Tips on Avoiding Coming Across as New Grad?
I’ll be starting my first job out of university in January and was wondering what sort of tips people had to avoid coming across as a new grad? I know most new grads come across as naive/dumb so would like to find ways to avoid that (I.e. what are red flags that immediately show someone is a new grad)
Update your LinkedIn title to “Principal Engineer at <company_name>”
do not say anything or ask any strange question. Chill, after half a year you will automatically understand most rules
What’re “most rules”? I’ll be joining a FAANG
Fail
Proof read your email before sending them out. Make it sound more professional and check for spellings and grammar
Question why to anything, don’t just do what they tell you to do. Many times you’ll be asked to do nonsense, to find out in the end what you developed adds no value.
I've been debating this. Is it better to keep your head down and be a "yes man" initially and build rapport before going to war, or should you always be giving opposing input?
Agree, but asking why and understanding what’s being requested and for which customers should not come across as opposing.
Honestly there is just so much politics/subtle work place rules you will uncover and learn that only experience will teach it. I think I have learned more about how actually business works and people’s personalities than anything else starting out. Just relax and enjoy the ride. Work hard, stay curious, stay committed.
Are there any books or resources you recommend reading?
I recommend the opposite. It is something only experience can teach. And I didn’t know what it was until you go through it. In some sense you will just be learning about yourself, your work style, your manager interaction. Just be polite and engaged.
Don’t ask for tips
Like when I’m having one-on-ones during my first week, don’t say “do you have any tips for me?”
No, he meant tips as money!
One cool trick: get some experience. Doesn’t always work, but it’s usually the best way. Seriously though, just be yourself and don’t worry what others are thinking of you. You’re new. Get a mentor. Be humble and kind. Learn as much as you can.
What are qualities to look for in a good mentor?
Would you like a mentor who pretends to be a senior engineer, but actually had no experience?
if you have to ask
Oh the sweet spot. It’s fun being naive but in a devilish way 😋
So you mean take advantage of the fact that ppl will think I’m a naive new grad?
Yeah but I was just kidding. Here’s my serious response one year into Microsoft as new grad- 1. Don’t hide the naiveness. I don’t see how it’ll help you. You want to show how you learn and improve over time. 2. Ask questions. Dumb/ silly doesn’t matter. Divide your questions between people so you’re not consuming anyone’s time specifically. 3. Fail faster. I scheduled meeting, presented tech talks about my user stories and tried being proactive. I failed in many different areas. I wasn’t perfect. Exposure gives you confidence. Better to fail at junior roles than at senior. You’ve the new grad pass right now, use it wisely. 4. Be professional. Attend meetings on time. Give a heads up well in advance before taking leaves. Respond to emails in time.