Mindsets Every Fresh Grad Needs to Master (From a Guy Who's Been There)
Ditch the Jitters, Embrace the Journey: My No-Nonsense Guide to Thriving in the Real World.
Personal Introduction: From Fresh Grad Jitters to Leading a Digital Crew (My Story)
Remember that feeling right after graduation? That mix of excitement and "oh crap, what now?" Yeah, I’ve been there. 😅 It’s like being handed a map to a treasure island, but the map is blank and the compass is spinning. One minute you're celebrating a huge milestone, the next you're staring at a blank resume, wondering if all those years of studying actually prepared you for... this. The job market feels like a jungle, and you're just trying to find your footing.
I’m Dirga Isman, and five years ago, I was pretty much in your shoes. Fast forward to today, I’m the CEO of Uraga Digital Agency. What started as a small idea has grown into a team of 40 amazing people, working with over 300 brands from East Java to Jakarta. It's been a wild ride, full of learning, a few stumbles (okay, maybe more than a few!), and a whole lot of growth. When I first started, the idea of leading any team, let alone 40 people, felt like a distant dream. I was just a fresh grad with an idea and a lot of uncertainty. My journey wasn't a straight line to CEO; it was a zig-zag of figuring things out, making mistakes, and constantly adapting. That’s why I feel pretty credible talking about this – I’ve lived through the fresh grad chaos and built something out of it. Straight out high-school 🫣
This article isn't about "getting rich quick" or finding a magic potion. It’s about shifting your mindset – the internal operating system that dictates how you navigate this new chapter. We'll break it down into four key transformations, inspired by a simple but powerful idea: from feeling lost, to gaining education, to mastering execution, and finally, building unstoppable consistency. Ready? Let's dive in!
The Mindset Makeover: Your Blueprint for Crushing Early Career Challenges
From "Lost" to "Learning": Embracing the Beautiful Mess
That feeling of being "uncertain about everything" and having an "identity dilemma" in your first job? Totally normal. You're transitioning from a structured academic environment to a dynamic, often unspoken, professional one. It’s okay not to know all the rules or even your exact place yet. From rebahan all day, just take an exam and forget to working your ass off to pay the bill.
The key is to shift from feeling lost to actively seeking knowledge. This initial feeling of being overwhelmed isn't a sign of inadequacy; it's a natural response to a new, less structured environment. The path to clarity isn't found by waiting for all the answers to appear, but by proactively engaging with your surroundings and seeking guidance.
Instead of waiting for directions, proactively seek information. Your HR department can be a great resource to understand your role and company protocols, and don't hesitate to ask for a "buddy" or mentor. This active exploration and relationship building are fundamental. Your career path won't be "A" choice, but "a series of choices," so staying open to different roles and opportunities, even if they don't perfectly align with your initial plan, is crucial for long-term growth. This openness allows for continuous learning and adaptation to an ever-evolving professional landscape.
Practical Advice:
Ask All the Questions (Seriously): There's no such thing as a dumb question when you're new. Ask about processes, expectations, and even the office coffee machine. It shows you're engaged and eager to learn. You just have to take the initiative. You need this, not them.
Seek Out Informational Interviews: Don't just network for job openings. Reach out to professionals in your desired field for casual chats. These "informational meetings" can "provide insights into different roles, company cultures and industry expectations," and significantly "expand your network".
Build Your Personal "Board of Advisors": This is an "organized way to find and work with mentors". Pick a few people you admire – could be family, former teachers, or industry veterans – and ask them to be your informal advisors. Meet every few months for updates and advice. Proactive relationship-building, through mentors and networking, extends beyond just finding a job; it builds a learning ecosystem that fosters adaptability and career resilience in a dynamic world.
Keep an Open Mind: Your career path won't be "A" choice, but "a series of choices". Be open to different roles and opportunities, even if they don't perfectly align with your initial plan.
Insider Tip:
Back when I was just starting out with Uraga, trying to figure out how to even start a digital agency, let alone lead a 40-person team, I felt pretty lost. I didn't have all the answers, but I had a burning curiosity. I remember reaching out to anyone who’d listen – senior marketers, other agency owners, even just friends who seemed to have their act together. Those casual conversations, those "informational interviews" before I even knew what they were, were gold. If you knocked the door, they will open. They helped me connect the dots and realize that nobody has it all figured out; they just keep learning.
What's one thing you're currently figuring out in your new role? Share your thoughts in the comments below! 👇
Beyond the Diploma: Your Real Education Starts Now
Here’s a truth bomb: "Education Doesn't End With Your Graduation". In fact, it’s just starting! Your diploma is a great foundation, but the professional world demands "continuous learning" to "close skill gaps" and remain employable. The speed of industry change, particularly with rapid technological advancements, means that relying solely on a degree can quickly lead to your knowledge becoming outdated. Fresh graduates, especially Gen Z, expect and even demand "modern technology" and "personalized and modern software" in the workplace, and can become "frustrated by the lack of sophistication". This means that continuous learning isn't just a recommendation; it's a necessity for employability and job satisfaction.
You need to proactively invest in "professional development" – whether it's formal courses, workshops, or just staying updated on trends. This professional development extends beyond formal courses to include self-directed learning, like reading industry books, and even mastering niche tasks. Becoming a specialist in a specific, even small, task makes you the "go-to person," which demonstrates initiative and reliability, enhancing your value to the team. This is a practical, actionable form of continuous learning that directly enhances an individual's value and career progression.
Practical Advice:
Embrace Lifelong Learning: "Attend workshops, take online courses, read industry-related books and stay updated on the latest trends". Platforms like Coursera*, LinkedIn Learning*, and Udemy* are fantastic for "building digital, analytical, or communication skills".
Learn New Software & Tools Regularly: Gen Z, you're digital natives, and you expect modern technology at work. Don't get frustrated by outdated systems; instead, "learn a new software tool or language every few months" and "engage in online courses for coding, AI, web design, or digital tools relevant to your field".
Develop Both Hard & Soft Skills: It’s not just about technical prowess. "Building both technical skills and soft skills like communication and leadership will keep you adaptable and ready for new challenges". Practice "chatting like a boss" by elevating your communication game.
Read the Right Books: Beyond online courses, dive into career development books.
Insider Tip
The real "MBA" for me came from constantly learning on the job. How else do you figure out how to manage 40 diverse personalities or cater to 300+ brands? It wasn't in any textbook. I spent countless hours devouring articles, taking online courses (even when I was exhausted after work), and just observing how successful leaders operated. I even learned a lot about team dynamics from our internal HR team – they're the unsung heroes! This continuous learning is why Uraga has stayed relevant for five years and counting.
What's one skill you're excited to learn next? Tell me in the comments! 👇
The Power of "Doing": Turning Ideas into Impactful Execution
The image says it best: "If you are educated, the answer is execution." You can have all the knowledge in the world, but if you can't do anything with it, it's just… potential. Employers seek "problem-solving" skills and the ability to "demonstrate reliability by meeting deadlines". This isn't about working crazy "long hours to impress" ; it's about "working smart" and "completing your tasks within the stipulated time". Execution is not merely about completing tasks; it's about demonstrating your value, reliability, and leadership potential. The shift from simply putting in "long hours" to "working smart" reflects a mature understanding of achieving impact through strategy rather than just sheer effort.
This strategic approach to execution, focusing on "Action Orientation" and "SMART goals" , allows you to deliver higher quality and reliability. This, in turn, opens doors for leadership opportunities. For fresh graduates, execution excellence extends beyond individual tasks to include proactive problem-solving and taking initiative. Actively looking for challenges to solve, volunteering for responsibilities, and becoming an expert in a specific area can make you indispensable and accelerate your career growth beyond basic task completion.
Practical Advice:
Cultivate "Action Orientation": This is a core competency. It means "setting clear goals, planning tasks, and using time well," and "being responsible for reaching goals on time".
Set SMART Goals: Make your goals Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Realistic, and Time-bound. This turns vague aspirations into clear, actionable steps. Digital tools like Trello or Asana* can help.
Master Time Management: "Time management is key to productivity". Use digital planners or apps to organize tasks and deadlines. Try techniques like the Pomodoro Technique to enhance focus and efficiency.
Learn by Doing (and Failing): Don't be afraid to take initiative. "Mistakes are inevitable," especially when you're new. "Be honest about errors, take responsibility and seek advice on how to improve". This builds trust and shows maturity.
Take Initiative: "Don't wait for leadership roles to be handed to you—seek them out". Volunteer to lead small projects or presentations. This showcases your "initiative and leadership potential".
The Long Game: Building Unstoppable Consistency
Look at the image again: "If you are executing, the answer is consistency." This is the ultimate level-up. Think about it: anyone can have a great idea or even execute a single project well. But showing up, day in and day out, delivering quality work, and staying committed – that’s where the real magic happens. Consistency is the secret sauce for long-term impact. It's not just about repetitive action; it's about building habits, managing your energy, and developing resilience to emotional fluctuations. This makes consistency the very foundation for building long-term impact and trust.
When you successfully build consistency in one area, you develop a "skill of being consistent". This meta-skill can then be transferred to any other area of your life or career, accelerating your overall growth. For instance, if you can consistently write for a year, it becomes much easier to consistently exercise for a year because you've already built that sense of accomplishment and the underlying skill. This implies a powerful ripple effect, where initial consistent efforts lay the groundwork for broader personal and professional development. Being "consistent, reliable, and open can help to create and maintain trusting relationships" with colleagues and supervisors.
Practical Advice:
Find Your "Spark" and Set Goals: What truly motivates you? "The spark is what gets you moving". Once you find it, "set some goals" around it. Even small, daily goals can build momentum.
Don't Overschedule: You're not a machine. "Don't have a project for everyday". Allow time for rest, random activities, and self-care. This prevents burnout and makes consistency sustainable.
"Cry But Keep Working" (The Emotional Resilience): Some days you won't feel like it. "Put those emotions in check". The article suggests, "I don't have a solution for these feelings. But I've resolved to work in spite of them". It's about showing up regardless, even if it's imperfect. (Of course, if you're in a really bad emotional space, seek professional help.)
Bulk Up Routine Decisions: Make your daily life easier. Decide what to wear, eat, or do for exercise ahead of time. "These small decisions take up so much of our time, but we barely realize". This frees up mental energy for more important tasks.
Start with Your Most Important Task: If possible, tackle your most crucial task in the morning. This builds a "bias for action" and ensures you get the most impactful work done.
Track Your Progress: Whether it's a simple habit tracker or a digital app, seeing your consistent chain of effort can be incredibly motivating. Aim for a "consistent chain of exercise" or "consistent chain of meditation" for 30 days, then extend it.
Build Trust Through Consistency: Being "consistent, reliable, and open can help to create and maintain trusting relationships" with colleagues and supervisors.
Your Fresh Grad Mindset Toolkit
Here’s a quick recap of the mindset shifts and practical actions you can take to level up your launch:
Mindset 1: From Lost to Learning
Action: Ask Questions Relentlessly
Action: Seek Informational Interviews
Action: Build Your "Board of Advisors"
Mindset 2: Beyond the Diploma
Action: Embrace Lifelong Learning (e.g., Coursera*, Udemy*)
Action: Continuously Learn New Tools/Software
Action: Develop Both Hard & Soft Skills
Mindset 3: The Power of Doing
Action: Cultivate Action Orientation (SMART Goals)
Action: Practice Smart Time Management (Pomodoro Technique)
Action: Take Initiative & Learn from Mistakes
Mindset 4: The Long Game: Consistency
Action: Find Your "Spark" & Set Goals
Action: Manage Energy, Not Just Time
Action: Track Progress & Work Through Emotions
Wrapping It Up: Your Journey, Your Legacy
So there you have it – four crucial mindset shifts that can transform your fresh grad journey. From embracing the "lost" feeling as an opportunity to learn, to understanding that your real "education" is just beginning, to mastering the art of "execution," and finally, building the bedrock of "consistency." These aren't just buzzwords; they're the practical tools that helped me navigate the early days of my career and build Uraga Digital Agency.
Your first few years out of college are a unique adventure. There will be ups, downs, and plenty of "what am I doing?!" moments. But with the right mindset, you're not just surviving; you're setting yourself up to thrive, innovate, and build something truly meaningful. Embrace the process, learn from every step, and remember that every expert was once a beginner.
What mindset shift resonated most with you? I'd love to hear your thoughts and experiences in the comments below! Let's build a community of thriving fresh grads.
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