As the Class of 2026 enters their next chapter, we revisit past Tips for New Grads to share advice on how to succeed.
One of the best graduation gifts for the 18,160 members of the Rutgers Class of 2026 is their network of fellow alumni, now more than 600,000 strong. Their insights and experience offer a wealth of guidance for new graduates embarking on their next adventure.
Drawing on that wisdom, the Tips for New Grads page provides advice from alumni who have already charted their own paths beyond Rutgers. Explore their recommendations or check out the following excerpts from previous editions.
Lois V. Greene NUR’86, senior executive, human experience and population health for University Hospital in Newark, offered her tips in the feature Wellness at Work:
Wellness isn’t a destination. It’s a lifelong journey made of daily choices.
- Build genuine relationships, not just for networking but for connection. Your co-workers often become your safety net and sometimes your sanity.
- Movement is medicine. Walk to the printer, stretch at your desk, or take a lap outside when things get intense.
- Stay curious and keep learning. Sharpen your skills. Ask questions, take notes, and be coachable.
- Show up like you mean it. Stand tall. Make eye contact and bring your best energy into the room. People respond to posture and presence.
- Protect your peace like it’s your paycheck. Your energy is your greatest asset. Spend it wisely.
- Learn the art of the pause. Before you reply, commit, or react, take a breath. The pause helps you respond instead of reacting, think instead of rushing, and protect your energy from unnecessary chaos.
- Remember your why. There will be tough days when you wonder if you’re cut out for this. You are. You don’t need to be perfect—just keep showing up with heart, purpose, and a little humor.
Belonging is not about fitting in—it is about being a valued, visible contributor, says Christopher Bylone CC’06, principal strategist for his company Innovation Unbiased in the article Nine Tips to Bring Your Bold, Authentic Self to the Workplace:
For early-career professionals, this means learning to read the culture, challenge norms, and advocate for equity with clarity and courage. These nine tips can help you navigate those waters.
- Ask about the non-discrimination policy. Easy access to it shows transparency. Look for language that goes beyond compliance.
- During hiring, ask: “What accommodations are available during this process?” This isn’t just about accessibility—it’s about the company meeting people where they are.
- Mental health is not a perk—it’s a practice. Ask how the company promotes good mental health.
- Belonging is built, not given. You do not “fit in”—you help shape the culture. Ask how feedback is gathered from employees.
- Learn the language of power. Pay attention to who gets interrupted, who gets credit, and who gets invited to the table. Challenge the status quo with curiosity and courage.
- If you are the “only” in the room—only woman, only Black person, only queer person—your perspective is not a gap. It’s a lens. Use it to ask better questions, tell richer stories, and build more inclusion.
- Seek out feedback that builds you, not generic praise. Ask: “What could I do differently to increase my impact?”
- Inclusion is a skill, not a trait. You practice it. Learn to facilitate meetings where all voices are heard. Learn to write emails that do not assume gender.
- Your values are your compass. When in doubt, return to them. You are not just building a career. You are creating a legacy.
As a life and career coach, Colleen Georges DC’97, GSE’98,’03 shares advice for new graduates looking to create work-life balance in A Work-Life Balance Guide for New Grads:
Create daily self-care, planning, and reflection routines.
Practicing a daily routine is crucial for work-life well-being.
Use time-blocking to set “have-to-dos” and “want-to-dos.”
Time blocking has been a life changer. Planning my days means less decision-making and minimal worrying—I just wake up and follow my own instructions!
Be purposeful with boundaries, planned joy, and connection.
Time blocking has helped me create important boundaries, including times to stop working. Seeing what’s in my calendar keeps me from getting overwhelmed and zapping my energy.
Engage in intentional growth and giving back.
Seek out opportunities to learn for career development and personal fulfillment. I take courses that make me a better coach and educator. I also study things I’m simply passionate about.
Finally, commitment to volunteer work is crucial in maintaining work-life balance. When we find causes outside of our careers we’re passionate about, we owe it to ourselves to nurture these.
Even if you’re well into your career, a pivot is always possible and sometimes necessary, says Perry Farhat LC’04, RLAW’15, a DEI director for a major health system and administrative director for New Jersey’s first LGBTQ primary care clinic, in his feature Pivoting to Your Passion:
If you’re considering a pivot—maybe even eyeing a dream job—these tips can help.
Focus on transferable skills. Whether it’s problem-solving, communication, project management, or something else, emphasize how these abilities make you a strong candidate. Ensure that these are highlighted in your resume and during your interview.
Align with your passions when thinking about your next step instead of jumping into something “a little bit better.” Your transition will be more fulfilling and sustainable. Passion fuels success.
Leverage your diverse background. It's not just about your skills, but about how you package and present them. Carefully craft your resume, cover letter, and interview responses to showcase your background, passion, and ideal fit. Always tailor yourself to the role.
Career changes take time, and uncovering your true passions takes effort. I needed a few stops to land my dream job, but each experience brought me new ideas, skills, and friends.
Trust the process. Embrace the self-discovery journey.
For additional words of wisdom, see “Tips for Newest Alumni” featuring Rutgers University Alumni Association (RUAA) board members who spoke at the 2026 commencement ceremonies. And don’t forget to check back on the New Graduates page for future tips, as well as follow the RUAA on LinkedIn.
Stay Connected after Graduation
Explore the Rutgers New Graduate site to discover ways to get involved, learn career tips as a new graduate, and stay connected with the Rutgers alumni community.
