You Just Graduated—Now What? Our Team’s Advice for Day One
Each year around this time, our inboxes fill up with a flurry of LinkedIn updates: college graduations, job acceptances, and open-to-work announcements. For those stepping into the working world for the first time—especially into a digital marketing agency like Liquid—it can feel like the start of a high-stakes, fast-paced, and slightly mysterious adventure.
We remember that feeling. So we asked our team at Liquid: What advice would you give your just-graduated self? The result is a collection of honest, helpful tips—some practical, some mindset-driven—from people who’ve been there.
1. Skill Up—But Be Curious, Not Perfect
Many grads wonder what tools they should already know. The reality? Skills are important, but curiosity matters more. One teammate recommended building and using your LinkedIn network as a way to stay sharp, connected, and visible in the industry. Another suggested developing confidence as a skill itself—believing in what you bring to the table, even if you’re still learning the ropes.
What matters most is that you keep learning. Don’t be afraid to ask questions. In fact, asking smart questions early on signals that you care enough to understand the why—not just the how.
2. Show Up with Initiative and Intent
In your first few months, your energy and perspective are incredibly valuable. Take initiative when you can. One team member put it this way: “If you have a question or idea, speak up. Show that you care and that you’re here to contribute.”
Another piece of advice: spot a problem and try to solve it. You might not have the authority to make big changes yet, but if you can identify a workflow snag and propose a solution—or even just volunteer to help—you’ll stand out.
3. Be the Teammate You’d Want to Work With
What makes a great teammate? It’s not always the loudest person in the room or the one with the flashiest portfolio. It’s someone who follows through, communicates clearly, and is kind under pressure. One teammate said: “Be dependable and consistent. That alone builds trust.”
Another described great teammates as “honest, accountable, and supportive.” That kind of energy doesn’t require years of experience—it just requires intentionality.
4. Trust the Process
Lastly, we asked: If you could go back and talk to your just-graduated self, what would you say?
- “You get out what you put in.”
- “The right opportunity will come along even if the first one isn’t perfect.”
- “Learn as much as you can from co-workers in all roles.”
This isn’t just feel-good advice. It’s a reminder that your first job doesn’t define your entire career. But your attitude, your effort, and your openness to growth? Those absolutely will.
Ready For Your First Day
Graduating into the working world is both exciting and overwhelming—and starting in marketing adds a creative layer of unpredictability. Our hope is that these nuggets of advice help recent grads feel just a little more grounded as they navigate the months ahead.
If you’re one of those new grads reading this: Welcome. You’ve got this.