Check out the last week’s newsletter: Finding A New Rhythm

Who here likes likes transitions?

Crickets.

Yeah.. I didn’t think so. That pit in your stomach? That’s the sound of growth, but man, it can be noisy!

Transitions are hard, no matter what you do. But the move to a new job can be especially jarring.

Whether you’re climbing the ladder at the same company or jumping ship to a new one. I’ve done both a few times now, working across four different Fortune 500 companies, and the "new kid" feeling never quite goes away; you just get better at managing it.

Before I get too far, CONGRATULATIONS to the Class of 2026!

Whether you’ve already walked the stage or you’re about to, you did it. It’s a monumental achievement.

But here’s the truth: In school, there’s usually one right answer. In the real world, especially in Research & Development where I live, we often don’t know the answer yet.

As STEM professionals, our job isn't to know everything; it’s to be the problem solvers who discover it. To help you navigate this shift from student to pro, here are three things I did when I transitioned to Nashville a couple of years ago to stay effective:

I was intentional about taking a month off between leaving my previous job and moving to Nashville. I know not everyone can do this as Adulting is tough, whether that’s bills, taking care of yourself or family…

But if you can, do it (s/o to Nike).

For recent grads, this is your prime time to shed the "student" baggage. You’ve been running on the fumes of finals and caffeine; don't bring that burnout into your first week at a company.

Whether it’s staying with your parents or taking a trip, give yourself space to decompress so you can show up as a professional, not a tired student.

Once I started in my new job, I scheduled A LOT of 1:1s. This whole platform is about leadership, and relationship building is the foundation of that.

If you’re not brave enough to walk up to someone in the breakroom yet, lean on Teams, Outlook, Slack or whatever.

Send a quick note: "I’m new here and would love to hear about your journey."

People love mentoring curious learners! Go in with the goal of learning who they are, not just what they do. I can’t tell you how many times having a conversation with someone before I needed something from them made my job SOOOO much easier later on!

Be intentional about what you do outside of work. For me, that meant finding a church and a gym immediately. For you, it might be trivia nights, run club, or the local library!

If you’re hybrid or remote, this is even more critical: Get off the couch. Don’t work from your bed.

Psychologically, you need a dedicated workspace so your brain knows when to turn "on" and but more importantly when to turn "off."

If your "office" is also where you sleep, the boundaries get real blurry, real fast.

Why are these habits so important? Because whether we realize it or not, we teach people how to treat us.

When you’re constantly working late because you don’t have a gym class to get to, or you’re doing other people’s work because you haven't set boundaries… that becomes the standard.

High achievers often "teach" their bosses that they are okay with being overworked.

Trust me, I know the pressure to grind for that next promotion. But there’s a right way and a wrong way.

The key is stating AND reinforcing your boundaries. People can't follow a boundary they don't know exists. (And no, "never working late" isn't a realistic boundary in the professional world: it’s about the balance).

Many candidates don’t set themselves up well before they even get the job, and that stress just compounds. If you want to master these transitions and level up your career with intention, I’m here to help. Check out the Mentorship Program launching this fall or watch this Podcast Episode from the archives for additional tips!

Transitioning from the classroom to a STEM career is a major shift that requires more than just technical skills—it requires a strategy for your sanity. In this edition, I break down how taking a deliberate "mental reset" prevents you from bringing graduation burnout into your first week. I also emphasize the importance of intentionally building your network through curious 1:1s and designing physical and mental boundaries that "teach" your colleagues how to treat you. Whether you're in the Class of 2026 or moving to a new role, success isn't just about the work you do; it's about the habits and relationships you build before the pressure kicks in.

👉 [Join the Waitlist for the IncrediPaul L.I.F.E. Mentorship Program]

In this episode of IncrediPaul Leadership, Paul Faronbi discusses the transition from academic life to the professional world, particularly for young professionals in STEM fields. He emphasizes the importance of taking time off before starting a full-time job, building a community in a new city, and being proactive in engaging with management. Paul also highlights the significance of mentorship and setting realistic expectations during the first year of employment. The episode is filled with practical advice for navigating the early stages of a career and developing leadership skills.

Reminder new episodes come out every Monday at 6am Central Time. Check it out by going to incredipaul.org/podcast or stream on the following platforms: YouTube, Apple, Spotify, YouTube Music, Amazon and More.

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