Your Guide to Workplace Success

By Anna Champion (L 95)

Anna is the founder of The Talent Lighthouse and a recognised leader in early careers development. With over 20 years of experience, she has designed award-winning programmes and delivered coaching that helps organisations accelerate potential. Her mission is clear: to unlock talent, create opportunity, and shape the next generation of leaders.

From lecture halls to boardrooms: how to make your mark

The flood of advice begins the moment you accept that job offer. LinkedIn influencers preach hustle culture, relatives share outdated wisdom, and career gurus contradict each other daily. But what actually separates those who thrive from those who merely survive their workplace transition?

Having spent my career supporting those bridging the gap between academic achievement and professional success, I’ve identified three things that consistently set new graduates apart.

1: Show your curiosity

Your inexperience isn’t a weakness, it’s your advantage. While seasoned employees might hesitate to ask ‘obvious’ questions, you have permission to dig deeper and show genuine curiosity. This is especially crucial in our remotefirst world, where those impromptu post-meeting corridor conversations have vanished.

Jot down queries as they arise, then schedule focused check-ins with your manager. When colleagues speak, take handwritten notes – research shows they boost memory retention by 34% over typing. This approach also demonstrates genuine engagement, which helps build your professional brand, while reinforcing your knowledge base. And don’t be afraid to ask how AI tools are being used within your organisation, this shows you’re forwardthinking and interested in improving efficiency.

2: Own everything –especially the small stuff

The misconception – only big projects matter. The reality – how you handle seemingly insignificant tasks reveals your ability to work and take on projects. Every mundane assignment is an audition for more meaningful work.

When given any task, confirm requirements upfront, then provide proactive updates before anyone asks. A simple “is this what you were looking for?” can save hours of wasted time. Flag potential challenges or delays and suggest solutions. After the task is complete, reflect on what you learned and what could be done differently next time. This approach positions you as someone who can be trusted with bigger challenges.

3: Connect across all levels

Your network isn’t just about career advancement; it’s about belonging, learning, and making work genuinely enjoyable. In remote environments, this requires intentional effort.

Remember, while AI can write a compelling email or draft a report, it’s the human connection, the empathy, mentorship, and spontaneous teamwork that it can’t replicate. This is where your true value lies.

Volunteer to organise team activities, suggest virtual coffee chats, or propose ‘walk-and-talk’ sessions. Connect across hierarchies: from fellow graduates to senior leadership. While AI can handle many transactional tasks, the ability to build rapport and trust with colleagues is a uniquely human skill that will always set you apart.

A simple “good morning” or offer to help can open doors to mentorship opportunities. Outside of your organisation, volunteer to the organisers your help with networking events. This provides the perfect opportunity to meet others in your field and ask questions whilst giving you a legitimate reason to be there and therefore a boost in confidence.

Remember – your first professional role is more than a job; it’s a launchpad. While academic credentials prove your potential, it’s these intentional, day-to-day actions – curiosity, ownership, and connection – that can truly unlock your career’s trajectory.

Whether you are an individual, parent or employer, find out more about the coaching and skills development programmes that Anna provides at The Talent Lighthouse.

The careers and networking programme for the OU Association offers unlimited support and connections wherever you are in your career journey.

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