Career Advice for New Grads

It’s that time of year when I am asked to offer career advice to recent college graduates. I always laugh when I think about the statement my dad (the options trader) gave me, before starting my first post-collegiate job as a commodities trader: “Do your job and don’t screw up!” Let me couch dad’s words in a kinder way: You, young graduate, think that you have much to offer your benevolent employer. In fact, you offer very little except potential.

That said, Caroline Ceniza-Levine, career coach and co-founder of SixFigureStart? says that you would be wise to start your job before you physically arrive in the office. Try to learn as much as you can about the company and the industry before day one. When you do start, your first goal should be to make a good first impression and the best way to do so is to do what is asked of you -- and more.

You may be the type of person who seeks a great work-life balance, but as a former boss of a certain generation, I can tell you that in the beginning (at least 90 days and probably up to a year), you would be well-served if the balance were to tip more towards work. And while you absolutely need to ask questions, don’t make the mistake of seeking constant feedback, which can quickly translate into your boss thinking that you are needy. Instead, make sure that you check in on a regular basis--weekly, monthly or quarterly, depending on what you and your boss agree upon.

 Your overall goal is to gain the reputation as being energetic, diligent and collaborative. How can you become known as a team member? MIT professor Alex Pentland notes, “The best team players connect their teammates with one another and spread ideas around.” Ideal team players are “not necessarily extroverts, although they feel comfortable approaching other people. They listen as much as -- or more -- than they talk and are usually very engaged with whomever they’re listening to. We call it ‘energized but focused listening.’” Considering that the vast majority of people you encounter like talking more than listening, just being present, focused and listening will help distinguish you from your co-workers.

Listening is also important when it comes to the dreaded networking process. Although in the digital age, connection can seem as easy as a click, I can’t emphasize enough the value of physical interactions to help foster these relationships. According to Pentland, “the most valuable form of communication is face-to-face. The next most valuable is by phone or videoconference, but with a caveat: Those technologies become less effective as more people participate in the call or conference. The least valuable forms of communication are e-mail and texting.”

And if you are unhappy in the beginning stages of your career, Ceniza-Levine says don’t be too quick to jump ship. It may be growing pains and by sticking to it, you may find that you actually like it. If the job itself isn’t a good fit, you may find another position within the company. And remember, there’s probably just as much to learn from a good job as a bad one.