Advice for New Graduates and Their Managers

As a proud parent of a recent college graduate, I’ve witnessed firsthand the dedication and hard work that students put into preparing for their careers. Watching my son graduate was an incredible experience, and I won’t lie—I cried during the ceremony. Just hours after receiving his undergraduate degree, he boarded a plane for the adventure of a lifetime, backpacking across Spain with two friends. Upon his return, he’ll dive back into the internship he started last summer, which he’s been juggling alongside his studies throughout the year. After this summer, he'll complete his master’s degree, and by this time next year, he’ll likely be living out of state and starting his professional career, making my husband and me new empty nesters. ??

I vividly remember the first day my husband and I escorted our little boy to his first day of school. I recall sitting in the classroom, thinking about how many years we still had with him before he would graduate from college. Well, that day finally came, and I am filled with immense pride in the man he has become. Over the last few years, I've been impressed by how much he has taken charge of his future—choosing a major he loves, embracing new adventures, and growing into a remarkable, independent adult. Watching him navigate internships, make thoughtful decisions about his studies, and balance various responsibilities has been inspiring. As he embarks on this next chapter, I am confident that his hard work and determination will serve him well.

To those of you who have recently earned your degrees and are eager to launch your careers, here is some advice to help you navigate this exciting transition:

To New Graduates:

Congratulations on your achievements! Earning your degree is a huge milestone, and now you're ready to step into the professional world. Your education has laid a solid foundation, but there’s still plenty to learn.

Embrace Opportunities: Dive into internships, volunteer work, or entry-level positions. These experiences will help you build the skills and knowledge needed to succeed. Don’t shy away from stepping outside your comfort zone; that's where real growth happens.

Take Responsibility: Research companies and positions thoroughly. Customize your resumes and applications, anticipate common interview questions, practice mock interviews, and apply to a variety of positions to keep your options open. My son has taken this approach, dedicating time to job prep and career planning.

Take Risks: Embrace the unfamiliar. These experiences will help you grow both personally and professionally.

To Employers, Co-Workers or Managers of New Graduates:

Remember, these new graduates are eager to learn and contribute. While they might lack extensive experience, they offer fresh perspectives and a willingness to tackle new challenges.

Mentor and Support: Invest time in mentoring your new hires, providing training, and fostering an environment that promotes learning and growth. This applies to co-workers, managers, and supervisors.

Be Patient and Understanding: Understand that not everything can be learned in a classroom. Set clear expectations, give constructive feedback, and celebrate their achievements. Patience and understanding are key as they transition from academia to the professional world.

Invest in Development: Supporting the development of new graduates is an investment in your organization’s future. A culture of learning and mentorship attracts and retains top talent, drives innovation, and positions your company for long-term success.

Looking Ahead

To all the new graduates out there, remember that the journey may be challenging, but with perseverance and a proactive attitude, you can achieve your goals and build a successful future. Embrace this exciting time of transition and growth.

Note: In the past few months, I've been juggling work and family commitments, making it challenging to keep up with this newsletter. I'll do my best to continue, but please understand that it requires a significant amount of time, especially on weekends. With my longer commute, finding time has become even more difficult. Nevertheless, I remain dedicated to helping others and will continue to #payitforward.

Disclaimer: This newsletter is strictly for informational purposes. For legal advice or actions, please consult external legal counsel. The opinions I share are solely mine and do not necessarily represent my employer’s views. Additionally, I do not provide warranties or endorsements for any companies, contacts, sources, or content mentioned, unless specifically stated as sponsored or similar. It is recommended that readers conduct their own due diligence and research.

About this Newsletter

Angie's Career Gazette. Your source for US job opportunities, career advice and the latest trends in digital advertising & marketing.

In 2023, against the backdrop of challenges and layoffs in the U.S. advertising, marketing, and ad tech industry, Angelina observed a common struggle among her friends, colleagues and social network: the search for new career opportunities and resources. Balancing her role at IAB with her personal time, she initially shared job openings on her social media. Building on her substantial following, she officially launched 'Angie's Career Gazette,' evolving it into a comprehensive career resource hub. Beyond job listings, it offers valuable career tips, advice, and curated industry news.

About Angelina Eng (aka Ang | Angie | not?Angela)

With almost three decades of navigating the dynamic digital advertising landscape, Angelina Eng has become a renowned authority in this ever-changing field. Her background within prominent industry holding firms has propelled her into executive roles, spanning account management, media planning and buying, ad operations, and data analytics. Angelina's expertise extends to areas like data engineering, operational excellence, and advertising platforms. In her present position at the Interactive Advertising Bureau (IAB), as VP Measurement, Addressability & Data Center, she focuses on creating educational materials, best practices, industry standards, research and events that delve into topics such as addressability, media analytics, attribution, and more.

Angelina is always open to meeting new people and making new friends; click the ?? "follow" button on?Angelina's LinkedIn profile .