These are the 3 steps that every new graduate should take
Remember: in the workplace and throughout your career, a 'we, not 'me' mentality makes all the difference. None of us gets anywhere alone. Not even fiercely independent believers in rugged individualism.
Many graduates think they don't have a personal board of directors and that they're starting their careers with an empty table. But I'm here to tell you that nobody starts from zero. It can be hard to recognize at first, but you already have a group of people invested in you and your professional journey. These are your go-to people: those you trust, respect, and who have demonstrated their commitment to your professional growth and success. Think of the 'board' as a figurative way to describe the individuals you turn to for guidance, support, input, radical honesty, and feedback.
How to establish your board of directors
First, start by setting some ground rules for your board: there are always open seats, and there are no term limits. Some people may only be on your board briefly; others may stay for a lifetime. These relationships shouldn't be transactional or one-way. They are respectful, thoughtful connections that you must nurture.
Here are three actions you can take to strengthen your relationship with your current board members.
1. Start with an audit
Ask yourself, who's already sitting at your table? Think about the people you call when you're in a personal or professional crisis, the ones who make you feel better just by talking. Think about the friends you trust to discuss school, career decisions, fashion dilemmas, or family stresses.
Don't forget about teammates, club members, or organization peers whose advice you value. Reflect on those who have once sat you down to walk you through a critical decision. Even family members who offer solicited (and sometimes unsolicited) advice can be part of your board if you trust their input. These are the people who are already serving.
2. Be open to changing your board members
Second, roll people off when necessary. Not everyone is meant to stay forever. As you grow and evolve, it's natural for board membership to change. Sometimes it's them, they might have life commitments that shift, which decreases availability. Sometimes it's you. You develop new priorities or outgrow the relationship. Sometimes, a person might break your trust, and a once-valued board member no longer feels like a safe person. Whatever the reason, honor the evolution. The right board changes over time to meet the needs of the person you are becoming.
3. Show gratitude
Third, show gratitude. Ask yourself if you've truly done the work to nurture these relationships. Once you finish reading this, reach out to a few board members to say thank you. Whether you send a handwritten note, a text, an email, or make a phone call, be intentional. Share an update—let them know you've graduated and are starting your next chapter. Express your gratitude with a specific example of how their support helped you reach this milestone. And tell them that you'd like to stay in touch, if they're open to continued communication. This isn't a transaction—it's the ongoing work of maintaining and valuing real relationships.
As you begin your new job, remember that there are always open seats at your boardroom table. Think about who you'd like to join next. What areas of growth could benefit from more support? For example, when I graduated from medical school, I wished I had someone to help me with financial literacy—someone who could have guided me through paying off debt and making smart financial decisions. Books, podcasts, and newsletters are helpful, but nothing replaces having a real person to call or email when questions arise.
The most successful professionals don't achieve everything at once. They build careers by learning and applying micro skills—small, intentional behaviors that compound over time and can be implemented in real time. Congratulations, graduate. You already have a board. People are serving on it. Now it's time to reinforce, grow, and celebrate the support.
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