5 First-Job Pro-Tips

You did it! You graduated! You got a job! You live in your own place! And now… adulting. Before you let the sad trombone overtake the soundtrack running in your head, allow me to offer some pro-tips on getting through those first few years after graduation. This comes from a mom of successful twin 24 year olds, and a recruiter who has helped thousands of people build successful careers.

1.      First Job < Rock Star (most of the time)

It’s your first job. It’s not going to be glamourous or big money, in most cases. That’s normal. That’s okay. I remember my first professional job being bored out of my mind some days. I’d see what the big players were doing and want to do THAT. I “knew” I could. But let’s face it, nobody’s going to hand over control to the kid who just learned some things in school. You need to learn how it’s done… the company way. Run alongside… support…. Earn trust… eventually, you’ll find yourself earning ever sweeter spots over time.

It’s also normal to feel like a "newbie" at your first job. You’re suddenly immersed in real-world projects, deadlines, and professional expectations that can be very different from academic life. According to a study by the National Association of Colleges and Employers (NACE), 45% of new grads report feeling underprepared for their first role, despite their education.

Tip: Embrace Lifelong Learning

No one expects you to know everything on day one. Treat your first few months as an extension of your education. Heck, I’ve been in the recruiting game for 20 years and I’m forever learning! Ask questions, seek mentorship, and take note of areas where you can grow. Many companies offer training and development programs—take advantage of these opportunities. Remember, every professional was once in your shoes.

Also - think of all the people you admire. Their stories are often filled with how hard they worked. The rejection, the surviving on ramen. Very few people say, "I moved to New York with a million dollars in my pocket and a Nepo-Baby situation." Nope. Just remember... you're in that scrappy part of your story, and one day, you'll look back and help the next generation to advance.

2. Balancing Work and Life

Yeah, school could be intense at times, but when you start adulting, getting used to a 9 to 5 day can be ROUGH! Work-life balance can be elusive, especially when you're new to the workforce and eager to prove yourself. A survey from Deloitte found that 77% of millennials and Gen Z workers reported experiencing burnout in their jobs.

Tip: Prioritize Self-Care

It’s important to set boundaries early on. Establish a daily routine that includes time for rest, exercise, and personal activities. Don’t forget to make space for relationships, too—your support system of friends, family, and colleagues is vital to long-term success. Scheduling time for social activities can help you recharge and maintain a positive mindset. 

3. Imposter Syndrome

Do you ever feel like you’re not qualified for the job, even though you’ve earned your degree and passed the interviews? You’re not alone. Imposter syndrome affects 70% of people at some point in their careers, according to a study published in the International Journal of Behavioral Science. It can manifest as self-doubt, anxiety, or a fear of being “found out.” 

Tip: Celebrate Small Wins

Combat imposter syndrome by celebrating your achievements—big or small. Reflect on your successes and remind yourself that you're in your position because you’ve earned it. Seek feedback from your manager and peers to gain a realistic perspective on your strengths and areas for improvement. Confidence builds over time. In those early days, I kept an email folder called “Positive Vibes.” Whenever someone sent me a message with awesome feedback, I’d stash it there. I’d refer to it on days when I needed a lift. It also came in hand to reference these wins during performance reviews. 

4. Adjusting to Office Culture

Every company has its own culture, values, and unspoken rules. Learning to navigate office politics and adapting to a professional environment can be tricky, especially if it’s your first time working in a corporate setting.

Tip: Observe and Adapt

During your first few weeks, take time to observe how others communicate, collaborate, and approach their work. Notice the tone of emails, the structure of meetings, and how your colleagues interact with one another. By adapting to the existing culture, you’ll find it easier to integrate and build relationships within the company.

5. Managing Finances

For many new grads, managing a steady paycheck for the first time can be challenging. From paying off student loans to saving for future goals, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed by financial responsibilities. A recent study by Bankrate revealed that 54% of young adults say they live paycheck to paycheck.

Tip: Create a Budget and Set Financial Goals

Start by creating a budget that outlines your monthly income and expenses. Use apps like Mint or YNAB to track spending and set savings goals. It's also helpful to begin contributing to a retirement plan as early as possible—many companies offer 401(k) matching, which is essentially free money for your future. Stash money in a high yield savings account a little at a time. It will give you flexibility to make your next big move down the road.

Finally, many newbies forget this key important item:

Your first job = References for your next job!

Your current boss and peers may one day be called about to talk about what you were like to work with. Leave them singing your praises! Stay in touch after you leave, and be sure to get a good LinkedIn recommendation, while you’re at it. I was so incredibly driven early in my career, that I wrote handwritten thank you notes to each person I worked with during my internships and early jobs. Fifteen years later, one of those people who is an absolute mega-influencer told me what a huge impression that left on her. A million interns came and went. I was the one she remembered. Do the work. Build the relationships. Make it happen. You’ve got this!