‘TIS THE SEASON OF FRESH STARTS
As graduation season winds down, we at At The Start are thinking about the new energy and potential entering the workforce, especially at a time wrought with uncertainty and challenge.
So we’re dedicating this issue of At the Starting Line to the new graduates out there who might be unsure about what’s next or who are excited about starting that new opportunity. And if you have that early career energy or you’re hiring new grads, read on…we have something for you too.
FROM CAMPUS TO CAREER
In this issue, we’re spotlighting lessons from this year’s conversations with emerging and experienced professionals alike. This Spring I had the honor of participating in two events at my undergrad alma mater - Pace University:
The annual Women’s Leadership Conference, where I spoke with students and professionals about career starts and transitions;
A workshop for the sisters of Delta Phi Epsilon, the sorority I was in at Pace, where we discussed the complexities and challenges of leadership.
I heard questions that surface not just at the start of a career, but during transitions—whether stepping into a new role, managing for the first time, or navigating a career pivot. Common questions such as: How do I demonstrate confidence, manage conflict, communicate and delegate effectively, ask the right questions, and make sound decisions?
Across both events, the message for new graduates was clear: leadership starts where you are. Whether you're stepping into your first job or still exploring your path, your voice, ideas, and presence matter. Building confidence in the workplace, embracing learning curves, and seeking mentorship are not signs of inexperience—they are signs of growth.
Seasoned professionals found resonance in the call to elevate others. The Women’s Leadership Conference was a reminder that true leadership isn’t just about climbing higher—it’s about making space for others to rise with you. The act of mentoring, sharing knowledge, and creating psychologically-safe environments are core to building impactful, enduring careers.
Across both events, one key takeaway stood out: leadership is not a title—it’s a practice. Whether you're starting out or are well into your journey, there's always room to refine how you show up, support others, and shape the future.
Me and my daughter Isabella at Pace University for the annual Women's Leadership Conference - March 2025
SPEAKING OF THE FUTURE
I asked our quarterly Communications & Engagement Roundtable members to share their advice for new graduates, and Rachel Spates of Sun Life, who spoke at multiple UMass Amherst commencements, shared a favorite quote from Ted Lasso: “Be curious, not judgmental.”
It’s a reminder that curiosity is powerful—especially when welcoming new hires whose experiences may differ from your own. Rachel shares:
“I think it's just important for everyone to have that level of flexibility and remember that, you know, we don't always know the answers, and we don't know what other people's experiences are, but we can learn by asking.”
MONEY TALK
And while you’re asking - money is a topic that shouldn't be off limits. New grads do, however, have to be informed in order to ask the right questions. This is often a source of discomfort among new grads (and let’s face it, many of us even years after graduation).
I spoke a few months back with Tom Martin, executive-in-residence at the College of Charleston and Ted Birkhahn, managing director at Vested about salary conversations on Tom’s podcast, Mindful Mentoring with Tom Martin. Our conversation spanned everything from what to know, what to ask and how to approach the conversation with confidence and curiosity.
Listen in and learn how to get comfortable with discomfort—a skill that pays dividends throughout your career.
A NOTE TO HIRING ORGANIZATIONS
While it is important for an applicant to come into the interview with clear, thought-out goals, it is just as important for the hiring organization to create a seamless candidate experience in order to attract and retain the best talent.
CASE IN POINT: DYCKMAN FARMHOUSE MUSEUM
We recently partnered with Dyckman Farmhouse Museum, New York City’s only remaining Dutch colonial farmhouse, to help strengthen its HR practices during a period of growth.
Like many small but mighty nonprofits, Dyckman is regularly juggling the demands of programming, fundraising, and day-to-day operations. With two new hires on the way, Executive Director Melissa Kiewiet wanted to ensure the team could welcome new employees with clarity, consistency, and compliance.
Our team delivered a tailored interview guide, refreshed the handbook, reviewed materials for compliance, and developed an onboarding packet aligned with the museum’s mission and values. As Melissa shared:
“I am so relieved to have professional eyes on the handbook and our hiring/onboarding materials. I am confident that our new team members will have a stronger experience starting with us as a result.”
If your team is preparing to grow, now’s the time to revisit the fundamentals—from how you interview to how you welcome new employees.
CLOSING NOTE
While it’s not quite related to new grads or early careers, enjoy this photo of the At The Start team at our recent gathering in NYC, and know that doing meaningful work and loving your work is possible! Shoutout to Dana from Vibe NYC Tours for the exciting and educational walking tour!
Congratulations, Class of 2025—we need you and we’re ready for you!