New to the workforce

Question

I'm about to start my first full-time position and would love advice! What would you say to your younger entry-level self?

Anonymous · Answer

Congratulations! I'd likely tell my younger self to keep pushing beyond what you think you are capable of.  Sometimes we get put in positions where we are not sure if we can/should move up but if you know you've got the skills, be confident in your abilities and do it. Ask for that raise, that promotion as you grow in your career and know all they can say is no.

KimmieFH · Answer

I love this question! I could write a book (and maybe will someday lol) but I'll leave you with these 4 major tips:

1. Make connections and don't be afraid to ask questions. As a career coach I see a lot of people who are afraid to connect with someone because they are unsure if that's the direction they want to go in but I say how will you know if you don't ask!? (And this includes executive level leaders! I wouldn't be where I am if I didn't decide to ask my VP of HR if we could chat over coffee... I was working at the hotel front desk at the time. She not only obliged, she helped introduce me to several other key players in corporate HR.) It's not just about having and 'in', though it helps. Confidently connecting with different people and understanding their role is a great skill for any position.

2. Careers today are more fluid than ever before. You don't need to follow one distinct path and it's totally ok to change your mind, even multiple times, it usually doesn't mean 'starting over'. Understand your transferable skills and be skilled at finding information.

3. You will mess up. You need to to learn and get ahead. Embrace it, own up to it, and after the burns heal be grateful for it.

4. Continually check in on and feed your energy and your confidence, it's a balancing act for both. As some have said above, you were hired for a reason, you don't need to be overbearing but act as the expert in your role. Your insights are valuable so contribute them. If they aren't used, be curious over offended and ask to learn what pieces you hadn't considered.

Congrats! It's a very exciting time and I'm thrilled for you. Go do great things :)

Barb Hansen · Answer

1. Always be networking 
- connect with everyone you work with, and meet through business on LinkedIn.

2. Always raise your hand for special projects
-  when you are ready (raising your hand doesn't happen on day one), volunteer for special or unique projects that might be outside of your comfort zone. You never know who you will meet or new skill you will learn.

3. Always keep your resume and Linkedin Profile up to date
- take a few minutes every quarter or once a year to spend some quiet time with your resume and Linkedin Profile. Add in any new projects, accomplishments and outcomes that you have.  Keeping your resume and Linkedin Profile up to date will make your life so much easier when you start looking for your next job.

Amaryllis aka The Latin Phoenix · Answer

Congratulations!! I'd say, take it easy on yourself, when you make a mistake (because you will) own it and move forward, and enjoy your new position ?

Joanne Jack · Answer

Congratulations on your first job! Way to go.  I would meet with everyone in the company and pick their brain to ask for advice. Learn from everyone and get feedback as well.  Not sure what role you are in but for example if in a sales roles practice your pitch with others in the organization so they can provide feedback!  Be confident and believe in yourself is key to excelling in your career!

Jay D. · Answer

Don’t take things personal.

LEANNE TOBIAS · Answer

Congratulations on your first job and great question!

Advice I’d give my younger self: 
*1. Try to find a workplace where you *fit in well* and enjoy the work.  A workplace in which you are well-liked makes it more likely that you will excel on the job and be promoted, so don’t overlook this important factor.
2. It’s much better to get promoted than to move laterally, especially as you grow older.  Select an industry, job and company with room to grow and advance.
3. If possible, pick employer/s with excellent retirement benefits, including company match, and contribute the maximum possible to the retirement plan.  You’ll be a lot more secure and comfortable the more that you are able to save for retirement.
4. Live within your means and save enough cash to tide you and your family over in case of an economic downturn or in case you want to resign your job.  The more that you have in savings, the more independent and flexible you are, and the better decisions you can make for yourself.
5. If you have workaholic tendencies, prioritize your personal/family needs. Hard workers will always get the job done well, but sometimes neglect work/life balance. Make sure that you make sufficient time for yourself and your family.
6. Consider the possibility that you will be forced to retire before age 65.  Age discrimination has been increasing in the U.S. and is now affecting workers in their 40s and older.  Therefore it’s extremely important to have savings and have an idea of how to pivot to an alternative career.

Michelle Pauley · Answer

How exciting!!! Congrats. Be friendly and ask what can you do to help. Be early, makes you look good and people notice.

Anonymous · Answer

Always work hard and diligently, even if you feel secure in your position.

Yori Nirasawa · Answer

Congratulations! If it's for a big company, my advice is to network, ask questions and ask for an informational interview. As an aspiring professional, this is the perfect time to get all the details from other successful women in leadership position. One thing that helped me move forward is to always be reliable and put in the hard work. This will not go unnoticed, especially at a smaller company. Best of luck to your new career!

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