Dear Career Services –
We hope this is a resource you can share with your students as they journey into the world beyond higher education.
Sincerely,
The Symplicity Team
Congratulations! You've graduated and are finally stepping into the professional world. Whether you've landed your first job or are still actively searching, the next 100 days are important for setting your career foundation (with hopefully some vacation and celebration built in too, of course).
This period represents a unique window where the habits and strategies you develop will shape your professional trajectory.
The transition from student to professional is a major milestone, and it's normal to feel excited, uncertain, and even a bit nostalgic or sad. Every successful professional once stood exactly where you are now, and there’s nothing wrong with the wide array of feelings you’re feeling.
You’ll learn a lot in your first couple years of being a part of the workforce. The most important thing is to balance learning day by day and occasionally pondering what the future holds for you.
Here are some short quotes from Symplicity staff that have stood where you are now or have even mentored those in your position:
“Your first job does not have to be your forever job! Use it to gain experience, learn as much as possible, find a mentor, say yes, and discover where you want to take your career.” -Amanda Peters, Senior Marketing Manager, North America
“You've done cool stuff, solved odd problems, made friends, built trusting relationships, and developed expertise and competence. Remember some of those stories about yourself--in your interviews, when your manager asks you to take on a stretch project--and reflect on them for what you can apply to the challenge in front of you.” -Bill Heinrich, Director, Mindset
"SAY YES even when you're afraid. You can do so much more than you've already done, so take a leap of faith when presented with a new project or role. If someone else thinks you can do it, believe them. Trust that your education and experiences give you the foundation on which you can build more success, one new experience at a time. And be nice!" -Rebecca Florey, Manager, Client Services, CSM & Recruit
Two Paths, Same Destination
If you've secured a position: Focus on integration, learning, and establishing yourself as a valuable team member.
If you're job searching: Concentrate on strategic positioning, network building, and skill development while maintaining momentum.
Both paths lead to the same goal: launching a successful career.
Days 1-30: Foundation Building
For New Employees
Your first month is about absorption and observation. Arrive 15 minutes early, bring a notebook everywhere, and ask about communication preferences early. Does your manager prefer email or Slack? When are interruptions welcome?
Schedule brief coffee chats with colleagues across departments. Understanding how your role connects to the broader organization makes you more effective and helps identify future opportunities.
For Job Seekers
Establish your job search infrastructure with a dedicated workspace and tracking system for applications, contacts, and follow-ups. You’re going to want to make the spreadsheet to end all spreadsheets, basically. Identify about 5-10 target companies you genuinely want to work for or search the web for posted jobs you or someone you know has a contact at.
Don't forget your school resources! Check with your college or university about alumni access to career services. Many schools provide Symplicity CSM access to recent graduates, giving you continued access to job postings, career counseling, and networking events. This is often an underutilized resource that can significantly boost your job search efforts.
If you still have the mental bandwidth, consider dedicating time weekly to skill development through online courses, certifications, or projects that demonstrate your capabilities. Document these efforts on LinkedIn. If you don’t have the mental bandwidth, prioritize some restful and restorative activities. Sometimes, the job search is a marathon instead of a sprint.
Days 31-60: Finding Your Rhythm
For Employees
Start developing your professional voice. You were hired for your fresh perspective, but timing matters. Before suggesting changes, understand why current processes exist by asking, "Can you help me understand the history behind this approach?”
Schedule regular one-on-ones with your manager if they don’t beat you to it. Come prepared with specific questions rather than generic updates. Be proactive about feedback: "What's one thing I could do differently to be more effective?"
For Job Seekers
Refine your value proposition based on interview feedback. What unique combination of abilities do you bring? Move beyond online applications to building genuine relationships and professional associations. You’ll be surprised at the number of genuinely kind people out there that want to help you succeed, even if they don’t know you. Fall back on your alumni network.
Address skill gaps you're consistently hearing about. Use this time for courses, personal projects, or volunteer opportunities that develop relevant experience. It’s helpful to show that just because you’re currently unemployed, it doesn't mean you’re completely inactive. This is an unfortunate misconception, but it does help to prove those who might incorrectly think so otherwise.
Tackling Imposter Syndrome (Everyone!)
That voice questioning whether you belong? It's lying, but it's normal. Research shows 70% of people experience imposter syndrome, especially during transitions.
Reframe your narrative: Instead of "I don't know what I'm doing," try "I'm learning something new every day." Congratulate yourself for daily accomplishments that seem mundane and give yourself positive feedback. Essentially, give yourself a little grace and maybe a $10 coffee for your efforts.
Your newcomer status is actually a superpower—you can ask questions others might feel embarrassed to ask and approach problems without preconceived notions.
Days 61-100: Stepping Into Confidence
For Employees
Start brainstorming assignments outside your technical job description. Join committees, help with events, or take on research projects. As you gain knowledge, start sharing it by documenting your progress or mentoring newer hires.
For Job Seekers
Leverage your growing network for direct conversations about opportunities. Instead of asking "Do you know of any jobs?" ask for career advice and industry insights.
Consider alternative paths like contract work or project-based opportunities that could lead to full-time positions. Continue preparing for interviews by practicing your story and value proposition. Honestly, you might be losing hope. Take a deep breath, acknowledge your frustration, and continue moving forward with your journey that will eventually end in a job offer.
Building Professional Relationships (Everyone)
Focus on genuine relationships rather than transactional networking. Remember personal details people share. Find mentors or experienced professionals who enjoy helping others succeed.
And Just Like That... Your Career Begins
These first 100 days are just the beginning (this isn’t a threat). The habits you establish now—continuous learning, relationship building, proactive communication, and resilience—will serve you throughout your career.
Remember that every expert was once a beginner. The difference between those who thrive and those who merely survive is the willingness to embrace learning and persist through initial uncertainty!
For new employees: Use this foundation to build lasting success. Continue growing and building relationships that will open future doors.
For job seekers: The right opportunity is coming. Each application and conversation build toward your success, even if it feels like a dead end. You never know which opportunity from a few months back might resurface. The skills and resilience you're developing now will serve you well throughout your career and in your general life.
I’ve said it before, and I’ll say it again: Your career is a marathon, not a sprint. These first 100 days build the endurance and strategies for future success. Trust the process, be patient with yourself, and remember that your fresh perspective is exactly what the professional world needs. Seriously.
Whether you're walking into your first office or preparing for your next interview, you've got this.
Don't Forget Your Alumni Advantage
Before you venture out on your own, remember that your relationship with your school doesn't end at graduation. Many colleges and universities provide alumni access to career services, including Symplicity's Career Services Manager platform. This means you may still have access to:
- Exclusive job postings from employers specifically seeking graduates from your school
- Alumni networking directories and mentorship programs
- Career counseling appointments and resume review services
- Industry-specific career fairs and networking events
- Professional development workshops and webinars
Take action: Contact your career services office this week to understand what resources remain available to you as a recent graduate.
Ready for the next step? Check with your school about continued career services access, explore Symplicity's resources, and connect with opportunities that match your goals, whether you're starting a new role or finding the perfect fit.
