20 y/o starting NASM CPT + European Level 4 — any advice for a young future PT?

Hey everyone, I’m 20 and currently working on my NASM CPT through a guided program. It’s way more expensive, but since I’m pretty new to the field I wanted something structured instead of trying to figure everything out alone. I’m based in the Netherlands, so once I pass NASM I automatically also get the European EQF Level 4 PT certification.

The material is challenging sometimes, but it’s starting to click and I actually enjoy learning it. I’m already diving into communication, coaching, and basic marketing because I think those skills are just as important as the workouts themselves.

My plan looks like this: – finish NASM CPT – take NASM Nutrition (I really enjoy the nutrition side) – start a 4-year Sportkunde Study next year (sport coaching/management) – work in a commercial gym as a side job to gain experience – eventually go independent and build my own PT business

For those of you who’ve been in the industry a while: What advice would you give someone who’s starting young? Things you wish you knew earlier, mistakes to avoid, skills worth developing now — anything helps.

Thanks in advance!