It’s graduation season, and if you're finishing school right now, chances are you've been hearing a lot of familiar advice: Follow your passion. Network! Don’t worry, something will come along.
Here’s what I wish every new grad knew:
1. You don’t need to have it all figured out.
Your first job isn’t your last. Think of it as a launch pad. Focus on learning, building relationships, and noticing what genuinely energizes you.
2. Clarity comes from doing, not just thinking.
Apply to things. Talk to people. Go on interviews. You’ll learn from trying WAY more than you will from crafting the “perfect” plan.
3. Careers aren’t straight lines.
Most people pivot, often more than once. Every step teaches you something useful for the next one. The key is to stay curious and keep moving forward.
4. The small things matter.
People notice when you’re the first one showing up at work each day or when you follow up after a meeting with an action plan without being asked. These things build trust, and they add up.
5. Learn to take feedback without shrinking.
You will get feedback, some of it helpful, some of it clumsy. Don’t let it crush you. Ask questions, reflect, and adapt. The people who grow fastest aren’t the ones who get it right the first time; they’re the ones who stay open, even when it’s hard.
To all the grads out there: you’ve got this!
