From First Job Struggles to VP: Paula Zimmer’s Advice for Gen Z Women Starting Their Careers

When you’re fresh out of college, stepping into the “real world” can feel overwhelming. You’re suddenly juggling rent, job applications, maybe even credit card payments, and all while trying to prove yourself in your first full-time role.

If you’ve ever felt like you’re already falling behind, you’re not alone.

I sat down with Paula Zimmer, VP of Client Services at Kuno Creative, to talk about her journey from graduating during the 2008 recession to leading in digital marketing today. She’s been where you are now: confused, broke, unsure if she was “doing adulthood” right. And she’s sharing the lessons she wishes she knew earlier.

Here are Paula’s best takeaways for Gen Z women just starting their careers:

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Networking is still everything. just do it digitally.

In 2008, Paula landed her first “real” marketing job by showing up to local PR events and building relationships. “It was all about who you knew,” she said.

Fast forward to today, and the rules haven’t changed much. The only difference? Networking has moved online.

Reach out to professionals on LinkedIn and ask for 15 minutes of their time.

Use alumni connections, family friends, or even second-degree connections.

Don’t be afraid to send that message. Most people want to help, because someone once helped them.

The transition from college to full-time work is hard and that’s normal

Paula admits that her biggest shock wasn’t the workload, but the routine: “Every day you wake up, get dressed, go to work, pack your lunch and repeat. No more couch days in between classes.”

Her advice? Build little things into your week that give you something to look forward to:

• A dinner with friends
• A workout you enjoy
• A small treat, like a manicure

Money lessons no one taught you

Paula wishes someone had sat her down and explained credit cards, 401(k)s, and budgeting. Instead, she learned through trial and error.

Her reminder: it won’t always feel this hard. One day, you won’t have to check your bank account before grabbing lunch. But until then:

• Learn the basics of credit and savings early
• Ask questions (no one expects you to know it all)
• Remember that everyone feels “broke” at first; it doesn’t mean you’re failing

Imposter syndrome never fully goes away but you can push through

Even as a VP, Paula still gets nervous before pitching big clients. Her strategy? Keep showing up with ideas. “You won’t win every time,” she said, “but eventually one will hit.”

If you’re waiting to feel “ready” before speaking up in meetings or volunteering for projects, you’ll be waiting forever. Confidence comes after action, not before.

In your first job, be the person who says yes

Paula’s biggest advice for making an impact? Be proactive.

“Don’t just wait for assignments to land on your desk,” she explained. “Ask how you can help. Volunteer for projects. Even if it’s filing papers, it gets your foot in the door.”

Managers notice the person who raises their hand. It builds trust and often leads to opportunities you never expected.

Ask for help. it’s not a weakness.

So many young women feel like they have to figure everything out alone. Paula wishes she had asked more questions earlier:

“There’s always someone who’s been through it before. Ask your mentor, your coworker, even your friends. Nobody expects you to know how to ‘adult’ perfectly on day one.”

Take a breath. your career is a marathon.

If Paula could go back and give her younger self one piece of advice, it would be this: slow down and think long-term.

As she put it: “I chased shiny things and job-hopped until I found the right fit. I wish I had paused to really think about what made me happy earlier.”

Your career won’t be built in a day. You’re not behind; you’re just building.

✨ The beginning is messy

Starting your career will feel messy. You’ll have money stress, moments of doubt, and days when you wonder if you’re cut out for this. Paula’s story proves that all of this is normal and temporary.

The skills that will carry you forward? Building relationships, staying proactive, asking for help, and giving yourself permission to learn as you go.

Take a breath. You’ve got time to figure this out. And the best part? You don’t have to do it alone.