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Squiggly Careers

#461 Career Starters: how to learn and grown in your first job

Mar 3, 2025
Yemurai Rabvukwa, a senior cybersecurity associate and tech career strategist, is joined by Sarah Gregory, a senior delivery project manager at Upreach, who champions students from disadvantaged backgrounds. They delve into the intense pressures today’s graduates face while entering the job market, underlining the importance of a growth mindset. They share insights on overcoming early career challenges, the value of transferable skills, and the critical role of mentorship and networking in achieving success. This conversation is vital for anyone starting their professional journey.
41:24

Podcast summary created with Snipd AI

Quick takeaways

  • New graduates should shift their mindset from seeking a perfect job to viewing early roles as experiments for personal and professional growth.
  • Building a supportive network of mentors and peers is essential for first-time job seekers to navigate workplace dynamics and reduce feelings of isolation.

Deep dives

Navigating the Challenges of Career Starters

Starting a career often brings a mix of excitement and overwhelming pressure. Many new graduates feel immense self-imposed expectations to secure the perfect job, causing them to filter out opportunities that don’t meet all their criteria. This pressure is compounded by the competitive nature of job markets, where there can be hundreds of applicants for a single role, making it difficult for newcomers to succeed. Recognizing that feelings of rejection and uncertainty are common during this stage can help alleviate some of the stress associated with finding the right job.

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