A few weeks ago, I
met with Jason (name changed), a May 2016 graduate preparing to head to California
for his new engineering job. As he made his last minute preparations for his
move, he had a big question for me: what should he be doing now?
When I heard Jason
ask that, it made me think of one of my favorite television series that lots of
you may watch on Netflix: The West Wing.
In that show the US President, played by Martin Sheen, regularly asks this question
of his White House staff:
What’s next?
After his staff tackles some big presidential initiative, the President is
already looking toward the future.
What’s next for you?
As you make “Hokie
tracks” to your future in your first professional position, here are 5 next
steps to plan to take.
Join a professional organization and get
involved. You’re not in
college any more. You don’t have your classes or student organizations to keep
you informed of changes in your field. How are you going to stay up to date?
Professional organizations are a great way for you to stay on the cutting edge
of your field and also build stronger leadership skills by getting involved. Unsure which organization to join? Ask
colleagues, ask your professors, do research.
Look up the local VT Alumni chapter and
attend activities. Staying
connected with other Hokies may make you feel more at home even if you are
hundreds of miles away from campus. Most chapters hold events regularly where you can get to know local alumni. Hokies love
helping Hokies, so this is a great way to surround yourself with members of the
Hokie Nation.
Find a mentor…more than one! When I bring on a new professional, I
connect the professional with a couple of mentors: one more experienced coworker
and one newer colleague in our office. If your supervisor or employer doesn’t
take care of this, then seek out a couple of people you feel you can go to for
advice. It’s smart to have several mentors with varying perspectives and levels
of experience. My mentors at work have been and continue to be a huge help to
me.
Update your resume and your LinkedIn
profile. As you begin your
new role at work, update your resume with your VT GPA, information about your
new position and any other items you need to add. Be sure to also revise your
LinkedIn profile. Make these revisions an annual occasion so you keep your
resume and profile current.
Attend a conference or training program. As you begin your position, find out your
employer’s policies and support for professional development. In our office we
have a budget for professional development which supports our attendance at
conferences or training programs. Continuing to learn and build your skills and
network of contacts are critical to professional and personal growth.
Let us know in
Career Services if we can help you as you navigate your first few months in a
new position. And, if you have questions before starting your first job, come
see us like Jason did, or give us a call. We’re here to help you start your job
on the right Hokie track.
