5 Things To Remember When You Start Your First Job Out Of College

So you nailed the interview and you’ve locked down your first job out of college. You’re about to start the career that you’ve been working so hard towards for the past few years. Congrats! I’m so excited for you!

When I graduated from Clemson University in 2016, I feel like I had no idea what was actually in store for me at my new job. I hadn’t been exposed to the corporate culture much, other than a few internships. I’ve been in it for 5 years now (time seriously does fly), have learned A LOT, and want to share some insights with you so you don’t feel like you’re going in blind as a new college grad.

Here are 5 things to remember when you start your career right out of college:

1.       Opt into the 401k or retirement plan at least up to the employer match. 

As soon as you qualify to contribute (usually after 90 days of employment), make sure you are signed up for a portion of your paycheck to automatically be invested every pay period.  You might think “I have years until I have to worry about retirement” or “but I need that money to live now!”.  Trust me when I say you’ll thank me later.  Not only does this money work more for you in a retirement account than it does in your pocket because of the tax benefits, but the longer your money is invested, the more money you will make and the sooner you can retire!  If you only do 1 thing on this list, make sure it’s this!!

I lost out on building wealth because I did not do this one, simple thing. I promise, you’ll thank yourself later!

2.       Participate in outside of work activities. 

Show that you’re invested in building relationships and that you’re a team player.  A lot of managers want to see participation in social events that the company hosts.  Not only is it great to get to know your coworkers in a relaxed environment, but it could make you closer to your direct managers who in return might think of you first when it comes to extra growth opportunities at work.

My current employer offers monthly yoga classes and different work parties throughout the year. I always try my best to go as much as humanly possible. This has allowed me to become really good friends with my bosses and be mentored that much more on my career path.

3.       Leave your personal life at the door when you walk in. 

Do not be the person known for complaining all day about their home life, how they slept last night or what illness they’ve developed now.  Don’t come in every Monday and give every juicy detail about your weekend in general.  Leave anything TMI at the door or only to the coworkers you’ve developed a deep relationship with.

Honestly I think when you start at a new company, your best bet is to lay low for a few months. Listen and observe as much as possible to see how things are done and who is trustworthy. Remember, you’re first and foremost there to do a job. Let that be your number one focus and stay out of office drama.

4.       Ask your employer what you need to accomplish to be a standout employee. 

This question can be used to your advantage when it comes time for your first review.  When note worthy accomplishments come up, write them down!  Now at your review you’ll have plenty of reasons why you deserve a pay raise or promotion. Use this question as ammunition!

5.       Figure out if the company culture aligns with your values. 

This might be your first time being immersed in a corporate culture.  Your first job by no means needs to be your only job.  Your employer needs you more than you need them.  There are way too many jobs out there to feel stuck in a place that doesn’t make you happy.  Or even if you don’t see the company progressing or growing (this happened to me) it might be time to move on.

At my first job out of college, it started off great. I loved my coworkers and the projects I was promised were coming in the near future…Well those jobs never came and I started to realize that this company wasn’t as stable as I had thought they were. And then there was also the fact that I was always called out for trying to be healthy, which was super annoying. So I left.

No I can say that I have been with the same company for over 4 years, we have loads of work and a great reputation in the industry, and they value the healthy of their employees!