Crafting a 30/60/90-Day Plan for New Graduates: A Roadmap to Success

Starting a new job post-graduation can be both exciting and daunting. As a student career coach, one of the most effective tools I recommend to new graduates is a 30/60/90-day plan. This structured approach can help students transition from academia to the workplace, understand their new environment, and set themselves up for long-term success.

Understanding the Structure of a 30/60/90-Day Plan

A well-structured 30/60/90-day plan breaks down the first three months into manageable phases:

First 30 Days: The focus here is on understanding the organization, its culture, and the specifics of the role. This period is about orientation, building relationships, and gaining a comprehensive overview of how the company operates.

Next 30 Days (Days 31-60): This phase involves evaluating how well the integration is going. It’s crucial to identify any gaps in knowledge or skills and seek feedback. Start contributing to small projects and set short-term goals.

Final 30 Days (Days 61-90): In this stage, refine and enhance your performance. Solidify relationships with peers and supervisors, take on more significant responsibilities, and demonstrate your value to the team. Prioritize tasks based on the feedback received and personal observations.

Incorporating Key Questions

To make the most out of each phase, it’s beneficial to incorporate specific questions:

30 Days:

• What are the company’s main goals, and how does my role support them?
• Who are the key stakeholders I need to build relationships with?
• What are the immediate tasks and expectations for my role?

60 Days:

• What areas do I need to improve based on feedback received so far?
• What additional training or resources can help me fill knowledge gaps?
• How can I better align my work with the team’s objectives?

90 Days:

• How can I take on more responsibility or lead a project?
• What have I achieved so far, and how does it align with the company’s goals?
• What are the next steps for my professional development (if needed) within the company?

Using the 30/60/90-Day Plan Effectively

Coaches to help your clients effectively use a 30/60/90-day plan, I suggest the following:

Customizing the Plan: Tailor this plan to fit their role and the company’s culture. Identify key stakeholders, understand the company's mission, and set realistic, measurable goals.

Regular Check-ins: Encourage regular check-ins with supervisors to discuss progress, receive feedback, and adjust the plan as needed.

Self-Reflection: Promote self-reflection at the end of each phase to assess what they’ve learned, the challenges faced, and how they can improve moving forward.

Documentation: Advise them to document their achievements and learning points, which can be useful for performance reviews and future career development discussions.

Sharing the Plan with Interviewers

A 30/60/90-day plan should be shared with the interviewer when discussing the approach to the role during the interview. This typically happens when asked about the strategy for the first few months on the job or how they plan to contribute to the team. Sharing the plan demonstrates preparation, strategic thinking, and a proactive mindset.

Wrap-Up

A 30/60/90-day plan is an invaluable tool for new graduates entering the workforce. It not only helps them navigate the initial challenges of a new job but also sets a strong foundation for future growth and success. By understanding their new environment, building relationships, and continuously seeking feedback, new graduates can transition smoothly and make a significant impact in their roles.

Encourage your students to adopt this structured approach, and watch them thrive in their new careers!

Want to become a Certified Student Career Coach (CSCC) with PARWCC if so, learn more HERE and HERE.

Dr. Natascha F. Saunders

Founder, The Youth Career Coach Inc. | www.TheYouthCareerCoach.com and www.NataschaFayeSaunders.com | [email protected]