Who are you, and what do you do?
My name is Delaney. I’m a recent college graduate and just moved across the country from Seattle to Austin for a job. I work at Oracle NetSuite as a Channel Development Representative. I support a partner that created a software specifically for distilleries, wineries, and breweries. NetSuite is a cloud based ERP software, a primarily financials based business management platform.
What is one habit of yours that helps you be productive?
Booking out my Outlook calendar down to the minute. This also allows me to book out time to step away from my desk and have a few minutes for myself. It keeps me on track for work activities as well as keeps me sane and from feeling overwhelmed.
What is your morning routine and how does it help you get the most out of your day?
As someone who started their first real job in the middle of a global pandemic, I have been working remotely since day one. Which means I’ve never truly experienced what my job would be like in-office. So in order to set some work boundaries for myself when I’m working out of my bedroom, I make it a point to get ready every morning, make a great cup of coffee, and do at least 10 minutes of phone-free yoga before being at my desk.
In the last few years, what lifestyle, habit or behavior change has had the biggest positive impact on your life?
Prioritizing myself and treating myself well in many aspects. It’s important to understand the value you hold even just after graduating college. I think it’s easy for people my age to develop the feeling of “imposter syndrome,” where we doubt our skills, experience, and opinions. Going out into the workforce immediately after graduating I had a hard time truly understanding why someone would hire and pay me to do a job when I felt I had nothing to offer. But realizing that I do have value to bring to the table was a mind shift for me and has been really positive the past few months.
When you feel unfocused, what do you do?
When I feel unfocused I step away from whatever I’m doing and either exercise, call a close friend or family, or try to journal about what is blocking my focus. Nothing new but I’ve found it highly effective in this new virtual world.
What is one piece of software or a web service that you get immense value out of? How do you use it?
Nothing fancy but I use the Microsoft Office Suite every day. Excel is wonderful. Anyone that is reading this that hasn’t taken Computer Modeling yet, when you take it PAY ATTENTION! Pivot tables are actually helpful to know (shockingly). I wish I had focused more in that class.
What is the one book you recommend most often and why?
The Defining Decade: Why Your Twenties Matter– Meg Jay. This book is all about how to make the most out of your twenties, an age people often tell you don’t actually matter. I think its a must read for anyone in college or recently graduated.
What advice would you give a smart and ambitious recent college graduate? What advice should they ignore?
My advice would be you don’t have to do the same things everyone else is doing. Don’t be afraid to take risks and pursue things that are unknown. Nothing is certain so you might as well do what you enjoy or inspires you. You’re also probably will feel like you’re drowning and completely out of your league in your first “real job” and thats okay, no one else has any idea whats going on either (trust me). The advice you should ignore- you don’t have to listen to everyones advice! I used to be under the impression that everyone in the “business world” knew what they were talking about. Well, shockingly, they don’t always.
What is your favorite quote, one you aim to live by?
“Do things for people not because of who they are or what they do in return, but because of who you are.” – Harold S. Kushner
So far, kindness, respect, and being a good listener have gotten me further than any technical skills I might have.