Transitioning into one’s first job out of college can be daunting. We all doggy paddle until we get our feet under us.
Learning never stops. Growth is the name of the game.
Thanks to many generous mentors and coaches in my life and with a few years under my belt, I pen this top 10 list for upcoming graduates as they contemplate “adulting.” This hits home in two special ways:
My sister is graduating this month, and her big sis is quite proud!
SnoQap, a nonprofit online journal which offers students the opportunity to research and publish critical thought and analysis on topics within their fields, recently hosted an “ask me anything” panel on life after undergrad.
Building on this session and the insights my fellow panelists and I shared and with special dedication to the Classes of 2020 and 2021, I offer the following nuggets of advice:
Be humble and hungry: Mindful that you are the little fish in the big pond, be humble in demeanor without undercutting your valuable knowledge and abilities. Use your skills to execute on your ambitions. Be hungry to prove yourself, earn trust and continue to grow. You will “belong” in the rooms you are asked to enter, but act as though you have to earn the privilege everyday. Doing so, in my experience, opens doors and affords opportunities that live only in your wildest dreams.
Be authentic, rather than your vision of the perfect professional: Many have a specific vision of what constitutes a “professional.” For me, this meant being buttoned up, prim-proper and super formal in demeanor. During my first performance review, I was informed that some felt I was arrogant. Rather than showing up to work as the person you think others expect, simply be yourself. That is who the organization hired. The company expects you to be human – funny, personable and well rounded. Moderately let your hair down.
Live like a monk: Identical to the advice given to many college freshmen each year through Busted Halo’s famous The Freshman Survival Guide, live like a monk. Your first paychecks are not a license to spend freely on high ticket items or fancy trips. Create a rainy-day fund. Start saving for retirement. Begin paying back loans. Err on the side of caution. Watching a savings account grow is so rewarding! Consider adopting a minimalist lifestyle. Pretend your budget is as tight as it was in your undergrad work-study days. Design décor on a dime; find inexpensive hobbies and entertainment. Indeed, the best things in life are free and such sacrifices are worth it in the long run.
Say yes to opportunities: When presented with the opportunity to try something new or take on a special project at work, say yes. If colleagues or supervisors believe you could positively contribute and bring value, trust them. Take them up on the offer. If you are unsure of your skills, say yes anyway. Trial by fire can produce great results. Learn as you go and seize opportunities.
Be strategic when deciding whether to pursue grad school: Despite the pressure to keep up, fear of not being competitive in the market or the desire to defer loans, be sure to align your professional goals to the choice of pursuing higher education. Is the program’s content interesting, timely and aligned with what you want to learn? Could on-the-job experience or an industry certification provide a similar benefit? Does your company offer tuition reimbursement? Are scholarships available? Would a part or full-time academic program best suit your needs?
Form a personal board of directors: Finding a formal, long-term mentor or coach can be daunting. Instead, consider seeking out a series of individuals that you respect and who are willing to provide ad hoc advice. Obtaining advice from various sources and perspectives enables one to form a more robust understanding and then, make the right individual choice. By forming a personal board of directors, early career professionals can have a small team of go-to people who champion them, coach their development and advise them up during pivotal or tough moments. A personal board of directors should include voices from in and outside of one’s current organization, someone in and outside of one’s industry/profession, a favorite professor, family member, colleague from a volunteer or community organization, a peer, etc.
Network your tail off: Network, network, network… ‘til the cows come home and then, keep at it until they are fast asleep on their heated water beds (no joke, this is how dairy cows sleep). While one’s number of LinkedIn connections is important, real life relationships are worth their weight in gold. Invest time in networking above and beyond when you are looking for a job. Seek to offer something in return – share a name, resource or piece of advice. Treat LinkedIn like a professional Facebook. Check it daily. Post and like things you find interesting. Actively comment. Follow influencers. Stay up to date on industry trends, blogs and publications. Use networking as a form of learning and an opportunity for professional exposure. Yes, it can be awkward. Do it anyway. Try different networking approaches and find what works for you, your needs and your industry.
Never quit on a bad day: Life after college is equally exciting and challenging. When the going gets tough, resolve to push through. Pivoting your plans is okay…we all do it. However, do not give up on a bad day. Dust yourself off, tough it out, learn and grow from the challenge. Show others (and yourself) that you are resilient. Then, if you need to make a change, do so from a place of strength and with a calm mind.
Write down your goals and accomplishments: Write down your goals regularly and especially at the start of a new job, big project, new year, birthday, etc. Then, periodically review your progress against these goals. Carve out deliberate time to pause and reflect. Strive to strike a balance of soft and hard-skill related goals; both are needed for career development. Similarly, dedicate time to regularly capturing your accomplishments. Ask yourself what the impact of your actions are. Acknowledge not only the what, but also the why and how of what you do. Keeping such a list in real time enables you to see your steady growth and maintain an up to date resume. Updating a resume only when others request a copy or you suddenly find yourself in the job market is tough. Often, we forget our marketable accomplishments if we do not pause to write them down regularly.
Listen to everyone, then decide with your head, heart and gut: Many big life choices lie ahead. Nearly everyone will be eager to offer you advice. I would encourage you to listen to everyone with an open mind. Weigh your options. Consult your personal board of directors. Then, make an informed choice taking into account what your intellect, passion and instincts are telling you. This combination is powerful. Do not ignore one out of fear it is invalid.
To the Point
“Adulting” is a great adventure. Hold on tight for a ride of a lifetime. Take each day in stride. Embrace the journey. Baby steps count.
Naming #11
New grads - Comment below other great pieces of advice you have received or any questions you may have.
Big bad adults - What item(s) would you add to this list? Nominate an 11th word to the wise in the comments.
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