5 things I learned in my first year of work

The working world: far better, far worse, or maybe just far different than K through college

I graduated from UNC-Chapel Hill in May 2017 and moved to Atlanta in September 2017 to start a job as a marketing and communications associate at a professional services firm. About a week ago, I celebrated my 1-year workiversary.

Over the past year, I’ve made fantastic work friends, started on a new team, made many mistakes, and learned as much as I did in a year of college, if not more. I’m excited to share 5 things I learned in my first year of work. While this is definitely not an all-inclusive list, I’m hoping it can prompt your thinking on your first year out of college or in a new job.

1. You’re like a freshman all over again. There are fewer roles in the workplace food chain that are more junior than “new hire.” I’ve seen colleagues use this as an excuse to keep their heads down, but I’d encourage you to instead play the new hire card and ask as many (thoughtful) questions as you can. Your new team members will likely answer almost anything you throw at them.
2. But you can’t sleep like a freshman anymore. I spent numerous late nights at the library throughout college, so I was shocked to find 6 to 7 hours of sleep a night wasn’t going to cut it anymore. In a traditional desk job, you’ll likely stare at a computer screen for a full eight to ten hours a day. No more walking through the quad to class, chatting with friends, or grabbing lunch at the dining hall. I’ve found I need 8+ hours of sleep a night to stay focused all day and I don’t mess around with my 10pm bedtime.
3. Think carefully about the “extracurriculars” you take on. Like in college, there are countless opportunities to engage with your new company and community, whether that be by signing up for a volunteering project, taking on a leadership role in the young professionals’ club, or simply living it up socially. Before committing to something, do a gut check and ensure you’re doing so intentionally, not based on FOMO, your yes-man or -woman syndrome, or another reason that doesn’t quite check out with what’s really best for you. Balance is key, so resist the urge to overcommit before you get a solid feel for your new work and personal life.
4. Learn the difference between “I don’t know” and “I’ll find out.” And, know when to use them, because they’re not as interchangeable as you may think. Normally, I’m a huge fan of “I’ll find out.” It’s a great way to admit you’re new and don’t know what you don’t know, but to also show you’re excited to learn and willing to roll up your sleeves. However, as a recovering perfectionist, I’m still learning when to say “I don’t know.” Hint: It’s if you needed an answer five minutes ago and the person you’re talking to can figure out in one minute what would take you an hour.
5. Remember, the real world is messy. I was shocked and sometimes overwhelmed by the countless hurdles my new colleagues face on any given day. I keep this in mind anytime I ask something of a teammate or a colleague on another team. Work doesn’t fit into a college syllabus, so be clear with your questions, considerate with your requests, and above all, contentious of how your work could accidentally create unnecessary work for someone else—it’s the best way to gain supporters in your corner.

I’ve learned that the working world can be both scary and thrilling, fulfilling and draining, and everything in between. How you see and engage with your professional lie is all about how you manage your energy, expectations, and personal growth journey. What have you learned from living in the ‘real world?’