Graduates, Here’s How To Succeed In Your First Job

Once the elation of commencement passes, new graduates are faced with a daunting prospect: starting their first jobs. According to a 2023 report from the National Association of Colleges and Employers, almost 60% of graduates work at an internship during their college years. Undoubtedly, these internships help prepare students for what’s to come. But one’s first job post graduation, with no campus to return to nor end date in sight, feels different. The stakes—and expectations—are higher.

When I started my first job after graduation, I focused on building the technical skills that I thought would make me successful in my role. Despite mastering these technical skills, I still struggled with the transition. I didn’t realize that success at work was so much more than being an expert in Excel or learning everything I could about the industry our client was in.

After years of managing fresh hires and speaking with other leaders about what makes a newbie thrive, here are the four things I tell my graduating students about what they can do to not only succeed in their day-to-day roles, but also feel happy and fulfilled when doing so.

“Own” The Relationship With Your Manager

In a first job, new employees often wait for their manager to tell them what to do, wait for their manager to schedule a check-in meeting, and then expect their managers to structure the conversation during that check-in. But managers have a ton on their minds, and the best employees are those that lighten the cognitive load of their managers.

One easy way to own the relationship: For the one-on-one check-in with a manager, send an agenda 24 hours in advance with things you would like to talk about, and follow-up the meeting with an email recapping what was discussed.

Push To Receive Specific Feedback

Research shows that managers hate giving feedback yet employees want their managers to give them more. It’s a big disconnect that keeps employees in the dark about what they can do to improve. Asking a manager, “What feedback do you have for me?” often results in the answer, “Nothing, you’re doing great!”

Managers often shy away from constructive feedback because of a fear of hurting feelings or creating conflict. Moreover, a lack of constructive feedback early in one’s career can have long-term ramifications for growth and development.

Instead, to get the critical feedback needed, ask for feedback in a specific way. Ask, “What’s one thing I could have done differently in this powerpoint deck to make it more effective?”

Make A Best Friend At Work

The friends one makes at her first job end up being incredibly influential as one navigates an organization, navigates future career changes, and builds the foundation of a professional network. Plus, friends at work make work that much more fun. According to research from Gallup, employees are seven times more satisfied with their job if they have a best friend at work. It’s always a little scary to ask someone to lunch or a virtual coffee hang out, but the potential for a lifelong friend far outweighs those fears.

Keep An Accomplishments Journal

No matter what, a first job is going to have bumps in the road. The mistakes I made in my first job felt catastrophic at the time, and they often overshadowed the wins and accolades I received from coworkers and clients. New employees can keep an accomplishments journal. Each time you accomplish something, big or small, or get positive feedback from coworkers, clients or customers, write it down. For the times when the road is bumpy, it’s helpful to be reminded of all of the positives that have been accomplished.

Erica Brown, a healthcare consultant at Manatt Health, has also used the accomplishments journal for future career options. “In addition to documenting what you accomplished, also write down how you did it and what lessons you learned,” she says. “Over time the journal will become a ready-made list of resume items and talking points for your next job, especially for those tough behavioral interview questions.”

A Final Piece Of Advice For Graduates

A final piece of advice for graduates entering the workforce in the upcoming weeks and months? Ask those around you what they wish they had known when they started their first jobs. The question: “What’s one thing you wish you had done differently in your first job?” will yield helpful (and often surprising) advice.