In this video I’m talking to my new grads and rookie electrical engineers: congrats on the degree, but don’t make the simple mistakes that can set you back for years. I’ve got five things I’ve seen people do right after landing that first EE job—especially when the salary jumps from “college money” to $85k, $90k, $100k—and the difference between who’s doing well and who’s struggling is often just discipline. The biggest theme is being frugal early so you can leverage your future, not just flex your paycheck. First, don’t run out and buy the expensive car just because you finally can. Put that money toward high-interest debt first (credit cards, anything that’s going to bleed you over time), and if you need a car, get something reliable in that $5k–$8k range. Second, don’t overspend on living—my first year I had roommates even at $85k, and that decision helped me wipe debt fast, save, and invest. Third, don’t act like you know everything; be humble, ask questions, take notes, and learn from your seniors. Fourth, don’t isolate yourself in a new city—make friends, join clubs, and build real connections. Fifth, if you’re jobless, don’t stop applying too early: if you haven’t hit 100 applications, you haven’t tried enough—some companies take months to even look at your resume.