Since I have been out of school and employed at Roundpeg for a little over 7 months, this is an appropriate time time to look back on my first experience in the real world.  I learn something new almost every day, but some lessons stand out far more than others. Without further ado, here are the top 3 things I’ve learned in my first 7 months as an adult:

1. Assignments don’t come one at a time-As luck would have it, the real world doesn’t care  if you’re already busy doing something. At RoundpegI have the chance to wear several hats (sales, web design, customer trainer) and so I’m involved in several different projects at the same time. Learning to handle several projects at once was probably the greatest challenge I’ve faced in my first 7 months on the job. Day by day, I’m improving my project and time managements skills and my ability to set priorities and established realistic timelines.   I can’t wait to look back in December at how much I’ve improved these skills over the year.

2. Nothing’s possible without the teamI can’t think of a single project since I arrived which didn’t require the support of  my team. Taylor, Allison, and I each bring different talents to Roundpeg. This diversity is what  allows us to work so well together. For example, when I begin a web design for a client,  I know I  will NOT be able to produce what Roundpeg is capable of without Taylor’s graphic design talent and Allison’s copy-writing genius.  In this business, it’s pretty tough to do anything on your own. Luckily, I don’t have to.

3. Never Underestimate the Power of Relationships-Many of the most rewarding experiences I’ve had since hanging up my cap and gown haven’t occurred in my office. My job allows me to meet some of the coolest people and visit some of the coolest places in Indianapolis.  Those relationships (and experiences) have  helped grow Roundpeg’s business interests, while helping  me create lasting relationships with some amazing individuals.  Many I would never have met otherwise. Being part of a community is fun.

What about you? What’s the biggest lesson you learned during your first year in the “real world”?