10 Things Employees Wish They Knew Earlier in Their Careers
We asked Cox employees to reflect on what they wish they’d known when they were starting out in their careers. Here, they share their honest advice based on the lessons they’ve learned.
The beginning of your career comes with plenty of unknowns. What if you could skip some of the guesswork?
We asked a few Cox employees to share what they wish they had known earlier in their careers. While there’s no universal roadmap to success, you don’t have to figure it out all alone: learning from others can make the journey smoother.
Whether you’re vying for an internship, co-op or a full-time role, here are some real, honest career tips that go beyond what you might have learned in a classroom.
1. Understand the difference between being “busy” and “productive.”
It’s easy to fill your day with tasks, meetings or constant activity, but that doesn’t always mean you’re making progress. The real key is learning how to focus on what matters most.
That’s exactly what Jeff Haynes, a senior manager of strategy and innovation, wishes someone had explained to him early on in his career: “There’s always enough time in the day to do the most important things, but people often confuse being busy with being productive.”
2. You’re going to make mistakes — and that’s okay!
At Cox, we offer a safe space to try new things, fail fast and learn fast.
“It’s expected for you to make mistakes,” said Jared Alexander, senior manager of Cox’s LEAD program. “A lot of times, you may be worried about how things are going to turn out, but you’ll never learn unless you try. The earlier you make mistakes, the earlier you can learn from them.”
3. You’re not expected to know everything.
After years of classes, projects and hard work toward earning your degree, you’re eager to apply what you’ve learned in the “real world”. But every new role comes with an adjustment period, and it’s perfectly fine not to have all the answers.
“I wish I knew that you don’t have to know everything coming right out of college,” said Mataya Hill, an energy conservation analyst. ”Your managers and your coworkers are supportive, and anybody outside of your team is willing to train you or help you when you don’t know.”
Learning never stops, and the best professionals at any level embrace curiosity over certainty. As Mary Fischer-Mullins, a senior director of product strategy, puts it: “Don’t be afraid to say, ‘I’m not really sure, but I’ll find out.’ It allows you to really dig in and understand the topic and come back with really good information.”
4. Don’t shy away from asking questions.
Being the newest — or perhaps youngest — person on the team can feel intimidating. You might hesitate to ask questions because you’re worried about seeming unprepared or inexperienced. But seeking clarity isn’t a sign of weakness: it’s a key part of learning and growing in your role.
“Looking back, I wish I’d had the courage to ask more questions,” said Madison McKemie, an event marketing specialist who started as an intern in 2022. “No question is a silly question.”
Leaning into curiosity will help you gain confidence, build connections with your team and set yourself up for success.
“I didn’t know how supportive my team and leaders would be,” said Amirah Frye, a workplace experience program manager. “It’s so refreshing, given the transition from college to corporate, to know that your leaders are always there to help you, guide you and answer your questions.”
5. Embrace change with open arms.
Staying open to new ideas and transitions can be a real career superpower.
“One thing I wish I knew earlier in my career is how valuable it is to be flexible and adaptable in the day-to-day world that we’re in,” explained Tyler Herrin, a brand and product marketing director.
“Change is going to happen, so be open to the new path or direction,” Mary added. “It can lead you to new ideas and new growth.”
6. Advocate for yourself.
To steer your career, you have to let people know what matters to you. By sharing what you’re passionate about, you create opportunities that match your ambitions.
“You might not always like what you’re working on, but you’re the subject-matter expert and you can pitch ideas that excite you,” explained Austin Luppowitz, a senior UX architect.
7. Build your network of supporters.
The connections you make with peers and leaders can open doors and make sure your hard work gets noticed — even when you’re not in the room.
“You have to build relationships with people who can advocate for you,” Austin explained. “Even when you’re not in the room, those are the people who will make sure your wins are known and add your name to the conversation.”
If there’s a coworker or leader you want to connect with, don’t hesitate to reach out. “If you see an executive or somebody else up here who’s doing something that you really admire, just ask them for a coffee or lunch,” Jeff said. “The truth is that we’re all trying to figure it out as we go.”
8. Say “yes” to new things, even if it feels scary.
Obehi Ogunbayo, director of executive recruiting, shares a perspective that might change the way you approach challenges in your career: “Some of my best opportunities and learnings came from when I said ‘yes,’ even though I was nervous.”
The truth is that the best growth often happens outside your comfort zone.
“Now, even when things feel scary, I go for it anyway,” Obehi said. “You are never 100% ready.”
9. Don’t let self-doubt creep in.
You may feel like you have to prove yourself when starting a new role, but don’t let impostor syndrome overshadow your abilities.
“I wish someone had reminded me that I’m here for a reason and not to second-guess myself because I’m smart and capable of doing this job,” said Hayden Shelton, a digital marketing and communications manager.
Instead of questioning whether you belong, focus on what you’re learning and contributing as a way to help remind yourself that you have what it takes to succeed.
10. Make the best use of your time.
When you come to work at Cox, you’re encouraged to look beyond your day-to-day responsibilities and maximize the opportunities available to you. Whether it’s learning new skills, networking with colleagues or getting involved in projects outside your immediate role, there’s always room to grow.
“Something I wish I knew before coming to work at Cox is that my job was not to just complete the task that my manager assigns, but rather to make the most out of the company,” said Rodolfo Lopez, a marketing manager.
That includes doing things like:
- Meeting new people within the company and networking.
- Honing your skills, either with hands-on projects or through Cox’s catalog of learning and development courses and programs.
- Attending events, from tuning into virtual panel discussions with senior and C-suite leaders to kicking back with colleagues at a social gathering.
Take advantage of the resources and experiences available to you here at Cox. The more you invest in your own growth, the more rewarding your career will be.
The lessons shared here are truths employees had to learn for themselves, but you can take them to heart and get a head start on your own career. As Tyler puts it: “When we share what we’ve learned, we help the next person get there a little bit faster.”
Explore early career opportunities here at Cox, and sign up to be part of our Talent Community today!
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