You did it! Now, what’s next?

8-10 min read

Shoutout to my cousin @elaineaprilia for suggesting this topic! For future topic requests, DM me via my Instagram @tiffihearts. 

You’re done with college! Congrats! You’ve achieved a big milestone and that’s something to celebrate. Four years of your life have gone by and I’m sure there were a lot of late nights of studying (or “studying”), morning exams, and great memories with your (hopefully, lifelong!) friends.

Some of you may have received full-time job offers to start working in the fall and that can be a comforting to know what you’re doing next. On the other hand, some of you may be trying to find a job now, and it’s becoming more difficult during these unprecedented times. My piece of advice is to hang in there. Things that bring unexpected twists and turns, while it can be hard to grasp right now, will ultimately make you a stronger person.

Regardless, it is a good idea to start preparing for your job before you start. Below are ten tips on how to prepare for a new job, which I’ve learned over these past years.

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The Smarty Femme Guide: Top 10 Tips on How to Prepare for a Job

TSF Tip #1: Research the company extensively

Before you start working, it’ll be important to know key facts about the company. Learn about the company’s mission and objectives, its key competitors, and what it’s currently doing to achieve its goals. Researching about the company can help you better understand how your role contributes to the overall direction of its leaders. Essentially, what is the purpose of your role and why is it meaningful?

TSF Tip #2: Figure out the dress code

On the first day of work, you don’t want to find yourself significantly overdressed or worse, completely underdressed! Different companies in various industries have different dress codes. Typically, tech companies will have a more casual dress code (think: t-shirt, jeans, and sneakers). Fintech companies will usually have a smart casual dress code (think: blouse or button-up shirt, jeans or slacks, and flats or casual loafers). Service- or client-facing companies will typically have formal dress codes (button-up + blazer combo or pantsuit, closed-toed heels).

Take a look at your closet and see what would be appropriate for the industry that the company is in. This will also be a good question for TSF Tip #6.

TSF Tip #3: Prepare your elevator pitch

Essentially, an elevator pitch is a 30-second speech about yourself! If you’re starting out in a new company, you’ll likely need to introduce yourself to different people. It’s your time to shine.

Practice your elevator pitch ahead of time so you are prepared when the opportunity arises. Keep it short and simple, but include some key details.

Below is a format that you can use:

Hi, my name is ___________ [fill in the blank]. I’ll be working in the ___________ [sales & marketing, business development, finance, etc.] department as a __________ [title of your position]. I recently graduated from ____________ [name of college/university], and I’m looking forward to learning more about the company and working with you.

TSF Tip #4: Network strategically

Get to know people in your workplace. You never know who you’ll end up working with on a project and who you can rely on. In the first several weeks, it’s a good idea to ask your coworker to get coffee or set up a 1:1 meeting to get to know him or her. At first, it might seem a little scary. But, this will be a good opportunity to show that you’re a trustworthy person and to highlight your strengths. Later on, you may also try to find a mentor at work.

TSF Tip #5: Give yourself time to transition

Starting a new job can be scary, stressful, and exciting – all at the same time. It’s best to check-in with yourself and give yourself time to transition. A transition period can vary per person, per role, per company, and per industry. It can take you anywhere from a month to three months to half a year before you’re fully immersed in your role. Be kind to yourself and know that you may make mistakes along the way. Do your best and stay resilient.

TSF Tip #6: Reach out to your boss ahead of time

You may receive your manager’s contact information ahead of starting a new role. Start to develop a connection with your boss before you begin the new job.

Don’t be afraid to ask him or her, via email, if there’s anything you can do to prepare for your role before it starts. You can also ask your future boss if there is a dress code (see TSF Tip #2). By reaching out, you show that you take initiative and that you’re invested in the company! Score.

TSF Tip #7: Realize that you won’t always like everything about your job

You may love your job, but there can be some parts of your job that you won’t like as much. Understand that this feeling is completely normal. But when you’re starting out in a new workplace, you definitely want to maintain a good attitude while doing your tasks. In some situations, you’ll need to raise your hand for certain projects. Other times, your manager may assign you some projects to get you in the mix of things.

TSF Tip #8: Develop a personal budget

If you’ll be receiving a steady paycheck with your job, it’s a good idea to plan ahead and develop a personal budget. You definitely don’t want to overspend and find yourself being broke at the end of the month!

There are several budgeting apps that you can use (Mint, PocketGuard, YouNeedaBudget) to help simplify this process. Personally, I created a spreadsheet (I was an accounting major in college), and this helps me keep track of my monthly + yearly income and expenses.

Also, familiarize yourself with jargon, such as medical expenses and 401K retirement plans, since you’ll likely need to decide which plans you’d like to do. To start learning about these things, look up key terms such as medical premiums, high vs. low deductible plans, stock options, vesting, 401K retirement plans, etc. so you get an idea of what these terms mean.

TSF Tip #9: Create short-term and long-term goals

If you have time before you start your new job, start thinking about your short-term and long-term goals. Where do you want to be in 1-3 years from now (short-term goals) and where do you want to be in 5-7 years later (long -term goals)? Allow these goals to change over time.

It’s good to do this exercise, so you don’t look back five years into a job and wished you did something else! Set a reminder to revisit your goals 6 months after starting your new job. Feel free to update your goals as you go.

TSF Tip #10: Stay calm + confident

You will not know everything once you start your new job. That is completely normal. Trust that your career is a marathon – you don’t need to rush into forming a blueprint for your life right now. Sometimes, life can take you on a different journey. Goals and plan may change, depending on your interests, and that’s 100% okay.

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Hope you find these tips helpful as you enter the real world. Keep unlocking your full potential, you smarty femme!

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