Workday Careers: Redefining the “First Job” Experience
When I first came across Workday, it was as an applicant — just like anyone else scrolling through job listings, trying to figure out my next step. I kept seeing the company name pop up, and I was curious. Who were they? And why did their platform seem to be everywhere? Little did I know, I would soon get the chance to experience it myself.
I’d heard about how Workday prioritizes employee well-being and creates a collaborative, fun work environment long before I joined. The promise of a mentorship-driven and supportive culture sounded great, but getting to live it has been even better than I expected. Here’s my story about growing with Workday as someone starting their career.
First Job, First Impressions: Workday’s Smooth Onboarding
Starting your first job can feel intimidating, but Workday’s onboarding made it smooth and straightforward. I was also able to get a better understanding of the business, the organizational structure and different teams through cross-team sessions. But the highlight of my early days at Workday was the Generation Workday (GW) program. Generation Workday offers a unique support system, including bi-monthly sessions on topics like “Career Growth & Connection through EBC Membership,” which helped me understand how joining office clubs could enhance my sense of belonging.
I also enjoy the “Cohort Meet-Ups” held every other month. These gatherings allow new hires to connect outside of work through activities like lunches, adventure parks, and even escape rooms! This has been fantastic for building camaraderie and making the overall onboarding experience more enjoyable. What started as a group of strangers quickly turned into a group of friends. By the time onboarding ended, I was that much more excited to be part of this community.
Mistakes and Mentorship: Your Path to Growth
Let’s set the scene: It’s weeks before my official start date, and my mentor is already walking me through Salesforce basics, giving me a head start. We’d meet every two weeks, and my mentor would assign little tasks to spark my interest and build my confidence. It was like getting a sneak peek into what was waiting for me. By the time I started full-time, I was ready to jump straight into work and felt that much more prepared.
When I started, I was quickly assigned to a project on Salesforce. My knowledge of the platform was limited to what my mentor was able to teach me in a few weeks’ time. Admittedly, I made mistakes along the way. But instead of being reprimanded by my team or feeling shame, I felt supported. My team guided me, turned those mistakes into learning moments, and gave me the confidence to try again. That’s something I’ll always appreciate about being a Workmate: the freedom to experiment and grow at my own pace.
My assigned mentor also jumped right in, helping me prepare with relevant training and addressing my questions. He emphasized the critical role of technical knowledge, while also stressing the importance of other skills like effective communication to work efficiently with large cross-functional teams.
Building Skills Without Fear
As part of the GW program, there are structured programs like “Owning Your Career,” “Building Career Confidence,” and “Adapting to Change” to help figure out what you want to do and how to get there. There are even sponsored professional certifications — all designed to help you upskill without worrying about costs. These sessions and certifications have been instrumental in my smooth transition from college to the professional world.
Everyone, from your teammates to senior leaders, is approachable. If you need help with something or have a question, there’s no judgment or hesitation. It’s the kind of environment where you’re constantly learning, just by being around people who genuinely want to see you succeed. They’re not just knowledgeable; they’re generous with their time and always ready to help.
From day one, I’ve felt like my ideas mattered here. One of my first big moments was being part of an innovation project. We were pushed to not just focus on coding or solving a problem, but to think creatively and to learn to collaborate with teams made up of engineers, coders, and developers. Everyone was given the opportunity and the safe space to share their ideas. That experience showed me how much Workday values fresh perspectives, even from less-experienced Workmates.
Looking Ahead
Starting your career is a mix of excitement and uncertainty. At Workday, I’ve found a place that’s given me the tools, support, and opportunities to navigate that journey with confidence. From mentorship to resources for growth, from a culture that values ideas to the connections I’ve made — it’s been an incredible start.
If you’re thinking about Workday, know this: it’s not just a workplace. It’s a place where you can grow, learn, and thrive — both professionally and personally. I can’t wait to see what’s next as I continue building my career here.
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