Dominic Macrone’s first year on the job was a breeze. Meghan Firster’s was difficult, but exciting. Kelly Rodeghiero’s and Pam Webster’s first years were downright dreadful.
All learned some valuable lessons during that time.
“I think my first year really helped build a firm foundation for my career,” says Firster, now coordinator of university relations for Westinghouse Electric Co. in Monroeville, Pennsylvania.
“I was overworked and underpaid,” says Rodeghiero, who left her first job to become global student employment manager at Unisys in Blue Bell, Pennsylvania. “But the first year provided me a wealth of knowledge and prepared me for my future roles. I put up with working long hours and always volunteered to help out in areas outside of my day-to-day functions. My goal was to learn as much as I could about my industry to help me decide what area I wanted to focus on in my future endeavors.”
Webster, now Southern California recruiting manager for Enterprise Rent-A-Car in Gardena, California, says her first job, as a sales representative, paid very little, offered poor commissions, put her up against fierce competition, and required her to begin work each day at 5:30 a.m.
After eight months, she says, “I had to make a decision about my future, and resigned. Six other sales reps resigned on the same day ... Though it was a tough transition, it was probably the most important decision of my life.”
Webster says she soon found a job with Enterprise, and has been with the firm for 17 years.
“My first year taught me that I had to take ownership of my future and not be afraid to make changes or take risks,” she says. “I worked long and hard hours, but it paid off as I worked my way into management.”
Macrone, now manager of university relations for Prudential Financial in Newark, New Jersey, says he began his career at Johnson & Johnson in New Brunswick, New Jersey, with series of “rotations” to help him find his niche.
“I was fortunate that my first rotation was with a great boss who let me ease into the job,” he says. “My second rotation was much more intense and prepared me for the increased work load I would face when I started my permanent position.”
Other recruiters agree that the first year on the job is an important time of transition during which new graduates begin to shape their careers.
“It is difficult moving into an environment that is an 8 to 5 job, with all new people,” says Monica Wandler, regional recruiting representative at Solectron Corp. in Charlotte, North Carolina. “It’s the first time in which your agenda is not just going to class, studying, and taking an exam. You are not surrounded by peers who have the same interests and are around the same age. It definitely takes adjustment.”
Amanda Schutz, manager of college recruiting for SRA International Inc. in Fairfax, Virginia, advises new graduates to take on as much as they can in their first year.
“There is so much to learn by being involved in hands-on activities within a company,” she says.
Rachel Seff, national manager of recruiting and development for Consolidated Graphics in Houston, Texas, manages a three-year leadership development program within her firm. She says she encourages new employees to draw on the wisdom of their co-workers.
Schutz says her company does the same, and this year began a mentoring program called “Friends On Board,” in which previous college hires with one or two years of experience are paired with new college hires.
“We plan activities for the “friends” and the new hires, including local sporting events and group dinners,” Schutz says.
The seven campus recruiters say that while company-sponsored mentoring programs are helpful, new graduates must still work hard to ensure success in their first year.
Following, the recruiters offer a dozen tips to help first-year employees build a strong foundation:
- Learn everything you can about the company.
“Read all those e-mails that have corporate information,” Macrone says. “Read all the company magazines too. Read the annual reports and study the organizational charts. Figure out what the company does and how they do it. Try to get into a plant or go out with a sales rep.”
- Ask lots of questions.
“This world of work is all new to you, so don't be afraid to dive in and ask people about what they do and how they do it,” Seff says.
“Individuals in your organization understand your situation and are available to help you become successful,” Firster adds. “If you ask questions, it will ease your transition from college life to work life. Asking questions also develops your understanding of company culture, technical issues, and the organizational structure.”
- Do lots of listening.
“It is very important to soak in as much information as possible during your first year,” Rodeghiero says.
- Seek feedback.
“Ask your managers and peers to comment on your performance and provide suggestions for improvement,” Firster says.
- Find a mentor.
“Really reach out to mentors within the company to help you, because there are going to be tough days, tough times, no matter who you work for,” Webster says.
- Volunteer for projects that help you gain experience.
“I think a lot of new employees hold back because they are afraid to make mistakes,” Seff says. “However, in most companies, assertiveness, drive, and work ethic will be well rewarded.”
“You'll learn a lot by working on a variety of projects with a variety of team members,” Macrone says.
- Expect to work extra hours.
“Eventually, you will learn who to go to get things done and this will make things easier,” Macrone says. “But initially, you will lose lots of time just figuring out how to accomplish simple tasks.”
“You need to start at the bottom and work your way up,” Seff says. “Hard work will be appreciated!”
- Get to know the people inside and outside of your department.
“You will come in contact with a variety of people, and they will be helpful contacts as you work your way through the organization,” Macrone says.
“Meet as many people as you can and learn about their role within the company,” Rodeghiero adds. “You never know if you will be working for them one day.”
- Seek opportunities for professional and personal development.
“This will help you advance through the organization of your choice and in your career,” Firster says. “Finding ways to educate yourself will also make you a better person.”
- Be nice to everyone.
“Administrators, mailroom staff, etc., can have influence beyond what their titles would indicate,” Macrone says.
“Don’t get wrapped up in all the office politics,” adds Wandler. “Be friendly and do a good job.”
- Be in it for the long haul.
“Think of your career as a marathon, not a wind sprint,” Webster says. “Most of us will have to work for 30 years or so, and the first year is just a small part of your career,” “Anything worth having, whether it’s a career or a relationship, takes work and doesn’t come easy.”
- Have fun.
“If you go into a job—or any environment—that’s not fun, look to yourself, not others, to make it fun,” Webster says. “Work hard, play hard!”