5 answers
Avery
Student
Manhattan, Kansas
1
Question
Asked
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What is the biggest piece of advice that fresh college graduates should know??
What is something career/life related that a fresh college graduate should know? How does this information benefit them?
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5 answers
Sara King
OSP Engineer III
3
Answers
Spring Branch, Texas
Updated
Sara’s Answer
Transitioning from college to the workforce can be a big change, but remember it's perfectly fine not to have all the experience or knowledge right away. Whether your job aligns with your career goals or is something entirely new, you'll discover that applying what you've learned in college often happens on the job through hands-on practice, not just from books and classes.
When I graduated in early 2017 with a Bachelor's and Master's in training and development, I was determined to find a career that matched my degree. I realized later that I was limiting myself by focusing only on jobs directly related to my education. Although I had the academic knowledge, I lacked real-world experience. So, I took a step back and accepted an entry-level job unrelated to my degrees. Over time, I discovered new ways to use my education and became successful by applying my skills in unexpected ways.
Stay open to various opportunities, even if they don't match your original plan. You never know where these paths might lead you, and they could bring you success beyond your expectations!
When I graduated in early 2017 with a Bachelor's and Master's in training and development, I was determined to find a career that matched my degree. I realized later that I was limiting myself by focusing only on jobs directly related to my education. Although I had the academic knowledge, I lacked real-world experience. So, I took a step back and accepted an entry-level job unrelated to my degrees. Over time, I discovered new ways to use my education and became successful by applying my skills in unexpected ways.
Stay open to various opportunities, even if they don't match your original plan. You never know where these paths might lead you, and they could bring you success beyond your expectations!
Sara Grant
Talent Programs
1
Answer
Salt Lake City, Utah
Updated
Sara’s Answer
As someone with experience in early career hiring and talent program management, my biggest piece of advice for fresh college graduates would be this: Focus on building relationships and continuously learning.
It’s easy to think that your degree or technical skills will be the most important factor in landing and succeeding in your first job. While those are definitely important, the ability to build relationships, communicate effectively, and adapt to new environments is what will set you apart. Early in your career, you're still figuring out the professional landscape, and relationships are key to unlocking opportunities, gaining insights, and developing your career further.
I'd also encourage you to keep an open mind about what you want your career path to look like. You don't have to have it all figured out right now. This is the time to try things out, learn what you like doing, and explore different areas. If you're curious about a different job or function, find people in those areas who you can learn from.
Remember, learning is a lifelong journey! College gives you a solid foundation, but the professional world is ever-changing. Your growth doesn’t stop once you graduate. Embrace learning new skills, whether through on-the-job experiences or external courses. This mindset will help you stay relevant and agile as industries and technologies evolve.
It’s easy to think that your degree or technical skills will be the most important factor in landing and succeeding in your first job. While those are definitely important, the ability to build relationships, communicate effectively, and adapt to new environments is what will set you apart. Early in your career, you're still figuring out the professional landscape, and relationships are key to unlocking opportunities, gaining insights, and developing your career further.
I'd also encourage you to keep an open mind about what you want your career path to look like. You don't have to have it all figured out right now. This is the time to try things out, learn what you like doing, and explore different areas. If you're curious about a different job or function, find people in those areas who you can learn from.
Remember, learning is a lifelong journey! College gives you a solid foundation, but the professional world is ever-changing. Your growth doesn’t stop once you graduate. Embrace learning new skills, whether through on-the-job experiences or external courses. This mindset will help you stay relevant and agile as industries and technologies evolve.
Liza Po
Business Planner, Program Manager
4
Answers
Toronto, Ontario, Canada
Updated
Liza’s Answer
Congrats on this big step! Moving from academic to work life is a huge deal, and I'm wishing you all the best and lots of happiness in whatever comes next.
My humble 2 cents. Start with digging deep and soul searching what’s important to you – what values are essential to fulfill you. They should guide and become the foundation of your personal but also your professional experience (no separation – one life to live!) Pick a company with values and culture that align and resonate with yours. Those with beliefs and principles will more likely foster an environment where you can thrive and be the best version of yourself. Being part of an organization that values integrity, innovation and people will influence your motivation and performance. Join HP like I did 😊
Another thing to share – based on my experience a career is not a straight line. My journey has been diverse and dynamic. If you embrace that your career may take you to different roles, domains or areas and businesses, these will provide flexibility and help you gain a wide range of skills and experiences, making you more adaptable. Approach it that every job you take is a chance to learn, grow and find new passion.
And pick a place that will continue to grow and develop you to stay marketable -good training, mentorship programs + clear ways to move around/up. Companies that invest in their team's growth show they care about developing talent, which is super important for long-term success. Finally – don’t forget to prioritize your well-being – invest in your career but make space activities that bring you joy.
My humble 2 cents. Start with digging deep and soul searching what’s important to you – what values are essential to fulfill you. They should guide and become the foundation of your personal but also your professional experience (no separation – one life to live!) Pick a company with values and culture that align and resonate with yours. Those with beliefs and principles will more likely foster an environment where you can thrive and be the best version of yourself. Being part of an organization that values integrity, innovation and people will influence your motivation and performance. Join HP like I did 😊
Another thing to share – based on my experience a career is not a straight line. My journey has been diverse and dynamic. If you embrace that your career may take you to different roles, domains or areas and businesses, these will provide flexibility and help you gain a wide range of skills and experiences, making you more adaptable. Approach it that every job you take is a chance to learn, grow and find new passion.
And pick a place that will continue to grow and develop you to stay marketable -good training, mentorship programs + clear ways to move around/up. Companies that invest in their team's growth show they care about developing talent, which is super important for long-term success. Finally – don’t forget to prioritize your well-being – invest in your career but make space activities that bring you joy.
Tomn Harrington
Global eCommerce + Corporate Strategy
2
Answers
Denver, Colorado
Updated
Tomn’s Answer
Building on Liza, Scott, and Sara's great advice, here's another tip:
Create a personal 'Board of Advisors.' Pick a few people you admire and ask if they would join your Board to give you advice when needed. This is a more organized way to find and work with mentors. Your chosen advisors can be anyone—a family member, teacher, friend, or someone else who knows you well and is willing to help. Run this "Board of Advisors" like a real board, with meetings every few months, updates on your progress, and regular advice sessions for decisions or paths you're considering.
This Board of Advisors can help you better use your mentor network and strengthen your connections.
Good luck!
Create a personal 'Board of Advisors.' Pick a few people you admire and ask if they would join your Board to give you advice when needed. This is a more organized way to find and work with mentors. Your chosen advisors can be anyone—a family member, teacher, friend, or someone else who knows you well and is willing to help. Run this "Board of Advisors" like a real board, with meetings every few months, updates on your progress, and regular advice sessions for decisions or paths you're considering.
This Board of Advisors can help you better use your mentor network and strengthen your connections.
Good luck!
Scott Wolff
Customer Support IT Technology
2
Answers
Boise, Idaho
Updated
Scott’s Answer
Seek out businesses that are expanding. You're putting your most precious asset—your time—into a company, career, or job. Look for opportunities in industries that are booming or where there's more demand than skilled people or resources. When a business is growing quickly, there are plenty of chances for you to move up. If you're not seeing these chances, think about exploring new paths. Be bold and take risks. Remember, if you stumble when starting out, it's just a chance to learn and grow even faster.