10 Things I Wish I'd Known in My First Job - Katya Andressen

For any new graduates out there starting their first jobs, here is the advice I'd give my younger self.

1. College teaches you how to think, not what to do. Know the education you just received is only the beginning of learning as you engage in your second education - on the job, in real life. You are going to be a student your whole life, and that's a good thing.
2. Put on your big girl pants. There’s a reason they call it work. Anything worth doing in the world is probably slightly scary and certainly hard to accomplish. Show some grit. You'll need it.
3. Speak with conviction. Young women in particular have a terrible tendency talk up, with rising intonation, as if every statement is a question. I used to do that - until I heard a recording of myself being interviewed when I was a journalist. I sounded like I didn't know a thing about the news. I never talked up again.
4. You should stay humble. A job may lead to career development, but don't treat it that way. You are not entitled. You are there to deliver value for your employers - not for them to deliver value to you. The latter happens after you do the former.
5. Give more than is expected. There are competent people out there and there are people who care - and there are precious few who are both. Be both. Go the extra mile. It will lead to good things.
6. Try to help everyone - unless it's clear they can't help themselves. Give everyone a fair shot and support them as best you can - until that doesn't work. Then let it go. Not every work relationship will work well.
7. Know you won't always get an "A" anymore. It's harder to ace life than it is to master schoolwork. In fact, it's impossible. Get used to the fact you're not perfect and embrace and learn from failure.
8. Believe in your moral compass. You were right to stand up to that horrible editor who held your colleague's going away lunch at a strip club. Even though he belittled you for it and nothing happened to him (#yesallwomen).
9. Value true mentors. On the other hand, follow the amazing editor (not the one above) who taught you everything you needed to know - and tell him how much you appreciate how he helps you grow.
10. Tell yourself you're going to be okay. It won't feel like it on many days, but it's true. Not all will go well or as expected but you will survive.