Seniors, as you prepare to launch into the next phase of your life, know that you are ready. You were admitted to St. Joe’s, completed your degree and accumulated experiences along the way, preparing you for this very moment. 

While an employer first explores your skills when interviewing you (i.e., can you do the tasks associated with the job?), they then will decide if you’re a FIT for the organization (i.e., is this someone we want to work with?). There are some universal qualities all employers seek with regard to fit, and the good news is, you’ve been developing them your entire life. 

Self-awareness: Take time to truly understand your values, skills,capabilities and work style. You will see patterns emerge and feel more in control. Increased self-awareness creates higher motivation to learn AND contributes to better relationships with colleagues and managers.  

Lead with curiosity: Be a sponge and recognize that when you start your new job, what you don’t know far exceeds what you do know. And that’s okay. Asking managers and teammates questions is your superpower and shows your interest in understanding versus educating others on what you already know. So, ask the “5 W’s,” (who, what, where, when and why?), as well as, “What if…?” and “I wonder…?”   

Imperfection is expected: Contrary to what you might tell yourself, employers don’t expect you to be perfect. Making mistakes is where the most growth occurs. When you make mistakes, own them and learn from them. Assess what you could have done differently and work actively toward improvement.  

Be a giver, not a taker: Always offer to do more! Most professional roles are not task-based. When you feel you have completed a project, ask where and how you can further contribute to help send the message that 1) you are a team player and 2) you are willing to go outside of your typical responsibilities to see other projects and colleagues succeed.  

Trish Shafer is the executive director of the Career Center and Lisa Hansinger is the associate director of Counseling and Career Education in the Career Center.