Congratulations – you are about to complete what I sincerely hope was the most magical 4 (or maybe 5) years of your life to date. Your stress levels were likely dictated by which beer was on sale at Wal-Mart on the eve of your epic toga party. These problems are real, and I have no doubt you became a master at solving them. Now, you face new challenges in the wake of exiting the protected bubble of your college campus, and entering the expensive, responsibility-drenched world commonly referred to as “being an adult.”

I was in your shoes not so long ago, and now at the oh-so-mature age of 26 years old, I feel compelled to share a few Trndy tips that have yet to let me down.

Be Honest, Always– If you don’t know the answer to a question or problem in an interview or at a new job, admit it. Research shows humans are astonishingly excellent judges of character based on first impressions, and if you’re bluffing, chances are someone is picking up on it. Also, white lies are never worth it. If you feel you can’t share the truth at work, consider why that may be. You don’t trust the person you’re supposed to tell? You’re afraid of being reprimanded? Once you understand why you’re feeling the need to tell a white lie, consider your options for telling the truth while overcoming these hurdles. The last thing you want is to be the new person that no one can trust.

Never Stop Learning– In theory, you’ve just paid big bucks to learn how to learn. If you paid attention during college courses with the word “criticism,” or “interpretation in them,” it will serve you well in your new workplace adventures. You are a fresh set of eyes on processes, resources, and tools that have been around for a while. Find a balance between challenging the status quo, and striving to understand the problem that needs to be solved in the first place.

Check Yourself– Find role models who exemplify the delicate balance between humility and confidence. I am here to tell you – no one likes a show-off, know it all, or captain obvious. Think before you speak: are you chiming in based on past experience to prevent someone from making a similar mistake? Because you’ve spent the past 24 hours mulling over a solution? Or just because you want to remind everyone you’re still there? Ensure your contributions to email threads and meetings are meaningful and productive, and additional opportunities to collaborate and participate will present themselves.

Team Trndy Indy wishes you the best of luck studying for your final finals, and searching for and starting your new jobs or continued education. We hope you’re staying in, or coming to Indy to make an impact at one of the amazing companies in our wonderful city!

Written by: Abbey Sullivan