As you prepare to graduate and step into working life, it’s natural to have questions. What will your first job be like? How do expectations differ from university? And what does “being professional” actually mean? 

You’ll be learning how to apply your skills in new ways, adjust to a different pace of life, and get to grips with the culture and expectations of your workplace. 

Unlike the start of university, this may be the first time you’re transitioning into a new environment without a group of peers alongside you. Unless you’re joining a graduate scheme—which often includes structured training and a peer cohort—you may be the only new starter, or the only recent graduate, in your team. That can feel quite different, but it’s normal and okay to take time to find your feet. 

It’s also worth remembering that no two graduate roles are the same. Your experience will vary depending on the industry, the size and culture of your organisation, and the kind of support and onboarding they offer. There’s no single “right” way to do your first job—but there are some useful behaviours and mindsets that can help you navigate the early days and start to feel confident in your new role. 

Shift your focus: From individual goals to team and company success 

At university, your focus may have been on your grades, deadlines, your part-time job, and your social life. In the workplace, success is more often defined by how you contribute to your team and the wider goals of your organisation. 

This doesn’t mean forgetting your own ambitions—it means seeing them in the context of a shared mission. Ask yourself: How can I support the aims of my team? What do they need from me? 

This shift in perspective can take time, but it’s a crucial mindset for success and progression at work. 

Collaboration matters more than competition 

You may have spent your time at university working independently or competing for top marks. But in most jobs, collaboration is key. 

You’ll be part of a team working toward shared goals, and being someone others want to work with can be just as valuable as technical knowledge. Being reliable, supportive and communicative will earn trust and respect—even more so than trying to stand out as the “top performer”. 

Remember: asking for help isn’t a sign of weakness—it’s a sign you’re engaging with your role and committed to doing things well. 

One-to-ones, not office hours 

You might hear your manager talk about a “one-to-one”. These are regular check-ins where you can talk through what’s going well, ask questions, and discuss next steps. Think of them as a structured version of a tutorial—but focused on your development in the role and your contribution to the team. 

Be proactive: bring updates, raise questions, and reflect on what you’re learning. It’s also a good space to talk about any challenges or training you might need. 

Working life is a marathon, not a sprint 

Unlike university terms with natural breaks and defined end points, working life runs year-round—typically with around 25–30 days of annual leave. You might not realise it at first, but this new rhythm takes some adjusting. 

Don’t try to work at the same intensity you might have during exam season. Consistency, balance, and pacing are key. Building sustainable habits—like setting boundaries between work and rest—will help you avoid burnout and maintain energy over time. 

Managing your time and energy 

There’s no weekly timetable set for you. You’ll be managing your own workload, often juggling multiple tasks with competing deadlines. 

This doesn’t mean doing everything perfectly or alone. Use calendars, to-do lists or task management tools. If you’re unsure how to prioritise, ask your manager for guidance. Time management is as much about communication and collaboration as it is about self-organisation. 

Keep learning—from people, not lectures 

You won’t have professors anymore, but learning doesn’t stop when you leave university. Colleagues can be incredible sources of knowledge, from technical skills to navigating workplace culture. 

Ask questions, observe how others work, and show curiosity. People usually appreciate being asked about their experience, and it shows you’re engaged. 

Feedback and professional development reviews 

Instead of assignments and grades, you’ll likely receive feedback through professional development reviews—often annually or every six months. These are opportunities to reflect, grow and build your professional identity enabling you to progress in work. 

Feedback may be informal too, such as comments during a one-to-one or after a project. Try not to take it personally—see it as a tool to help you develop. 

Dress and communicate professionally (but authentically) 

Dress codes vary by organisation, so observe and ask about expectations. A general rule: start slightly more formal and adjust once you understand the norms. 

When it comes to communication—whether email, chat or in meetings—clarity, politeness and tone matter. Learn the balance between professional and approachable, and mirror how your colleagues interact. 

Keep your CV up to date 

Even once you’ve secured a role, it’s smart to keep track of your achievements. Save project examples, positive feedback, and new responsibilities—they’ll be useful for future job applications or promotion conversations. 

Final thoughts 

No one expects you to know everything in your first job. What matters is being open to learning, showing respect for others, and steadily building your skills and confidence. Some days will feel challenging, others exciting. That’s all part of the journey. 

Here in Careers our job is to support you even after graduation, whether you need help settling in, making a career change, or planning your next steps – you can continue to access our support for up to two years. 

You’re not expected to sprint—you’re building a career marathon. Pace yourself, stay curious, and ask for help when you need it. You’ve got this.