Many organizations thrive on the enthusiasm, flexibility and energy of experienced and well-educated young employees. This is particularly the case in Russia, where the young are best-placed to adapt to the working conditions that have resulted from the development of a market economy.

Natalia Maleyeva, HR director at cosmetics company Mary Kay, is quick to list a range of assets that young employees often have to offer in the workplace. She says that the young lead their organizations ahead with their fresh ideas and are often dynamic, and that's why they are a success. She adds that many young employees are not afraid to speak their point of view on occasions where employees with work experience in the Soviet Union may be in conflict with them.

"Young people are the salespeople - the ones at the front line - who do the deals and generate a company's revenue," says Mathew Igel, general manager at recruitment agency Kelly Services. He said the better-trained and more experienced this age group is, the better business will be.

But he also cautions that he has seen a lot of career failures in the 24-28 age group, and that it is at this age that the work style of a professional develops - for better or worse.

It's important to do one's best to start off on the right track, harnessing all the advantages that youth can offer, while avoiding developing any bad habits that you could carry forward to other places of work.