For many recent graduates, landing the job is only the first step. Figuring out how to succeed in those early months is where the real challenge begins. In this Q&A, Jaclyn Jensen, professor of management and associate dean for undergraduate programs in the Driehaus College of Business, shares practical tips to help new graduates hit the ground running at work. Her research focuses on workplace behavior and employee performance and has been featured in Harvard Business Review and the Chicago Tribune.

Graduating and jumping into the workforce can be scary, and graduates can feel a lot of pressure to perform well immediately. What would you say about handling the pressure of those first three months?

There’s a lot going on; new job, new environment, new relationships. That pressure is completely normal. Take things one day at a time. Be curious. Ask questions. Be proactive about learning. One practical strategy is keeping a weekly journal: what you worked on, progress you made, challenges you faced and next steps. That helps you track your growth, identify issues and demonstrate progress to your manager. It can also help you see that you’re accomplishing more than you might think.

We’ve been seeing headlines about some recent graduates struggling to find their footing in early roles. What do you think is shaping this transition from college to career today?

I think this trend reflects a mismatch on both sides; how students are being prepared and how employers’ expectations for entry‑level roles are evolving.

Employers often say technical skills aren’t the problem, but the soft skills are. Those include things like coming to work on time, communicating professionally, both orally and in writing, wearing professional attire, presenting yourself well in meetings, making eye contact, not being distracted by your phone and showing engagement through body language. We sometimes assume students understand the professional “language” of work, and that may not always be the case.  

At the same time, employer expectations for entry‑level hires have shifted. With faster cycles of work and the growth of AI, employers increasingly expect new hires to contribute quickly, adapt easily and operate comfortably in unstructured or ambiguous environments. Historically, those are skills that employees developed over time.

So, this isn’t about recent graduates falling short. It’s a reality check on whether universities are investing enough in professional skill development, and whether employers are providing enough training and support for new graduates who are being asked to perform at a higher level from day one.

What are three tips students can take before they graduate to prepare for this?

First, focus on problem-solving and critical thinking techniques. These are consistently valued by employers. Students should think about how they’re developing those skills in classes, internships, student organizations, volunteer roles or jobs, and be able to give examples.

Second, invest in relationships. If you build authentic relationships, you build trust. And when people trust you, they’re more forgiving of mistakes and more willing to support you. That comes from showing accountability, doing what you say you’ll do, communicating clearly and being reliable. It’s not just about knowing people; it’s about demonstrating that your actions match your words.

Third, understand that work is far less structured than school. In college, everything is clearly laid out like syllabi, deadlines and expectations. In the workplace, that structure often doesn’t exist. So, students should look for ways to build adaptability. That might mean volunteering, joining organizations or taking on roles where things change and aren’t clearly defined. That’s where a lot of growth happens.

Resources

Students can find resources at the DePaul Career Center, where they can access career coaching, resume and interview support, job and internship opportunities, and events that connect them with employers.