“The secret of getting ahead is getting started.” – Mark Twain

Table of Contents

• End-of-Year Checklist for New Graduates: Setting Y …

• Organise Your Workspace and Files

• Wrap Up Loose Ends

• Reflect on Your First Months

• Refresh Your Goals and Development Plan

• Log Off Well

• What good looks like

• Cheeky meme of the week

End-of-Year Checklist for New Graduates: Setting Yourself Up for a Fresh Start

As the year wraps up, it’s the perfect time for new graduates to pause, reflect, and prepare for a strong start to the new year. Tidying up your work life now helps you return after the holidays refreshed, focused, and ready to build on your early success.

Organise Your Workspace and Files

A clear space supports a clear mind.

• Tidy your desk and digital folders: Delete duplicates, file key documents logically, and label folders clearly (for example, “Projects 2025” or “Training Notes”).

• Clean your inbox: Archive old threads, respond to outstanding messages, and set up folders for next year’s priorities.

Example: Ella, a new HR assistant, spent a morning archiving old emails and labelling documents. When she returned in January, she found it much easier to pick up where she left off.

Wrap Up Loose Ends

Before the holidays, review your task list.

• Close or hand over any unfinished work.

• Update your manager on project progress.

• Note what needs attention in the first week back.

Tip: Send a short summary email to your manager — it shows professionalism and ensures nothing slips through the cracks.

Reflect on Your First Months

Take time to recognise what you’ve learned and achieved. Ask yourself:

• What am I proud of?

• What challenges helped me grow?

• What do I want to improve next year?

Example: Ravi, a graduate engineer, listed his three biggest lessons of the year — one of which became the focus of his next development goal.

Refresh Your Goals and Development Plan

Use your reflections to update your personal objectives.

• Identify 2–3 goals for the next six months (e.g., “Improve client communication” or “Gain certification in data analysis”).

• Share them with your manager early in the new year for guidance and support.

Log Off Well

Before leaving, set your out-of-office reply, clear your calendar, and make sure any urgent issues are handled. Returning to a calm, organised inbox helps you start strong.

What good looks like

End-of-year tidying isn’t just about cleaning your desk — it’s about clearing your head, closing the year with confidence, and creating space for growth. A little preparation now sets the stage for a successful and stress-free start to the new year and breathe.

Cheeky meme of the week