to my daily responsibilities, I must also manage a career, develop a professional network and engage in professional development. If that weren’t enough, it seems that my young professional status sometimes makes others skeptical of my background, knowledge and skills.

No one said it would be easy. The transition from young to young professional has certainly been an uphill battle; however, following are five recommendations to make this life-changing transition more manageable:

1. Prioritize, prioritize, prioritize. Determine what’s important to you. Establish a home/work balance and stick to your guns. Identify people around you who can keep you in check and who can serve as a sounding board when you just need to vent.

2. Actively participate in a professional association. Do not underestimate what this relationship can do for you. The resources are bountiful and can save you a lot of time and energy in fulfilling your responsibilities in the office. Serve on a committee, write an article or recruit new members. The opportunities to volunteer are endless.

3. Identify a mentor. This is someone who has your best interests at heart, can introduce you to the movers and shakers in your field, can serve as a reference when the time is right and can open up possibilities you never knew existed.

4. Develop a network. Find others with whom you can exchange problems and ideas. These individuals should include young professionals both locally and nationally, as well as others doing similar work at other associations.

5. Manage your professional development. Seek out opportunities to enhance your knowledge and skills. Work toward achieving a professional certification or designation in your field. Stay informed of the latest trends and best practices.

Above all, don’t take “no” for an answer. As young professionals, doors sometimes close more than they open. We don’t have the years of experience to back our education and training. Our “gut feeling” doesn’t always inspire confidence in those around us.

But, be persistent. The key to overcoming challenges is drive and determination. Allow me to remind you of the childhood adage, “If at first you don’t succeed, try, try again.” Live these words each and every day, and I guarantee you (to the extent I can) a bright and promising future.