Reflections on My First Year in Corporate America

Ignore the fact that we look like a boy band, but this picture on the right is funny to me. It was taken in August of 2018, the start of my senior year at VCU. A few things to immediately notice about this picture; almost a year later, the building behind me is where I started and it isn't even standing anymore, the building on the right wasn't even completed and yet now(pre-COVID) is where I currently work.

It's funny because, in 2018, I honestly was not looking or thinking of my next steps especially not specifically to DE. I really didn’t even know DE except for the multiple energy bills. Today I reflect, thinking about how we could have taken a picture at any other spot on that rooftop, but yet we sat there. Maybe this was a foreshadowing where I would be a year later, almost hinting at my future. But back then I wanted to start my senior year with a fun outing with my friends.

Fast forward now coming on two years since that picture and one year since starting work, I'm taking this time to reflect on the 5 biggest things I learned in my first year in the corporate world. 

1. Like the picture above, not everything is expected.

The first week of 9-5 was rough. My roommates and friends know, nothing prepared my for the transition to full-time life. I didn't expect to be so tired and confused at the same time. I also didn't expect to move into that shiny new building, I thought I would be in an old corporate building for a while. Today, I didn't expect to be working from home for the last few months because of COVID19. Don't be so fine-tuned on your plan. Be easy. You will look back and see it actually worked out for the better.

2. Never stop learning.

Even though you are out of school, it doesn't mean the learning stops. Over this last year, I've found that true. From learning the ins and outs of different parts of Dominion Energy to learning how to be a full life cycle corporate recruiter. Learning may not be in a classroom setting, you will need to push yourself to learn as much as you can. In the last year I even pushed myself to get two certifications; Certified Associate Professional in Human Resources? (aPHR?) and a Certified ScrumMaster? (CSM?). If you are still in school, take time to actually pay attention in classes, and take detailed notes. They will help later. If you are out of school, still push yourself to learn new things that can help you and others.

3. Find Multiple Mentors

This is going into the 2nd lesson a little more. Most people might say find just one mentor, but I challenge that you should find multiple mentors. Seek out mentors from different fields and viewpoints. Listen to their stories, and reverse engineer parts of how they got to where they are. You don't need to take everything from them, but each new thing you learn will help you move forward. Thankful to have multiple mentors who have helped me learn more this last year. Special shoutout to @Faby Helme who introduced me to DE and continues to be a mentor to me in my first year.

4. Good culture and leadership are important.

Over the last year, I really found out that, a good team and company culture will make the days/hours go by way faster. No company can ever be fully perfect but, when you see the visible changes, effort, and action being taken - is where when you know it's a good fit. You shouldn't change your own values or beliefs to fit a companies culture. I encourage you to ponder and ask those needed questions if you see that either culture or leadership is not what you thought it would be. This year, I've seen how a good team culture and leadership will help you grow, push you to do more, while also being able to question the past and change for the future. Grateful and big shoutout to my direct leadership, who has helped train me, always open to endless questions, and any new ideas I have.

5. Stay involved and continue to meet new people (no matter their title and yours).

Work-life balance isn't a thing. Work-life integration is. You cannot be in and out of your 9-5. You will only end up miserable and dreading your days. Continue to find people around you who you can learn from but also be friends with. This isn't to say you have to be friends with everyone, but be open to meeting new people. Stay involved by joining the companies ERG's and other applicable groups or programs! Glad to have met and work with some amazing people in the last year! Also grateful for the

Although this article was more for my own reflections, I do hope for all those out there starting a new job or career might inspire you to do more and seek more. I am happy to talk to anyone about my journey or any advice they may need! Message me. 

Stay Safe,

Aaron V.