I’ve officially spent one year working in corporate. Woo! I can’t believe how fast a year goes. It feels like yesterday I was walking downtown to my first day of training. Scared. Excited. Optimistic. Proud. And then there was my first day with my client. I left crying. Not ready to enter the “real” world yet. Not ready to lose summer and my college freedom. One year later and I can say that “I made it” and had a few big wins in my first year too (along with many lessons)…

Lessons:

• Your first job may not be your dream job. That’s okay!
• Having a weekly capacity in hours is a good thing.
• Talk to everyone. Yes, even if they’re your parents age.
• Jump in with two feet. Take on tasks. Say yes.
• Try new things. Go to networking events.
• Talk to everyone. You’ll learn something!
• Take advantage of mentorship and trainings.
• Keep an open mind. See everything as a lesson.
• Find a friend (or three) at work. Check in often.
• Corporate is a roller coster. Nothing is certain.

Tips:

• Keep track of the value you add to your company.
• Be proactive about meeting with your managers.
• Ask a lot of questions. This is how you learn.
• Update your resume frequently (while it’s fresh).
• Connect with team members on LinkedIn.
• Take advantage of activities and trainings.
• Make notes of what drains and energizes you at work.
• Set a few work goals. What do you want to achieve?
• Use your PTO. It’s okay to take days off.
• Find a mentor (at least one). Connect often.