My Top Tips for Graduates (or anyone) starting in a new company - by Petra MacEvilly

Joining the Icon team for a three-month internship this May was a homecoming of sorts for me, following an extended period living abroad. I returned to Ireland with a mission - to land my 'big girl job.' Little did I know that the journey would be more challenging than I had anticipated. Yet, I held the unwavering belief that the right opportunity would come my way. And here I am! Five months into my journey with Icon Management, reflecting on the invaluable lessons I have learned so far!?

You have to start somewhere! Climbing the career ladder:

When I joined the company as an Intern, I couldn't help but compare myself to my friends who had already launched their careers in business or teaching. It's human nature to compare yourself, right?? However, my time as an intern has taught me the significance of starting at the very bottom of the career ladder. Achieving the milestone of becoming a talent manager after just eight weeks was a tremendous personal victory. It motivated me to keep learning, growing, and upskilling. Yes, I may be a small fish in a big ocean in my current role, but my passion for my job and the industry propels me forward at a pace that allows for mistakes, lessons, and growth. Sometimes, it's the view from the bottom that offers the clearest vision of the top!

You are going to get a LOT of feedback, but it will make you better!

The importance of psychological safety in the workplace cannot be overstated. I consider myself incredibly fortunate to have landed in a team that created a safe haven for feedback and guidance for me right from day one. In many workplaces, feedback can feel like criticism or getting into trouble. The girls at Icon placed their trust and confidence in me, making me see every piece of feedback as a tool for my personal development. During my interview, Sarah mentioned that mistakes would happen, but as long as I learned from them, there would be no issues. Knowing that feedback is delivered solely for my growth, because I'm a valued member of the team, empowers me so much!?

The relationships you build are SO important.

I genuinely hit the jackpot when it comes to the incredible people I get to sit beside every day. Our office is a dynamic mix of four different teams, each with diverse personalities and strengths - or as we like to say, different DISC colours (if you know, you know). Our company places immense importance on team bonding and participating in team events. While we're fortunate to have dedicated time each week for team bonding, making the effort to connect with the people you share your workspace with is crucial, no matter where you work. Strong workplace relationships mean that when the going gets tough, whether professionally or personally, you have a support system right by your side to guide and uplift you!

Remember that the people you work with are people before colleagues or clients:?

Before I stepped into this role, I had been following and admiring the creators I now manage for years. Meeting and working with them was both nerve-wracking and exciting at the beginning! Yet, one of the most significant lessons for me was realising that behind the screens and personas, they are real people with real struggles. The challenges and triumphs that affect you and me are equally impactful in their lives, something that often goes unnoticed or unacknowledged. This applies in any workplace - remember the person behind the name or title be it the person you sit beside every day or the CEO.

Don’t stress - it all works out!

In November 2022, I made an unspoken decision to bid farewell to Barcelona and return home. I even wrote it in my notes app: "Move home and get a job in? 'Keilidh MUA's agency'." After nearly five months of gruelling interviews and rejection emails, I stumbled upon a job listing for ICON Management, and something clicked. I just knew it was meant to be! Life post-graduation can be incredibly daunting, and the uncertainty can be extremely difficult. However, I encourage you not to give up, never lose hope and write your goals in your notes app (haha) – because sometimes, life has a way of working itself out in the most unexpected and rewarding ways.?