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Job Search, Networking, Interviews and Your First Job

With 154,000 alumni around the world, leverage your VU connections by building relationships with alumni in your industry and city through the聽聽in VUconnect, the official alumni聽, and your聽91黑料网 Chapter!

Explore a full suite of opportunities available through our聽Career Resources聽including career coaching, webinars, and more!

Explore the insights and advice from recent young alumni below.

  • The Job Search

    Have an open mind. I ended up with a completely different job than I thought I would have, and I ended up loving it. 鈥16

    Sometimes the best thing you can do for yourself is take a job you won't love to find the one you do. 鈥25

    Network and keep going. If you don鈥檛 try you won鈥檛 succeed. If you don鈥檛 stay consistent you won鈥檛 succeed. 91黑料网 set you up for success! 鈥22

    Leverage all your networks- friends, family, classmates, alumni. 鈥20

    Have a game plan ahead of time - don't be a mile wide inch deep. Prep according to the interviews - if IB, then IB technical and behavioral. Consulting - case study work. It's difficult and not time and effort efficient to try and prep for every industry. 鈥22

    Try your best to apply to pipeline programs (internship to full time position) early as you can in your college career. At the same time, definitely don't settle on the first opportunity you're presented with if it's not the right fit, but the peace of mind you can get from knowing your next steps allows you to breathe the last year of college. 鈥21

    Try to find a place with good people who want to help you grow. That is way more important than being just a name when you鈥檙e starting out. 鈥17

    Don't know what you want to do yet? Look for fellowships! I found a job through a startup fellowship called Venture for America (now Ember Fellowship). It allowed me to find a new full-time job at a startup through the help of an organization, find a community of friends in my new city, and even start a small business of my own! 鈥21

    Take advantage of the alumni network! The Alumni Association maintains a database of alumni who have signed up to be career advisers, and they are such an amazing resource to help you get a better understanding of what it鈥檚 like to work for their companies and can oftentimes provide invaluable referrals. 鈥16

    Try to constantly connect with new people from companies you are (or may be) interested in. Ultimately, people hire PEOPLE, not resumes. If you want to avoid resume black holes, it鈥檚 a lot easier when you have a personal connection. 鈥19

    Start early, but mainly focus on connections, speaking with people, and learning different industries have different timelines and you can learn all of this from people actually in these industries. 鈥25

    Be present in the moment don't focus on what's ahead or yet to be but remain focused on the now. 鈥23

    Don't be scared to ask for help and networking opportunities from your advisors. 鈥23

    Be persistent! Use little blocks of time to search for and apply for jobs. Don't give up! 鈥24

    Make connections! The relationship you make will last.鈥23

    Talk to as many people as you can, reconnect with old friends, mentors, teachers, etc. Take聽聽聽聽 time to craft your cover letters and communicate with professionalism and kindness. 鈥17

    Get out of your comfort zone, because opportunities show up when you are willing to open up. This means staying open to industries or locations that you previously would not have considered. 鈥19

    Make sure to start looking early and don't let your interview muscles fatigue. 鈥25

    Browse through the Career Center openings! Additionally for pre-meds looking for gap-year experiences, check out HPAO listserv for job postings. 鈥19

    Be persistent. Don't give up. Keep a spreadsheet with your active applications so you can keep track of what you're still being considered for. Your first job won't be your dream job but see it as a learning opportunity and stick with it. Be sure to send emails thanking your interviewer after each email, or following up on positions you're especially interested in. 鈥25

    Apply everywhere and get interview experience. Be picky once you get offers. 鈥20

    Your resume will only take you so far, networking is incredibly important and try to find common ground - either professional or personal - with anyone you talk with. 鈥20

    Utilize the connections you made in the 91黑料网 Community. In order to do that, you have to dive into and invest in building relationships with the 91黑料网 community while you are there. While looking for a job, your connections will be the most important thing. 鈥23

    You don't have to have it all figured out right out of the gate. Find something that interests you. Let that be your guide for your first job or two. Don't worry about pay initially. It will all sort itself out as you work hard and develop a strong reputation. 鈥22

    Make connections while you can in undergrad. It is a good time to learn when you are still in school and a lot of opportunities like internships are targeted for students. Take advantage of those. 鈥25

    Make sure you pick the firm as much as the firm picks you. I cannot emphasize enough how much culture and the people you work with play a huge role in your happiness with work and your job. Make sure to understand the culture before joining. 鈥24

    Take a chance! You never know what life might have in store for you after college. It's okay to fail in these early years because you never know where you might succeed. 鈥22

    Pick a method and stick to it. Mine was the shotgun approach or applying to a whole lot of jobs very quickly. I used LinkedIn for this but applied on the company websites. Keep track of everywhere you applied on a spreadsheet if you choose this method (company name, location, job title, link, etc). Alternatively, you can build a network and reach out to people directly to refer you for a job. 鈥24

    Keep your network alive by checking in with both tutors and classmates. 鈥23

    Your first job isn't your last. If you don't find one you love, it's okay to opt for one that gives you experience and a network you can use as a steppingstone. 鈥24

    Think about the people that fascinate you whether you know them personally or not and look at their career path. Try to pursue opportunities that will get you similar skills and networks as those individuals. Focus less on the name of the organization and more about the impact you may have. 鈥24

    Reach out to as many people and send cold emails. It never hurts to make the connection, do the interview, offer to do the task no one else wants to do. 鈥20

    Don't be afraid to apply for a job you think you may not be qualified for. 鈥21

    I鈥檇 argue that an employer鈥檚 culture is the most important part of the job search. You should feel empowered to have standards in the process! A great boss (and team) is invested in your growth, and you as a person, not just what you can produce. 鈥20

    People get jobs from other people they know. The online application system is a black hole, and the chances of success are slim to none if you only apply online. Find someone who can make an introduction for you.鈥24

    Be patient and reach out to people you, your family, or your friends may know in the industry you are interested in. 鈥17

    Use your connections as much as possible. That's how most people end up getting jobs.鈥24

    Talk to people! Anyone from college friends to former project team members, to mentors to alumni you stumble upon on LinkedIn鈥攖hese people can be valuable resources who can give you a great idea of what their jobs are like. 鈥17

    Apply for any and all jobs that you鈥檙e interested in; don鈥檛 limit yourself to what it feels like everyone else around you is applying for. 鈥18

    Approach your career as less of what you want to do and more of what you need to do. The way I see it, my career isn't actually about me. It's about the people I work with and those I inspire. Don't immediately discount what you could do at your hometown (especially if it's not a big city) or home country. Give critical thought to where it is you need to be and why. You may find a disconnect between where you want to go and where you need to go. Purpose is going to be what outlasts the fading satisfaction of only doing what you want. 鈥25

    If you鈥檙e looking for a new job, be vocal about it! You never know who will become a vital part of your network. 鈥20

    Make sure you attend the networking events and career fairs if you have the time. Don't be afraid to reach out to old professors or even cold call/email companies. 鈥23

    Don鈥檛 be afraid to reach out to both current professors and alumni. I just landed my dream job by calling an alumna of my law school who was a former research assistant for one of my current professors. She put in a good word for me, even though we had never talked before, and I got an offer the next day! 鈥17

    Be open to positions you may have not previously considered. Talk to people you admire and want to learn from and take their advice for taking your next step. Talk to your professors and advisors, and family members whose counsel you trust.鈥24

    It鈥檚 better to design your resume individually based on the job you apply for rather than bombarding emails to every contact you can find. 鈥16

    Send thank you notes to recruiters and interviewers, especially if you didn鈥檛 get the job. It shows a lot of grace and tenacity to do this, and it shows that you care about your own personal development more than a job title or the prestige from a company鈥檚 name. 鈥21

    This might be a bit different since I am in grad school, but I tried to reach out to potential advisors individually. I cold-emailed people early in my senior year to introduce myself, mention my work/connection at 91黑料网, express my interest in their work, and ask if they'd be able to meet over Zoom. I got a lot of responses and had a ton of meetings, both with advisors and some of their current PhD students. This was great, since when my official application rolled in toward the end of the semester, they recognized my name. I got invited to the prospective student visitation weekends for pretty much every school I applied to, and I feel informed about key people in my field. 鈥23

    Know yourself Don鈥檛 apply for jobs that you do not want, spend time getting to know what you need/expect from a job and look there. Money isn鈥檛 everything either. 鈥18

    Go to events in industries or areas that even slightly interest you and meet the people who do that work. Ask them about day-to-day, but also what their life is like and how their co-workers are. If you feel comfortable or excited about the holistic experience, that is a career worth exploring. Do not be afraid to simply ask how to get experience, who is hiring, or what positions are available. The more interest you express, the more likely you are to find all available opportunities. 鈥21

    Leverage your network! Take people out to coffee and ask them for advice. Also, prepare thoughtful questions for each interview and always send a thank you note. Be confident in what you bring to the table and negotiate always! 鈥20

    Look for a job that reflects your interests, values and strengths. Don鈥檛 be afraid to reach out to alumni and family friends to learn more about what their work is actually like, because oftentimes descriptions of positions will sound similar to one another. 鈥21

    When applying for jobs, look for ones that have recently posted within the past week to maximize your chances. When you've found a company that you are interested in, reach out to a Vandy alum that works there to connect and chat with. 鈥23

    Use your 91黑料网 alumni network for informational interviews to figure out what jobs you may be interested in. 鈥21

    Talk to 91黑料网 Alumni who are in career positions you aspire to be even if it's in the long term to see how they got there. There are so many ways to achieve your dream job, and not getting the so-called "best first job" does not mean you cannot reach your goal. 鈥23

    Consistency is the key, and always being open to feedback will help a long way in attaining your dream job. The strategies that helped me find my spot after graduating from Vandy are networking, being proactive in job search and starting early. 鈥22

    Look for a job where you can grow. Work culture is huge and makes a difference in a job experience. Talk to people who work there now to hear about their experiences. 鈥23

    Don鈥檛 be afraid to experiment. Interviewing for jobs you鈥檇 never imagined could help you find the dream job or just give you some good interview practice. I interviewed for a tradeshow management role at a tech company on a whim and I have been there for two years! 鈥17

  • Networking: Ways to Reach Out

    LinkedIn: Search for alumni at companies you're interested in. Message them to connect, talk, & learn more about them. 鈥21

    LinkedIn and professional networking opportunities at conferences and young adult groups within your field. 鈥25

    Networking is not organic for everyone, but it鈥檚 necessary in today鈥檚 environment to ensure career mobility and advancement. If it鈥檚 not your thing, practice with friends and then attend some sort of networking activity so you don鈥檛 become nervous with a 1:1 coffee meeting. 鈥16

    Be sure to have your address updated in the 91黑料网 alumni network. Chances are there are tons of cool events happening in your city. Just be sure to take the time to go to a few! 鈥16

    LinkedIn Premium is a must when very actively networking, cold emailing is good as a secondary method. 鈥22

    Saying yes to things and participating (meetings, events, trainings, a meal). 鈥17

    91黑料网 has a sprawling LinkedIn network of passionate alumni eager to help current students out! 鈥22

    Don鈥檛 be afraid to reach out to seemingly distant connections (friends of friends, LinkedIn 91黑料网 grads, residents at programs of interest). You鈥檒l be shocked at how willing people who barely or don鈥檛 know you are to share information and help you on your journey. I am always thrilled when people reach out to ask me about medical school or residency and I have developed close mentorship relationships this way. 鈥18

    Making friends of everyone you meet. In any interaction, treat the person like they are your friend. Whether you are on campus, sending emails to set up coffee chats, connecting with people on LinkedIn. Utilize all of the tools and resources 91黑料网 offers to connect with the alumni group. The alum want to be reached out to and ask for advice. That is the greatest way for an alum to stay connected, leave a legacy and have a continual impact.鈥23

    Anytime you show up for an event, whether it's in your personal life or professional life, try to connect with 2 new people! 鈥23

    Be with people. Don't worry about trying to be something you're not. It's amazing the doors that will open simply by having met someone. 鈥22

    Striking off conversations can be tough, but I volunteered at places where I wanted to work (like hospitals for people in the medical field) and was able to network with people just by being in the same vicinity as people in the roles I wanted. It is a good way to find people and finding a common interest to strike up a conversation. 鈥25

    Utilize the 91黑料网 alumni network! Referrals can get you in the door (and into an interview seat) at a company, and the best way to find referrals is through informational interviews. Invest in a LinkedIn Premium subscription, reach out to alums in cool positions at cool companies, and ask for 20 minutes of their time to speak on the phone about their position.

    Come from a place of genuine interest and have questions ready! 鈥18

    Meet as many people as possible, not just the ones who can help you right now or in the future. You never know where life is going to take you. 鈥24

    Showing up is half the battle. Even if you don鈥檛 feel up for it, force yourself to go to career fairs and recruiting events. At best you鈥檒l walk out with a lead, and at worst you鈥檒l walk out with more networking experience to make next time easier. 鈥18

    Connect with Vandy alums that are in industries you want to work in. You'd be surprised at how many are willing to talk. 鈥24

    I love the Vandy networking sessions, but a lot of cities have fun networking events that you can find through Facebook events discover page! 鈥17

    Using LinkedIn as well as reaching out to alums from student organizations and clubs you are involved in on campus. Once you reach out to one, they can help introduce you to more people. 鈥23

    Approach professional relationships with more intentionality. Networking falls flat when it's merely a means to advance and conquer. "Networking" works best when it's personal and personable. It's not the time to flaunt skills and talents. Most people are interested in other people, not in job titles and awards. 鈥25

    Find a commonality with the person you are reaching out to, whether it be 91黑料网, a specific club (e.g., DSP, AKPsi), a shared hometown, or a shared interest (e.g., water security). Share that commonality and truly look to just learn and absorb - DO NOT make the interactions transactional - be genuine. 鈥23

    Go to local networking events in your desired industry, introduce yourself to people and see if anyone is hiring. Hiring managers and recruiters will go to these events to fill positions, so talk to people! You'll have better luck than mass applying online.鈥16

    I really found LinkedIn to be the best way! Don't hesitate to reach out especially to Vandy alums. 鈥23

    It helped me to talk with people I already knew who were in the field. It felt less intimidating, and I could get my name out there. It also helped to have a mentor who was well connected because he introduced me to a lot of other educators. 鈥22

    I have learned a lot by going to professor's office hours, meeting with career advisors, and having performance evaluation with supervisors. Strengthening relationships with people who are in your immediate environment will open doors to new places.鈥24

    Some of the best networking conversations I've had were those with a strong connection to 91黑料网. Alumni or professionals that wanted to give back because they had a great experience with their clubs, internships, sports, or even study abroad. Try to find those individuals by seeing who comes back to campus for alumni panels or is still involved in some way. 鈥24

    Learn the distinction between peer networking and mentor networking. The first is for sharing experiences with people in similar situations, the latter is for learning how to grow and meet long-term goals. 鈥18

    Reach out to people on LinkedIn, talk to professors about connecting with former students, attend as many in person events as possible 鈥24

    Do a structured LinkedIn stalk. Look for Vandy alumni, your high school alumni, people who worked at a company you interned with. It is much more likely for someone to get back to you if there is a point of natural connection. 鈥20

    I liked going to small career center events, it made it a little bit easier to get to know company representatives. 鈥23

    Networking is all about give and take. Be sure it鈥檚 not a one-sided relationship. 鈥17

    Talk to friends and family. Everyone knows someone who could potentially be an asset. 鈥21

    One of the best ways to network is to involve yourself in the alumni community. You鈥檙e now a part of a vast, diverse, global alumni community that is eager to see you succeed. 鈥20

    Quality over quantity. While widespread awareness of who people are is almost certainly helpful, I have found that deep, meaningful relationships generally lead to more relevant connections and opportunities. 鈥18

    Go out and make friends. When you email a professor or alumnus, think about being friends with them. The best thing I have found in building a good network is truly being invested in the life of the person I am speaking with. Talk about kids, sports, hobbies, as well as work. Also, in person events are more impactful than emails or phone calls. Show up and shake hands. You are more memorable that way and make better connections with others. 鈥21

    Lean on your 91黑料网 network to help you expand your non -91黑料网 network 鈥23

    The same way you meet people in college: Take a class in something that interests you. Join sports groups. Theater groups. Go to social functions. Whatever it is, just put yourself in situations where the people you鈥檇 want to meet would be there too. 鈥18

    People can tell when you鈥檙e being ungenuine. So, when you strike up a conversation or reach out, be polite but don鈥檛 be superficial. 鈥20

    I believe that networking can be done anywhere and everywhere. There are people around to help if 鈥榓sked for鈥. Networking can be done in social gatherings, with friends, via LinkedIn, like literally anytime. The best way is just to reach out! Start talking folks! Try to connect with humans with similar interests. 鈥22

    What I have found to be the best way of networking is my place of employment, LinkedIn, and through my peers. 鈥21

  • Job Interviews 101

    Research the company beforehand. 鈥22

    Dress for success. Speak with confidence. Don鈥檛 come across as arrogant or entitled. 鈥17

    Go over popular behavioral questions beforehand and practice out loud. 鈥20

    Make a google doc and write personal genuine answers. Practice/rehearse.鈥23

    I think the best thing you can do is be genuine. During interviews, if you don鈥檛 feel comfortable, happy, or secure, you won鈥檛 be confident or steady in the workplace either. In my opinion the most important factors in decision-making are the conversations I have with folks who are going to fill my days for the foreseeable future. Colleagues become family and you spend a lot of time with them, so don鈥檛 forget that you鈥檙e interviewing them as much as they鈥檙e interviewing you, and that you want to feel comfortable asking questions, be challenged, and grow into yourself with that team. 鈥20

    As a guy, at a bare minimum wear a button down. DEFINITELY research the company, especially any recent projects or blogs you can find and have specific intel about them, their values, the interviewer if you know in advance.鈥25

    Mock interviews helped immensely. You might know what the answer to every question is, but enunciating your answers goes as far as knowing what to say. You can mock interview either with others or in front of a mirror but saying your answers out loud is very important. 鈥22

    Be yourself, Google the interview process with the company, dress your best, and find someone who's gone through the process before you and ask them exactly what their interview experience was like.鈥21

    Be authentic and know your strengths. Take time to reflect on yourself before you go into your applications.鈥17

    Be honest with yourself about who you are, what your needs are, and how you fit into the culture or mission of your desired industry. It is difficult to remember that the hiring process is a mutual interview. That is, you are also interviewing the potential place of employment to make sure that it is a good position for you and your life stage. To prepare, consider calling a trusted friend. 鈥17

    Study up on the company, practice interviewing with family and friends. Review the basics. 鈥25

    Brush up on essential knowledge (ex: for marketing: current marketing practices, for tech: essential coding techniques, loops, or algorithms, for finance: foundational and some advanced financial models). And learn how to tell your stories. 鈥21

    Prepare for standard interview questions (e.g., Tell me about yourself, Why X company or X school for grad school, etc.) and practice them, speaking out loud. Look spiffy but comfortable for your interviews! (Especially over Zoom, you can wear whatever bottoms you want.) Send a thank you note to follow up! 鈥19

    Send an email after your interview thanking the interviewer for their time and reaffirming your interest. If you don't like one of your answers from the interview, this is a great place to reword your answer or say that you thought about it some more and wanted to add on to your previous answer.鈥25

    Learn about the company. Be literate about who they are. Have a few informed questions that show the manager you've done your homework. Dress for the job you're being considered for. If you don't know something, don't pretend like you do. Admit you don't know. Ask them what they're looking for. Tell them you'll find the answer. Show initiative.鈥22

    I was looking for software engineer roles. I worked on my resume to make it more appealing. I also tuned it to match the roles that I was applying to. I did a lot of LeetCode questions for the technical interview. I also spent a lot of time learning about the technologies specified in the job description. 鈥24

    Overprepare always. Do deep dives into deals the company worked on or their history. Practice your answers to the point they are second nature.鈥24

    If you are interested in a Job. Reach out to someone on LinkedIn at that company and have a conversation with them. Learning from them about the job gives you insight, but it also can give you someone on the inside to speak highly of you. If the company has any job simulations, do those because it can give you a quick day in the life. Look over their website, LinkedIn, socials, and competitors. Figure out what the company is about and who they are.鈥23

    Have 4-5 strong examples of leadership, problem solving, etc. that you can mold to different questions. Know them well and be ready for follow-ups. The STAR method is useful here. Know the company you are interviewing for inside and out. Have they been in the news? Have you talked to anyone who currently / formerly worked there? What makes them unique compared to similar companies. 鈥23

    Dress nicely and be on time. It leaves a good impression. I'd say relax and de-stress before, so when you are being questioned you are calm. Take your time to answer coherently. 鈥25

    Before doing an interview, take a deep breath. While in the interview, make sure to highlight your strengths through stories and evidence. Show don't tell. It is also good to smile and be personable while talking with the interviewer. Dressing professionally is also important. When you finish the interview, make sure to thank your interviewer because they took time out of their busy life to talk with you. 鈥22

    Perspective. Read about the current trends and changes in your career field before applying.聽 Be confident and listen to the questions asked while in the interview. Be patient. There's a procedure and policy to just about everything. 鈥20

    Online interviews are solid business casual. Always have a few questions prepped that you could ask them at the end of the interview. It's awkward but have someone practice with you if possible. Also prepare for common questions, like what is your biggest weakness or tell me about a time when you handled a conflict at work. 鈥24

    Be yourself; don鈥檛 try to overcompensate. 鈥20

    Practice, practice, then practice some more. 24

    Wear something that makes you comfortable, this is not the time to wear something for the first time, especially shoes. 鈥23

    Talk to individuals who have interviewed for similar jobs. Practice independently and with other people after researching ways to improve your interview skills, cater to that position. 鈥21

    Be consistent and communicate clearly. You are not the only one applying for the position, and it can be easy for your emails to get lost in the shuffle. Regardless of your GPA, the people that stand out in interviews are those who are poised, mature and show a desire to learn and grow. Being professional and amicable can take you a long way. 鈥18

    Always send a thank you note. If you have only communicated with HR and don鈥檛 know how聽聽聽 to send an email to your interviewer, ask HR and they can give you their email address or forward a note. 鈥17

    Pretend you're doing a presentation on that company and do your research on it. Have 2-3 stories that show your resilience, creativity, leadership, etc. ready for every interview and have 2-3 questions for the interviewer ready at the end of the conversation.鈥24

    Get a good night's sleep before. Be personable and make small talk. Be curious about the company and show a genuine interest in working there. Many people can do the job so if you can do that, the decision will come down to which candidate is more enjoyable to be around.鈥16

    I always print and run through my resume quickly before an interview to make sure that I can

    provide specific details if the interviewer brings up past experience. Reach out to your recruiter beforehand and ask what the company dress code is. Email the interviewer after the interview thanking them for the opportunity! 鈥18

    Practice job interview prep with a career advisor, a family member, or a friend. Write your responses to potential interview questions. Treat the real interview as a conversation, however, and go with the flow. Wear professional attire to the interview, e.g. suit jacket and button-down shirt. After the interview, follow-up with a thank you email. 鈥24

    Be yourself; don鈥檛 try to overcompensate. 鈥20

    If it's on zoom; look at your laptop camera, not the face on the screen! 鈥22

    Follow up the day after the interview and add in something related to what was discussed. Always better to over dress than under dress. Look up the interviewers beforehand to see if there are any common experiences that you can highlight. 鈥2

    Make sure you smile and don't be a robot. Bring your best self to the conversation! 鈥24

    Look up the company鈥檚 mission and make a story about how it aligns with your values. Be honest and be yourself! 鈥20

    Better to overdress than underdress. Have an answer prepped for all the typical/cliche interview questions in case they ask. Work on your elevator pitch for yourself. Send a kind email later that night. 鈥18

    Not everyone is going to like you鈥攁nd that is OK! Do not take interviews that seem dry and unfruitful personally. Be a polished version of your authentic self, and an employer is sure to like you even if another does not. 鈥20

    Be able to clearly articulate:
    Why this company?
    Why this job?
    Why this industry? (if switching industries)
    Be familiar with the company culture and try to connect with people from the company before the interview (if possible). 鈥19

    Be honest鈥攄on鈥檛 lie about any answer because you鈥檒l inevitably be called out on it. Also, be a REAL person. Whenever I interview people, one of my biggest questions is: 鈥淐an I really spend eight to 10 hours a day with this person?鈥 鈥16

    Read up on the company, its products and services. Anticipate questions and rehearse your answers. Always have something relevant to say about the role, the company and why you鈥檙e ready to take on the challenge. 鈥17

    Be yourself and be honest about what you want! Jobs are a two-way street. Don't change aspects about yourself in order to fit your boss's expectations or what you imagine those expectations to be. You won't enjoy your job if you have to put on a masquerade. Unless you're totally sure that your first job is going to be very temporary, try to give yourself the best shot at enjoying your work. 鈥23

    I always have a couple of go-to questions that I like to ask at the end of an interview including: 鈥淗ow will the work I鈥檒l be doing contribute to the organization鈥檚 mission?鈥 Also, Google Alerts is a lifesaver if you want up-to-date news about the company/org you want to work at. 鈥16

    There are so many ways when it comes to finding the first job after graduation. Being open to feedback and learning is the strategy. Practicing interview questions repeatedly will help in gaining self-confidence. In terms of dressing, avoid bright colors and prefer light-colored clothing. Confidence and smile are the best plus points while interviewing in person. 鈥22

    Practice being asked questions on the spot. You can鈥檛 seem nervous or fazed by attempts to stress you out. 鈥18

    You are interviewing them just as much as they are interviewing you. Be curious and ask questions. Come prepared with questions and do your research. Before each interview, take a deep breath, say a quick prayer, and walk in with confidence. You got this! 鈥22

    Reach out to people working at the company you are interested in. Especially reach out to those who are 91黑料网 alumni or familiar to you for any other reason. 鈥18

    Research the firm and make sure they do the type of work you want to do (if known). Always send a thank you email after your interview. 鈥18

    Dress slightly above industry expectations. Keep everything as positive as possible in the interview, even when talking about challenges. Thank the interviewer and ask what else you can provide to help in the process. Remember: The interview is also for you to discover more about the company. You may do an interview and decide you do not want the job, and that is OK. It is a two-way street. Be sure to ask whatever questions you have as well. 鈥21

  • Your First Job: What to Expect on Your First Day/Week/Month

    There was a big learning curve my first month working as a resident doctor, but most of your fears are quickly dispelled. You realize how much support you have and how well prepared you are for the job by the end of the first month. Don鈥檛 be afraid to ask for help. 鈥18

    Day: Shown around the office, lots of forms, sat in on a client meeting, learned a few basics
    Week: Began limited help modeling in Excel, getting lots of training documents
    Month: Sat in on two cases, interviewed doctors, contributed to modeling for clients 鈥25

    The first three months of my job, I felt like I was floundering. Find someone, a co-worker, a person in a similar field, someone who can support you and give you advice because you will need it. 鈥16

    Even in a fast-paced industry, it takes a little while to get in the hang of things. Don鈥檛 expect your first few months to be extremely glamorous. 鈥17

    Initially slow but the expectation is that you do your own prep using materials that are on the drive to absorb as much as possible prior to you needing to produce actual work product. Once it started ramping up, it never stopped so it was important to prepare pre-emptively. 鈥22

    Asking for help, a lot. I also dressed weird and I regret not just being comfortable (and still professional) in how I presented myself.鈥17

    Very busy. Lots of documents to learn about the line of business I was supporting. Read read read. If it's a question that you can answer by reading an available resource, don鈥檛 waste your boss鈥檚 time with it. 鈥21

    Overwhelming. I once had someone say it takes three months in a job to even feel like you have any idea what is going on, then it takes three years to actually feel settled! 鈥20

    Lots and lots of learning. It can feel overwhelming at first, but you can trust that it will eventually go. Everyone there went through the same thing. 鈥25

    It was challenging and overwhelming, similar to the first day of college. 鈥23

    It's okay to be uncertain or nervous at the beginning of a new venture, especially something that matters! 鈥23

    Some self-induced stress: just remember your expectations to perform for the first several months are (and should be) quite low, focus on learning. 鈥20

    It is very unusual to get into a new job, especially your first job. It may take some time to feel completely comfortable or like you belong. Know you belong and take the initiative to introduce yourself to people and have an early impact. After the first week, you will get the hang of it. 鈥23

    You will forget things and you will make mistakes. Don鈥檛 be afraid to admit that and ask for help. Your more experienced co-workers are usually more than happy to help you out. 鈥16

    It started off slow and I felt like a fish out of water depending on others all the time. But a good workspace knows the transition, especially for people fresh out of college. Just study your role, show up on time, ask for help as needed and you will adjust. 鈥25

    Orientation and training might seem overwhelming, but most of the time it is all a bunch of logistical stuff that you won鈥檛 actually do on a day-to-day basis. Use that time to get to know your co-workers. 鈥20

    Information overload, take notes but don't be that stressed. No one remembers everything right away and it takes six months to really settle in. The newer you are, the more chill it is to reach out to higher ups for coffee chats and networking, so really leverage that time before things get busy.鈥24

    A lot of training and getting to know people and clients.鈥21

    You WILL feel lost. It is expected, and it鈥檚 OK. And it will go away. 鈥20

    My first job was as a software consultant. I had about 3 weeks of training meetings to get up to speed on the product that we would be implementing. Also shadowed other coworkers on calls for the first few weeks. About a month in I was assigned to a real customer to implement our software for them but still had supervision. 鈥16

    The first month of work was a lot of learning. Everyone in the company knows you're new so there aren't many responsibilities right off the bat. I used that time to bond with my cohort and organize myself so that in the future when things picked up, I'd be organzied.鈥23

    It was better than I could imagine. I worked as a contributor for a local magazine and found much joy in the work. Field work like this is hard to describe in a day/week/month format. I do want to say that my experience exceeded my expectations because of how much it opened my eyes to my hometown. That's why I advocate for local impact so as to make more selfless a career. 鈥25

    Be prepared to get grunt work but use it as an opportunity to show what you can do for your employer. 鈥19

    My first full-time work experience was a professional fellowship. I shadowed my supervisor, attended his meetings, and wrote down my questions. I made sure to understand my daily/weekly/monthly schedule and follow a regular routine. 鈥24

    It was great. It wasn't as fast paced as I thought. My team was patient with me and helped me learn necessary skills before assigning me tasks. 鈥24

    It was amazing. I learned a ton, it was super easy at first and I just moved to NYC. I began to know the people I work with, and they are amazing people to be around. 鈥24

    Overwhelming but full of growth. You will feel bad at the job - that is because you are! But you were hired to learn and BECOME useful, not to start out as a high performer. 鈥23

    A lot of learning. It may feel frustrating and strange to not have too much work the first month but that is ok! 鈥23

    I am a middle and high school English language Development teacher. My first week was very busy. I was trying to learn the administrative side of the job and also prepare for my classes. I didn't know my students yet so I was planning for what they might be like. I was kind of nervous because I didn't know if I'd be able to connect well with them, but I knew how important relationship building was, so I built in lots of time for that. I also knew that consistency was important and so was continuing to show up and push my students after the first days and weeks. I had lots of great mentors to bounce ideas off and ask for support when I needed it.鈥22

    The first day was high energy as everyone is excited to start a new job and meet new people. It was a fun day with little expectations. The week was slightly overwhelming as you're learning about the company, your role, and other adult things such as benefits and IT setup. The month goes by fast, but I made sure to focus on learning rather than producing. 鈥24

    A lot of learning and navigating a new company and space. It can be overwhelming but just take things one day at a time and don't be afraid to reach out to team members for coffee chats. 鈥23

    Exciting! Make sure to look sharp and come in relaxed, the first day (and week) is often a friendly onboarding experience. 鈥22

    In my experience, adjusting to a new job is always hard. It takes a few months to feel like you know what you鈥檙e doing at all. 鈥17

    A smart person told me when I started my first job, 鈥淭here鈥檚 a one-year cycle with every job. The first three months, there鈥檚 an adjustment, but then it鈥檒l be smooth sailing. At about the six-month mark, you鈥檒l hit a bump and feel like you鈥檙e dragging. At nine months, you鈥檒l start to remember why you joined the company, and you鈥檒l see the light again. At one year, you鈥檒l be in a good place.鈥 I鈥檓 at the six-month mark in a job I love, and this cycle still rings true. When you hit that point at your job, keep pushing. It will be worth it. 鈥21

    I was fearful, respectful and quiet. I am becoming more myself every day in my job. 鈥18

    Be adaptable. When you start, each day is different, so it鈥檚 best to always be prepared. 鈥21

    A lot of new information is coming to you all at once. I found it helpful to keep a running list of topics, or even industry-specific phrases/words/acronyms that I looked up after I heard them. This helped me pick up on things in meetings and discussions with others. 鈥18

    Very social. Most people just wanted to get to know me and see what I was about. Of course, I had to produce quality work, but mostly people were concerned with my personality. 鈥20

    The first day/week/month was confusing, overwhelming and very new. Although it was too much to process, it was quite welcoming, exciting and motivating. Trying to balance the new environment by focusing more on the positives will help in the longer run. Believing that it will get better will improve the state of mind. Knowing that it is definitely going to be different than the academic environment and being open to change are very good qualities to have. 鈥22

  • Working From Home

    Get dressed every day and take a walk before starting work in the morning. It will help with a routine. 鈥21

    I work from home 2 times a week, but I would say reach out to your coworkers when you need help and ask to schedule a zoom instead of doing it via chat 鈥25

    Network hard; it takes extra effort and people recognize it. 鈥18

    Change your clothes at the beginning and end of the workday. 鈥17

    Don't be afraid to voice your questions if you don't ask, you'll never know! 鈥23

    If you are purely remote, try reaching out to members of your cohort casually, you may strike up a friendship or a great working relationship. 鈥21

    Ask to work with a more experienced colleague over screen-share. They can help point out things that you wouldn鈥檛 have thought to ask about. 鈥20

    Don't make work your life, make friends outside of work, focus on what is important to you. 鈥23

    It鈥檚 simple鈥攄on鈥檛 be afraid to ask questions and reach out if you need it! Do what you need to

    do to ensure you are best set up for success. 鈥20

    If you work from home, have a place that is your dedicated workspace. It can be hard to create that separation, but if you have the corner of your room, your desk, or even an actual office, boundaries can be created. Ask your coworkers for help. They want to help you! 鈥23

    Do your best to make other connections with people. 鈥24

    I would not advise a first job that is entirely WFH. 鈥20

    Don鈥檛 be afraid to reach out to co-workers, even if it鈥檚 harder than it would be in the office. 鈥20

    Finding a routine and getting outside as much as you can for fresh air is really important! 鈥23

    Most people/co-workers understand what it鈥檚 like to be new to a role. They are there to help you so don't be afraid to ask for help. It's better to say you need help than to spend time trying to figure it out yourself. 鈥25

    If you can, work anywhere but in your room. DO NOT spend all day inside鈥攎ake plans or find reasons to leave either during the day or after work, even if just for a short walk. Remember that you do not need to be glued to the computer all day. 鈥21

    Have a dedicated place for work and go to that place like you are going to work. Leave that place when you are done working. Even though you are working from home, there still needs to be separation between work and home. 鈥24

    When I was working from home, I loved my job a lot! I felt able to schedule my day better and far more comfortable at home. I scheduled some one-on-one 鈥渃offee鈥 Zooms to get to know other people in my department. We already had weekly meetings and monthly staff meetings to get to know the organization. I utilized chat functions throughout the day for questions and check-ins. 鈥18

    I've had plenty of WFH experiences from my undergraduate years at 91黑料网. The transition is as rough as the degree if you don't hold yourself accountable. In most cases, you'll be given required hours to work each day. It's going to take discipline to find a quiet space to focus solely on work. A lot of my WFH has been project-based, so the amount of hours didn't matter as much as completing a task. With that said, treat work from home like work at the office. You'll likely have plenty of meetings that will contribute to this time and present opportunities for you to check in with your progress and hold yourself accountable. Lastly, it's much harder to connect with co-workers, but it's not impossible. In the few opportunities you have to be with others (virtually or otherwise), have your conversations seasoned with salt. Little moments add up and can help birth a new acquaintanceship. 鈥25

    Be careful not to get too isolated. Find ways to be in person with real people. There is no substitute for that if you aspire for advancement.鈥22

    Working from home will definitely take a toll on everyone. Transitions are hard and overwhelming but working remotely has its own benefits. Virtual is the new normal. Trying to connect with people virtually will help you not feel alone. 鈥22

    Keep your desk out of the bedroom. Set up recurring calls with people that you like 鈥24

    Use those "easy" weeks during onboarding to establish a support system. Remote work can be lonely especially if your job is time consuming, so being proactive on the front end to make friends or join an organization can be beneficial in the long run. 鈥23

    Turn on your camera for meetings and start more informal meetings with small talk to get to know your coworkers on a personal level. 鈥18

    Invest in your work from home setup. 鈥24

Get out of your comfort zone, because opportunities show up when you are willing to open up. This means stay open to industries or locations that you previously would have not considered.