3 Things I Learned My First Year in the Workforce

1. I Don't Know Sh!t

In my first year out of school, I faced a significant challenge that proved to be the hardest lesson to learn: being comfortable with not understanding everything. The world of software engineering I encountered was far larger and more complex than I had anticipated, and it became clear that I couldn't grasp everything in the time I was given to solve a problem. In school, my success relied on immersing myself in a topic, exploring its intricacies, and gaining a complete understanding. However, this approach didn't translate well into the real world. It hindered my progress and slowed me down. I had to learn to accept my limitations, acknowledge what I didn't know, and adapt my approach accordingly.

2. The Power of Openly Vocalizing Your Goals

Taking Control of Your Narrative and Accelerating Success

I learned the crucial importance of stating my goals. The world has a tendency to shape our identity unless we take charge and define ourselves. How we communicate our goals determines how the world treats us. If we lack clarity in what we want or why we're there, others will struggle to understand us too.

Sharing your goals can be intimidating and vulnerable, as there is always the risk of people laughing or mocking them. One co-worker jokingly teases me about my goals because of how grand they are - they almost sound ridiculous!

No matter what you choose, pain is inevitable. Option 1: You share your goals, and some people may laugh at them. But the upside is that when you share your goals, others can provide the support and help you need to achieve them. Option 2: You keep your goals to yourself, and as a result, you miss out on the support and assistance that could have propelled you forward. The point is, whether you share your goals or not, there will be challenges.

By opening up and sharing, you give yourself a better chance of reaching your aspirations with the help of others.

By boldly stating my goals, I experienced a remarkable acceleration in reaching my desired destination. This act of deliberate goal setting, combined with having a supportive manager, enabled me to navigate my path with purpose and efficiency, ultimately achieving my objectives in a fraction of the time.

3. Taking Initiative to Make an Impact

Recognizing Gaps and Driving Change in the Workplace

It became evident that the organization and its people truly appreciate individuals who identify areas in need of improvement and take action to fix them. By going the extra mile and making proactive suggestions, I noticed a tangible impact on how my efforts were perceived. The act of noticing something and taking the initiative to propose solutions or improvements became highly regarded. I realized that by actively seeking opportunities to make a positive difference and contributing ideas, I not only showcased my dedication but also fostered a sense of ownership, giving back, and not to mention a little bit of fun between fixing bugs ;)

Feel free to comment below and share any lessons you've learned while in the workforce!

Thank you for taking the time to read this week’s newsletter! On a final note, please like and share this article if you found it thought-provoking. To stay up-to-date with my newsletter, "Skyrocket to Success,"?subscribe now on LinkedIn.

Wishing you vibrant health and unwavering success -

Holly