7 ways to connect with colleagues in a graduate role

Starting out as a fresh graduate in the office can be challenging, as you're eager to settle in, but you're not always sure where to start. Learn how to connect with your coworkers - and ease those feelings of isolation

Transitioning from university to the workplace comes with plenty of firsts. There's the first meeting where you have no idea what anyone is talking about, the first mysterious acronym you can't decipher, or the first time someone casually mentions they're 'old enough to be your parent.'

On top of that, you may need to get your head around hybrid working, navigate office etiquette, and - most importantly - figure out how to connect with your colleagues.

Luckily, there are plenty of ways you can strengthen your working relationships and start feeling like a valued team member. Here are my seven top tips.

Acknowledge that you're at the starting line

According to Bupa, just 34% of 16 to 24-year-olds say they have enough opportunities to use their knowledge and skills in their current job, compared to 46% of 25 to 34-year-olds - and that's a good thing. Your first job out of university is unlikely to be the job you retire from. You've got a lot to learn, so take your time and know that you're just at the beginning of your career. Discover 7 ways to improve your graduate employability.

Having acknowledged where you're starting from, think about where you want to go. Get into the habit of reflecting on the work you're doing, how you feel about it and what you would like to change. Focus on what you can control now and build awareness of your skills by writing down examples of when you contributed something, felt excited by the work you were doing or received positive feedback.

Similarly, start identifying any skills gaps by making a record of things you find hard, jobs you routinely procrastinate or tasks that make you feel nervous. With this information you can be ready to identify appropriate opportunities as and when they arise.

Be curious, listen and observe

Talk to colleagues about their jobs, their key responsibilities and about why things are done the way they are. Seek to understand priorities, team structures, and the wider context of how your organisation operates. Knowing why your role exists can help you feel connected to the organisation you're now part of.

You can also pick up a lot of unspoken etiquette or workplace quirks simply by observing, even if you work remotely. Every workplace is different, so take time to understand yours by listening to colleagues and observing their behaviours. Bonus points if you can combine this with asking the right questions, for example: 'I notice we do this as a team - do you know why that is?'

Ask the right questions

The most effective way to demonstrate your potential and engage with the workplace is to ask the right questions. Rather than 'what do I need to know about this project?', try 'can you tell me where I might find more information about this project?'. Reframing an ask this way demonstrates your initiative and that you are curious about context. It also opens conversations with colleagues who will appreciate your interest and willingness to learn. Remember that asking good questions is one of the fastest ways to build both confidence and credibility. Explore tips on how to beat imposter syndrome.

Reflect and step out of your comfort zone

Reflecting consistently helps you build a resilient mindset as you start to understand your strengths and weaknesses in the workplace. Knowing what you're good at will give you the confidence to stretch beyond your comfort zone, which in turn will demonstrate your potential through a willingness to step up and challenge yourself in new situations.

You could even explore continuing professional development (CPD) to enhance your abilities and confidence, focusing on progress rather than perfection. You're learning every day - and each step you take contributes to your long-term growth.

Practise empathy

You might feel a million miles away from your colleagues' watercooler chat of childcare issues, ageing parents or housing crises, but chances are those struggles are impacting their ability to be present at work. Offering a listening ear in the fleeting moments at the kettle can go a long way to helping you build connections with others and foster a culture of trust.

Empathy helps bridge not just generational divides but also differences in experience and perspective. The more you understand others' pressures, the better equipped you'll be to work collaboratively and communicate effectively.

 Trust your professional network and ask for feedback

Sometimes, trying to find the answer to a question is more work than your actual job, so don't be afraid to ask for help. Remember, just as you can offer support to colleagues despite a gap in experience and age, so too can they help you.

With the rise of artificial intelligence (AI) and information overload, nearly two-thirds (64%) of professionals say colleagues help them make decisions faster and more confidently, according to research by LinkedIn. When calling on a workmate, take a moment to consider what you need to know and the best way to ask it.

In school and university, you have a routine of learning, assessment and feedback, but that disappears as soon as you step into a job. Apart from a probation period or an annual review, it's unlikely that you'll receive regular, formal information about how you're performing. Building trust with your colleagues is important for many reasons, not least so you feel comfortable asking for advice and suggestions on how to improve.  

Build a life beyond work

Finally, it's worth noting that work doesn't need to be all-fulfilling. There's a lot of pressure to find a job you're passionate about, but that's not always realistic. Make the effort to meet people outside the workplace by:

• joining clubs or young professionals networking groups
• boosting your LinkedIn profile
• going to events and picking up a hobby
• considering volunteering
• engaging with your local community.

Remember, work is a big part of what you do but a small part of what makes you, you. Building a life outside the office will help you thrive inside it.

Find out more

• Discover how to choose a career.
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