Every year new graduates enter the labor market, each in a different labor market than the last. Successfully navigating such a major change can be difficult on your own, so it helps to consider the advice of those who have previously walked the same path and are achieving their goals.
Here, 12 members of Council for Young Entrepreneurs consider their own trajectory and offer their best advice to recent graduates entering the workforce seeking their own successful career.
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1. Know that passion will take you far
Your degree does not define your limits nor dictate your success. The most important thing I’ve learned in business is that you can be successful in any field you’re passionate about. With the world’s growing interconnectedness, if you have a unique idea backed by passion, it’s relatively easy to find highly skilled people to build your business on. Ideas are the new currency. – Alex Austin, Right Law Group
2. Prioritize building your network
Recent graduates should prioritize building a strong professional network through industry events, contacts with alumni and professional associations. A strong network can provide valuable mentorship, job opportunities and collaboration opportunities and help them launch their careers by providing new experiences and connections. – Nick DeAngelo, Saint Investment – Real estate funds
3. Define what success means to you
Define what success means to you and the lifestyle you want. This can help you set personalized goals and priorities so that your career path aligns with your values, passions and aspirations. By defining your version of success, you can better evaluate job opportunities, career moves and networking opportunities, leading to a more fulfilling and purposeful professional life. – Alfredo Atanacio, Uassist.ME
4. Learn how to troubleshoot
Learn how to provide value in any situation by offering solutions instead of discussing problems. Anyone can learn this skill by practicing mental models such as the Eisenhower Matrix and Occam’s Razor. For example, you can list problems you encounter in a work situation, break down what is urgent, and resolve accordingly and quickly. Be the first to identify and solve. – Libby Rothschild, Dietician boss
5. Always wake up excited and thankful
I would like to tell recent graduates: I was in your shoes 16 years ago when I graduated from pharmacy school and started my residency. I would like to remind all of you to wake up each day excited and thankful for what you have. When starting your career, make decisions based on where you want to be instead of making decisions based on where you are now. What do you want your life to look like in 2028? – Dr. Christine Manukyan, STORRIE Institute™
6. Stay studious
College gave you a foundation to learn; the staff gives you the practice. One of the advantages for companies that hire recent graduates is that you are malleable. They can provide you with educational opportunities, try to keep you from forming “bad habits” and set you up for career growth as long as you are employed. Keep a good attitude and keep an open mind – your leadership will notice. – Greg Ashton, TO GROW
7. Think about your perfect job and go find it
Take a moment to sit alone with pen and paper and write down the perfect job for yourself. Be as detailed as you want. Don’t hold yourself tight to your idea of what’s realistic, because as a fresh graduate you don’t know all the options the world has to offer. Describe your day, your pay, the impact of your work, the kind of people you work with, and anything important to you. Then go find it! – Tyler Bray, TK Trailer Parts
8. Take initiative
Don’t wait for opportunities to come to you; look them up and create them for yourself. Whether it’s taking on additional responsibilities, seeking out mentors, or networking with professionals in your field, be prepared to give your best and take calculated risks to achieve your goals. Be open to learn from your mistakes and adjust your course if necessary. – Kelly Kercher, K3 technology
9. Embrace the unknown
Embrace the unknown! As recent graduates enter the workforce, being open to new experiences, challenges and opportunities will help them learn, grow and adapt in a dynamic work environment. It is a mindset that promotes resilience, innovation and continuous learning, setting them up for a successful career start. – Sujay Pawar, CartFlows
10. Trust your instincts
Trust your instincts on job postings that seem to have red flags. While you may sometimes have to settle for positions that aren’t satisfying, sometimes companies take advantage of your lack of experience to underpay or violate the expectations of an application. Never hesitate to ask for help from trusted mentors in your life to review contracts or terms. – Duran Inc, Optimal7
11. Prioritize self-care
One piece of advice I’d like to give recent college graduates entering the workforce is to prioritize self-care. Starting a career can be stressful and overwhelming, and it’s important to take time for yourself to recharge and avoid burnout. This can mean different things to different people, whether it’s taking breaks during the day, practicing mindfulness, or finding a physical activity you enjoy. – Pratik Chaskar, spectra
12. Be open to all opportunities
Be open to opportunities that may not seem like your ideal fit. You are not likely to land your dream job on day one. Being open to different roles you come across will help you find the right position. You never really know what life has in store for you, but the more receptive you are to opportunities, the further you’ll get. – Jennifer A Barnes, Optima Office, Inc.
