6 Things I’ve Learned After 6 Months In The Real World

Des Moines Ryan Doser

It’s hard to believe for me, but I have officially hit 6 months of being in the real world. I’ve made some great connections, still trying to figure out my new city, and have learned a lot within this 6 month time frame both inside and outside of the workplace.

It was hard to narrow it down, but listed below are 6 important concepts I have learned after my first 6 months of being in the real world.

I have also featured Zachary Robles to gain his perspective on a few of these concepts. Zach is a great connection of mine who is currently in the Sales Development Program at Cardinal Health in Chicago.

He is one of the most passionate individuals I know and is in a similar situation as myself, so his insight proved to be very valuable.

He also runs a podcast called The Morning Hustle and would highly recommend college students and young professionals to check it out!

6 Things I’ve Learned After 6 Months In The Real World

1. You Are Entitled to Nothing

One of the first things to understand as a new professional is that entitlement is a major turn off for employers.

Once you enter a new role for the first time out of college, you must accept the reality that managers and coworkers in your department are more experienced and understand the business better than you.

However, keep in mind that respected professionals were once in your shoes, so this is your opportunity to work harder than others.

Interview With Zach Robles:

“Entitlement is one of the biggest turn offs for employers/managers. Take a moment to step back and look at yourself from an objective standpoint. This is the time where you need to earn your stripes. Take on grunt work with a smile on your face. Prove to your new employer that they picked the right candidate for the role.”

2. Never Stop Learning

Similar to the first piece of advice, always be sure to never stop learning. Who says you can’t learn outside of 9-5? Strive to become an expert in your field.

Learn new skills, improve on existing skills, get certifications, read articles from credible sources, subscribe to industry newsletters, or attend webinars from respected professionals.

These are all effective ways to increase your skillset. Having a learner’s mentality will go a long way in your career.

Interview With Zach Robles:

“Go into your job everyday with a learner’s mentality. As much as you research the organization and role beforehand, you’re still barely scraping the surface.

Go the extra mile to seek out extra resources that will support your learning. Subscribe to industry specific newsletters or set up lunch with someone who is knowledgeable about the organization. This learner’s mentality should go beyond the time spent at work.”

3. Pursue Side Projects

The creation of this blog is a perfect example of this. Find something you’re passionate about that will give you opportunities outside of the workplace, or a chance to earn extra money on the side.

Whether it’s creating a blog, starting a podcast, selling things online, or creating a YouTube channel these are all productive ways to utilize your free time.

In addition to this blog, another side project that I have recently pursued is building websites. I developed a couple sites during my time in college and currently have a few in the works.

Be sure to check out my Web Dev Portfolio if interested!

4. Never Stop Networking

As important as networking is in college, I would argue it may even be more important once you enter the real world. There are zero drawbacks to increasing your professional network.

I would highly recommend developing relationships with coworkers and other local professionals. You never know what opportunities lie ahead, and the more people you know will increase your chances of future career advancements.

I’ve found that attending community events/workshops, meeting up with coworkers for happy hours, or joining local organizations are simple ways to meet other like minded professionals.

Never underestimate the power of networking and what it can do for your career.

5. Pay Attention to Finances

It’s extremely common for young professionals to let finances get away and not pay attention. While you are earning a better income than you are used to in college, there is also an increase in expenses and responsibilities.

I’ve found that learning how to budget and keeping track of every expense (debits & credits) is huge. Also start contributing to retirement funds sooner than later.

Pay attention to the 401k package your employer offers, as well as opening a Roth IRA account on the side. It’s not easy and everyone’s situation is different, but try not to let finances become a major burden during your initial months in the real world.

6. Stay in Contact With Your Inner Circle

I struggle with this one sometimes, but understand that those in your inner circle become extremely important after graduation. Staying in contact with family members and close friends is essential.

Some weeks are busier than others, but I’ve learned that it’s very easy to get caught up with work, side projects, and the many other responsibilities that come along with the real world transition.

So be sure to reach out to friends/family to see what’s new and how things are going. Out of the 6 things I’ve written about, this is definitely the number one area I need to improve on.

Final Take

6 months may seem like a short time frame to some, but I’m amazed by how much I’ve learned already. I would highly encourage readers and soon to be college graduates to take the advice that myself and Zach Robles have provided.

There are many other things for me to learn, and I’m certain this list will expand as my time in the real world progresses.