Thrive in the Workplace

Stepping into your first professional job after college is an exciting milestone – but it’s normal to feel a bit overwhelmed. In fact, more than 60% of recent graduates report confusion and challenges adjusting to workplace culture in their first year. The good news is that with the right strategies and support, you can not only succeed but truly thrive in your new role. This guide will help you grow your skills, build meaningful relationships, and find fulfillment as you begin your career.

Key Steps to Start

Build Your Network and Find Mentors: Seek mentors and connect with colleagues—relationships can offer guidance, open doors, and accelerate your growth.
Embrace Continuous Learning: Your education doesn’t stop after college—keep learning through training and developing soft skills like adaptability and problem-solving.
Communicate and Seek Feedback: Ask for input regularly and communicate openly—feedback helps you grow, adjust, and build trust with your team.
Demonstrate Professionalism and Attention to Detail: Be reliable and detail-oriented—doing the small things well builds credibility and shows you’re someone the team can count on.

Featured Videos

How to Succeed in Your New Job

IMD’s The First 90 Days®: Five questions for your new role

How to Thrive at Work in 2025. Tips and Strategies from a Career Coach

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Empowering College Graduates in Their First Job
This article outlines how new grads can thrive through life’s major transition from student to professional.

Group of students standing outside wearing graduation caps and gowns, one man is leaning over to pet a bulldog

Here’s How To Succeed In Your First Job
A practical guide offering research-backed strategies to help new grads succeed early in their careers.

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Only 16% of People are Thriving at Work
This article shares five powerful strategies to help employees thrive.

Contact

Angie Thompson,

Assistant Director, Student Engagement and AI Education; Career Coach

angie.thompson@mso.umt.edu

Carol Evanger,

Assistant Director, Career Success Programs; Career Coach

carol.evanger@mso.umt.edu

Mindy May,

Career Coach; National Student Exchange (NSE) Coordinator

mindy.may@mso.umt.edu

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This page provides a snapshot of University of Montana student career outcomes at graduation. This information is collected from student graduation surveys and public online data sources starting just prior to graduation until 6 months following graduation in accordance with standards set by the National Association of Colleges and Employers.

If you are a UM student graduating this term or within the past 5 months, add your info to this data by completing the UM Graduation Survey.

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The response rates across years exhibit significant variability. Data presented may not accurately reflect the characteristics of the entire graduating population.

First Destination

NACE’s First-Destination Survey captures information regarding how new college graduates fare in their careers within six months of graduation. The annual initiative provides data on the outcomes associated with a college education on a national scale.