Chart Your Career Story: Coaching Tips for New Professionals - Part 3
Rising Action—Navigating Your First Role
So now you’ve landed the job! Your journey is continuing, and like any good story, the next chapter will take time to unfold. Give yourself permission to settle in, observe, ask questions, and find your rhythm. You’re not expected to know everything on day one—this part of the story is about becoming.
From Student to Professional (and Everything In Between)
The shift from student to professional—or from one role to something entirely new—can feel like culture shock. You may go from a highly structured academic environment to a workplace with unwritten rules and shifting expectations. This is where curiosity and confidence become your superpowers.
Show up open to learning.
Ask questions that help you understand not just what to do, but why.
Notice the flow—how people communicate, how decisions are made, what success looks like.
You don’t have to change who you are to be “professional”—you just have to expand how you show up.
The Truth About Imposter Syndrome
Let’s name it: imposter syndrome is real, especially in your first role. That voice that whispers “Do I belong here?” or “What if they find out I’m not ready?”—it shows up more than we admit. Here’s how to counter it:
Self-reflection: Keep a running note of small wins, new things you’ve learned, and moments of courage. Proof silences doubt.
Affirming habits: Start your day with grounding rituals—a playlist, a mantra, a walk—something that reminds you of your worth.
Community: Talk to other new professionals. You’re not alone in this feeling. Community normalizes growth.
You didn’t get lucky. You earned your seat. You’re not a visitor in this space—you’re a contributor.
Build Relationships, Ask Questions, Advocate for Yourself
Early in your role, relationships are everything. Take the initiative to introduce yourself, schedule one-on-one check-ins, and express gratitude when others help you. Don’t be afraid to say, “I’m still learning this—can you walk me through it again?” or “I’d love feedback when you have time.” Advocate for what you need to grow—whether that’s clearer instructions, mentorship, or more learning opportunities.
You’re not supposed to know everything yet—but the more you communicate, the more people can support you and get to know who you are beyond your title. Every conversation, question, or moment of vulnerability can become another wisdom link—a relationship rooted in shared learning and mutual growth. The more you share your process, your values, and even your uncertainties, the more likely others are to see your potential and offer guidance, encouragement, or connection along the way.
Keep Learning & Documenting
Your first 90 days will go by fast. Slow it down by journaling your experiences:
What’s been exciting?
What surprised you?
What did you handle well?
What would you do differently next time?
These reflections will shape how you grow—and remind you of how far you’ve come.
🚀 Abundant Tip: Your first role isn’t the whole story—it’s just the beginning of your rising action. The plot is just getting good. Keep showing up, keep evolving, and keep writing forward.
Sequel Planning—Ongoing Skill Development
Just like a good story, your career isn’t a single chapter—it’s a whole series. That first job you landed? It was just Book One. Careers have sequels: new seasons, unexpected pivots, surprising plot twists, and fresh characters. And the best part? You get to co-write them.
Staying future-ready doesn’t mean having it all figured out. It means staying open, curious, and committed to learning. Maybe that looks like taking a short course or certification to deepen your expertise. Maybe it’s starting a creative side project, joining a professional association, or mentoring someone who’s where you were last year. Keep your toolbox sharp and your story evolving.
If your job—or someone around you—is offering knowledge, take in as much as you can. Learn as much as you can, even if it’s outside your official role. Now, let’s be clear: this is not about doing unpaid labor or taking on extra work without the recognition and compensation you deserve. But sometimes, opportunities come because you broadened your horizons—because you said yes to that training or team project that had nothing to do with your job title at the time. That random session? It might just spark your next chapter.
Each year, take time to check in with your purpose. What still feels aligned? What needs to shift? The goals you set fresh out of college may no longer match the version of you who’s grown through real-world experience—and that’s okay. Your story should stretch with you.
And as your story stretches, your voice will too. The things you believed in during your first job might shift. Your “why” might expand or refine. That’s growth. That’s the natural evolution of purpose when you stay reflective and honest about what matters to you.
📚 Abundant Reflection: What skills do you need for your next chapter—and how will you grow into them?
Edited with support from ChatGPT (OpenAI) to enhance clarity and flow, while staying true to the story’s voice.
All images in this post were generated using OpenAI’s DALL·E image model via ChatGPT.
