A Note to Recent Graduates

Dear Grads,

First off, congratulations! You did it! You learned, you survived, you’re ready to take the workforce by storm.?It’s a big change. Your first job won’t be your last job and you are by no means done learning. I’m sure everyone has advice to share, but please indulge me for a minute.?

Continue to Outgrow Things

• Outgrow your plans: You will continuously evolve – your skills, your interests, your awareness of possibilities. There are jobs that will exist in 5-10 years that don’t exist today. Don’t be afraid to grow in a direction that is different from what you thought you would do or would like. ??
• Outgrow your resume: The resume you use to land your first job should not be the same resume you use to find your second or third. Things that are important and at the forefront today will take a backseat to new accomplishments in the future. If you spend more time trying to make your resume format work for you than you do updating the information, ditch that format. Pick something that works for where you are in your career at that time.?
• Outgrow your job: Your first job will not and should not be the job you keep long term. The purpose of an entry level role is to learn and grow. You should and will outgrow that role. Work with your manager to develop a growth plan. Titles don’t always change, but your responsibilities should grow with you as should your compensation. If you are somewhere that is not invested in your growth, you’ll know it’s time to move on when there’s nothing more you can learn.
• Outgrow your mentor: This is not to say kick them to the curb and don’t stay connected, but you’ll find that you will need different council at different times in your life. Stay open to meeting new people and nurturing those relationships. You never know who will be in your small group of trusted advisors that you work with for different things. ?

?Maintain, Maintain, Maintain

• Maintain a list of your accomplishments: Whether it’s a note on your phone, a google doc, or something else, have a place where you can quickly add a new personal or professional accomplishment. Set a calendar reminder to do this once a quarter. There is nothing more daunting than updating your resume after several years in a role and starting from scratch. A list you can reference makes the task so much simpler.
• Maintain relationships: Never burn a bridge. Even in big cities, industry folks know other industry folks. Give at least a 2 weeks’ notice, provide constructive (direct but kind) feedback if asked, and never badmouth a former employer or colleague in an interview process or to other professionals. And never, ever tell a recruiter you have an offer from X company to leverage your position unless you truly have that offer. There’s a good chance they will call someone they know at that company to confirm.

Get Uncomfortable

“The only time you are actually growing is when you are uncomfortable.” – T Harv. Eker

• Embrace growing pains: Somethings will come easily but others will be hard and uncomfortable. Put something uncomfortable on your growth plan and work on it until it’s not uncomfortable anymore. Is it a software that intimidates you? Is it receiving feedback without becoming defensive? Is it taking on a new responsibility/project that is a stretch for your skills?
• Have the conversation with the person: This is hard and it unfortunately only gets easier the more you do it. If you have an issue with someone, speak with them directly. Don’t let it fester, don’t let yourself spin a narrative. Approach the conversation from a perspective of seeking to understand – here’s the facts I have, this is the story it’s telling me, help me understand. I highly recommend the book Crucial Conversations. It’s a great resource to help you develop a toolbox for doing this.
• Ask questions: You are fresh out of school which gives you so much power to ask all the questions. Stop worrying about sounding dumb and just ask. Everyone you work with will want you to succeed and remembers being in your shoes. They want to share what they know about the company, their experience, the industry, the client, etc. Ask someone to grab coffee and let them talk. So much is learned by listening.
• Share your ideas/speak up in meetings: Good ideas can come from anyone. Don’t let your newness, age, or position in the company stop you from sharing. ????

I hope you each stay curious and passionate, carving your own unique path.

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