How to Keep Growing Once You’ve Got Your Foot in the Door

You’ve done it! You landed your first job, and that’s huge. Seriously, take a moment to celebrate because getting your foot in the door is a massive accomplishment. But here’s the thing: this is just the beginning. The real game starts now. You don’t want this to be a one-and-done deal, right? You want to grow, move up, and eventually, call the shots. The trick is to keep learning, evolving, and staying hungry even when you’re already in the door.

Think of your career like a video game. You’ve cleared the first level, but the challenges and opportunities get more exciting the further you go. To keep advancing, you need to power up, collect new skills, and tackle each new level with confidence. I’m here to show you how to do just that — how to keep growing, even after you’ve landed that first gig.

Let’s talk about how to make sure this job is just the start of something bigger.

Key Concepts:

1. Always Be Learning (ABL)

One of the biggest mistakes you can make once you’ve got your first job is thinking, “Whew, now I can relax.” Sure, you’ve earned the right to take a breather, but don’t get too comfortable. The world doesn’t stop changing, and if you’re not learning and growing, you’re falling behind.

The most successful people are always learning. Even when they’ve “made it,” they’re still reading, taking courses, or figuring out new ways to do things. Whether it’s technical skills like coding, soft skills like communication, or industry knowledge, there’s always something new you can pick up.

Here’s the good news: learning doesn’t have to be boring or formal. It can be as simple as watching YouTube tutorials, reading blog posts, or signing up for an online course. You can also learn a ton just by asking questions and observing your coworkers. The more curious you are, the faster you’ll grow.

• Practical Example: Let’s say you’re in a web development role, and you’ve mastered HTML and CSS. What’s next? Maybe start learning JavaScript. Or, if you’re feeling ambitious, dive into Next.js or React. The point is to always be adding to your toolkit. The more skills you have, the more valuable you become.

2. Seek Feedback

Feedback can feel awkward, especially when you’re just starting out. But trust me, it’s one of the most powerful tools you have for growth. Here’s the deal: when you’re new, you don’t always know what you’re doing right or wrong. You might think you’re crushing it, but maybe you’re missing something important. Or, you might be doubting yourself when, in fact, you’re doing better than you realize.

That’s where feedback comes in. By asking for feedback, you can get a clearer picture of how you’re doing and what areas you need to work on. The sooner you get comfortable with this, the faster you’ll improve. And here’s a pro tip: don’t just ask for feedback during performance reviews. Make it a regular thing. It doesn’t have to be a big formal meeting — just a quick check-in with your manager or coworkers can give you valuable insights.

• How to Ask for Feedback: Let’s say you’re wrapping up a project, and you want to know how you did. You could say something like, “Hey, I’d love to hear your thoughts on how the project went and if there’s anything I could improve for next time.” It’s simple, direct, and shows that you care about doing better.

• Pro Tip: Don’t just focus on the negative. Feedback is also a great way to figure out what you’re doing right so you can keep doing it!

3. Build Your Network

Remember all those networking tips from earlier? Well, they don’t stop being important once you’ve got the job. In fact, networking becomes even more valuable as you progress in your career. The connections you make now can open doors for you down the road — whether it’s for a promotion, a new job opportunity, or even a business partnership.

The best part? You’re already in a great position to network. Your coworkers, your boss, and even people from other departments are all part of your growing professional circle. Don’t just stick to your team — make an effort to get to know people across the company. Attend company events, join Slack channels, and take the time to chat with people during lunch or after work.

• How to Stay Connected: Networking doesn’t have to be formal or forced. It can be as simple as grabbing coffee with someone or checking in via email every once in a while. If you’ve connected with someone in a previous role, shoot them a message now and then just to stay in touch. Relationships don’t always pay off right away, but they often do when you least expect it.

• Pro Tip: Don’t just network when you need something. Be genuinely interested in building relationships, and offer value where you can — whether it’s sharing an interesting article, giving a shoutout on LinkedIn, or offering to help with a project.

Action Steps:

1. Sign Up for a Course:

   • Pick an area where you feel weak or where you want to improve, and find an online course or tutorial to help you level up. It doesn’t have to be related to your current job — just pick something that excites you and adds to your skillset. Whether it’s coding, design, or even public speaking, the key is to keep learning.
   • Pro Tip: Sites like Coursera, Udemy, and YouTube are full of free or affordable courses that can help you grow.

2. Ask for Feedback:

   • Schedule a 15-minute chat with your manager or a senior coworker and ask for feedback on your performance. Be open to constructive criticism and take notes on areas where you can improve.
   • Pro Tip: Don’t wait for formal reviews. Make asking for feedback a regular habit.

3. Network Within Your Company:

   • Reach out to someone outside of your immediate team and invite them for a coffee chat or a quick virtual meet-up. Get to know them, ask about their role, and see if there’s anything you can learn from their experience.
   • Pro Tip: You don’t need a reason to connect — showing genuine interest in others is a great way to build meaningful relationships.

I know a guy

— let’s call him Dan — who landed his first developer job straight out of college. He was pumped, but after a few months, he started to feel a little stagnant. The projects were cool, but he wasn’t learning anything new. So, instead of just going through the motions, he decided to push himself.

Dan started taking online courses on the side, learning JavaScript frameworks that weren’t part of his job at the time. He also made a habit of asking for feedback after every project. At first, it was nerve-wracking, but over time, he got used to hearing both the good and the bad. The feedback helped him improve at a crazy pace.

Dan didn’t stop there. He also made a point to network within the company. He reached out to senior developers, asked for advice, and even volunteered to help with projects outside his normal responsibilities. Long story short? Within two years, Dan wasn’t just a developer anymore. He was leading his own team.

That’s the power of constant learning, feedback, and networking. It’s what takes you from “just getting by” to “thriving.”

Wrapping Up:

Getting your first job is an amazing milestone, but it’s not the finish line. It’s more like the starting gate. To keep moving forward, you need to stay curious, stay connected, and never stop learning.

It’s easy to fall into a routine once you’re in a job, but the people who really excel are the ones who keep pushing themselves, even when they don’t have to. Whether it’s learning new skills, asking for feedback, or building relationships, every small effort adds up. Before you know it, you’ll be ready for that next level — whether it’s a promotion, a new job, or even starting your own gig.

Key Takeaways:

• Keep Learning: Don’t get complacent once you’ve landed a job. Constant learning will set you apart from others and help you grow faster.

• Seek Feedback: Regular feedback is crucial to improving. Don’t shy away from it — embrace it.

• Network, Network, Network: Your network is one of your most valuable assets. Keep building and nurturing those relationships, even after you’ve landed the job.

Now that you’ve got your foot in the door, it’s time to make sure you keep climbing. The key is to stay hungry, stay curious, and keep pushing yourself to learn and grow. There’s no limit to how far you can go — so let’s see what you can do!