As you stare down college graduation and look beyond into your first few years as a true adult, it feels a lot like the opportunities are endless, but the guidance? Not so much. It is inevitable to start asking questions like: How do I know what’s important? What will set me up for success, not just in my career, but in life?
I didn’t have it figured out back then, but I’ve made it my mission to help young women transition from college to career with confidence—building a strong professional, personal, and financial foundation that lasts. Here are the lessons I know now that I wish I had known then.
Moving out, chasing dreams—it’s exciting. But make time for home. Call your parents. Hang out with your younger siblings. Put your phone down when you’re with them. Life moves fast, and one day, you’ll wish for just one more Sunday dinner.
The secret to making the most of your 20s—and life—is appreciating where you are, while building toward where you want to be.
In your 20s, friendships shift, relationships evolve, and people come and go. Make sure the people who matter know how much they mean to you. Say ‘I love you’ every chance you get. Write a letter. Say it in a text. Whatever the method, don’t be shy.
Life can often feel like a blur. But science tells us that we remember more when memories are tied to novelty, or something new we haven’t experienced before. So do new things! Book the trip. Say yes to the adventure. Make it count.
Late-night talks with roommates. Laughing with coworkers after a long day. The care package your mom sends. The little things shape your life just as much as the big milestones, so don’t let them pass by unnoticed.
Society pushes a timeline, but your life is yours. Choose what’s right for you, whether it’s career, travel, family, or all of the above. If you want kids, you will love them more than you ever thought possible. But kids are hard. If that is not the path you choose, or the path that chooses you, don’t feel guilty. Your life is yours.
Your first job might not be your dream job, but how you show up matters. Build a reputation for being reliable, proactive, and hardworking. Raise your hands for the hard tasks. Often, your first impression will follow you throughout your career.
Technical skills get your foot in the door, but emotional intelligence, communication, and adaptability will take you further. Remember curiosity and confidence will take you further than credentials. Decipher how to navigate workplace dynamics early and never stop learning.
Set aside time to read every morning and every night, even just 10 minutes. Fiction to expand your mind, nonfiction to gain perspective. Make learning a lifelong habit—your future self will thank you.
Have you ever felt like life is happening to you instead of you happening to life? You’re doing everything right, but somehow, it feels like you’re just coasting along, missing out on what really matters. More than just a bucket list, a life list is a compass guiding you toward a life of intention and purpose. When you achieve the items on your list, you will be able to look back and know you led a life with intention.
Success is more meaningful when it impacts others. Whether it’s mentoring, volunteering, or building something bigger than yourself, find ways to give back.
When you know what matters most, decision-making becomes easier. Filter your choices through your priorities—your values, your well-being, your family, your career. It’s up to you.
Your future self (and skin) will thank you. Take care of yourself now so you don’t have to fix damage later.
In your 20s, relationships can feel like everything. But the person you choose to build a life with will impact your happiness, career, and goals. Don’t settle. Ensure you align on all the big priorities you defined in your life list.
You’re creating habits now that will last. Prioritize your health early so you have energy for everything you want to do.
Whether it’s job interviews, big presentations, or life changes—being prepared will set you apart. When you don’t take the time upfront, it is easy to panic. Instead, plan, research, and walk in with confidence. This alone will set you ahead of the pack.
Networking starts the moment you enter the workforce. That coffee chat? That informational interview? It could change your life—even if it doesn’t today.
A walk outside can clear your head, boost your mood, and help you refocus. It’s a small habit that makes a big difference.
If there is one thing I am most proud of during my early adult life, it is moving to New York City and living on my own for a few years. There’s a kind of growth that only happens when you rely on yourself. Learn who you are without the influence of family or roommates.
Each day, log your purchases. Continue for 30 days. At the end of each week, review your spending and answer these questions:
One study found that those who wrote down their goals were 42% more likely to achieve them compared to those who didn't. Write down what you want in life and revisit the list often.
Have you ever said, ‘I’ll be happy when…’ or ‘My life will start when…’ Please know, there’s no waiting for life to start. Your career, your relationships, your adventures—it’s all unfolding in real-time. Don’t waste it waiting for ‘someday.’
You don’t have to figure it all out alone. The transition from college to career is overwhelming, but The Independence Lab is here to help. I share stories, strategies, and insights to help you navigate this season with confidence.
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