For many young professionals, the first job is a rite of passage, a moment filled with anticipation, ambition, and uncertainty. It’s where theory meets reality, where classroom concepts are tested against workplace dynamics, and where personal identity begins to take shape within a professional context.
In industries like oil and gas, where technical expertise intersects with complex organizational structures, the transition from student to employee can feel especially daunting. But it’s also a powerful opportunity to lay the foundation for a meaningful and resilient career.
My first corporate job was in a fast-paced tech environment, and I entered with the mindset that hard work and execution would speak for themselves. I was diligent, responsive, and eager to prove my value. But I quickly learned that success in the workplace isn’t just about doing the work, it’s about understanding the context, building relationships, and learning how to communicate in a way that builds trust.
One of my earliest mistakes was assuming that asking questions would make me appear unprepared. I hesitated to seek clarity, fearing it would reflect poorly on my competence. In reality, that hesitation slowed my learning curve and created unnecessary stress. It wasn’t until a mentor encouraged me to “ask early, ask often” that I began to shift my approach. That simple advice changed everything. I started to view questions not as a weakness, but as a tool for alignment and growth. It also helped me build credibility with my manager, who appreciated my willingness to engage thoughtfully rather than operate in isolation.
Understanding your role in a new organization goes far beyond reading the job description. It requires curiosity, observation, and a willingness to connect the dots between your responsibilities and the broader goals of the team or company. Let me share a story about a colleague who, in her first month, made it a point to meet with cross-functional partners not just to introduce herself, but to understand how her work impacted theirs. That proactive mindset not only accelerated her learning but positioned her as a collaborative and strategic thinker. She wasn’t just doing her job, she was building a reputation.
Showcasing your strengths in a first job is a delicate balance. You want to demonstrate initiative and capability, but you also need to listen, learn, and adapt. Early in my career, I was known for being a strong communicator, and I leaned into that skill by volunteering to lead team presentations and draft internal communications. But I also made the mistake of overextending myself, saying yes to every request without considering whether it aligned with my role or bandwidth. Eventually, I learned that showcasing strengths isn’t about doing everything, it's about doing the right things well, and knowing when to step back and prioritize.
One of the most important aspects of a first job is building trust with your manager. Trust isn’t built overnight but it’s earned through consistency, transparency, and follow-through. I often advise young professionals to treat every interaction as an opportunity to reinforce reliability. That means meeting deadlines, communicating proactively, and owning mistakes when they happen. In one of my early roles, I missed a key deliverable because I didn’t speak up when I felt overwhelmed. I thought I could power through, but the result was a missed opportunity and a difficult conversation. What I learned from that experience was the value of managing up, keeping your manager informed, flagging risks early, and demonstrating accountability.
In industries like oil and gas, where safety, precision, and collaboration are paramount, these lessons are especially relevant. Your technical skills will open the door, but your ability to navigate relationships, understand the business, and communicate effectively will determine how far you go. That’s why I encourage young professionals to invest in both competence and character. Be curious about the work, but also about the people. Learn the language of the business, but also the culture. And remember that your reputation is built not just on what you know, but on how you show up.
Another theme to explore is the importance of aligning personal values with organizational culture. In one of my first roles, I found myself in an environment that prized speed over thoughtfulness and competition over collaboration. While I was performing well on paper, I felt increasingly disconnected from the culture. It took time and courage to realize that success isn’t just about fitting in; it’s about finding a place where you can thrive. That experience taught me to ask better questions during interviews, to observe team dynamics, and to trust my instincts when something felt off.
For young professionals entering their first job, here are a few guiding principles to keep in mind.
● Start with humility. You’re not expected to know everything, but you are expected to learn. Ask questions, seek feedback, and be open to coaching.
● Build relationships early. Introduce yourself to colleagues, attend team meetings, and find ways to connect beyond the task at hand. Relationships are the currency of trust.
● Understand the business. Learn how your role fits into the larger picture. Ask about goals, metrics, and priorities. The more context you have, the more strategic you become.
● Communicate with intention. Keep your manager informed, share progress regularly, and don’t be afraid to speak up when you need support. Communication builds credibility.
● Reflect and recalibrate. Take time to assess what’s working and what’s not. Your first job is a learning lab—use it to understand your strengths, preferences, and aspirations.
The first job is rarely perfect, but it’s always instructive. It’s where you begin to shape your professional identity, test your values, and build the habits that will carry you forward. Whether you’re on a rig, in a lab, or behind a desk, the principles remain the same: be curious, be intentional, and be true to yourself. The way ahead is not just about where you go—it’s about how you grow.
