A Databricks exec has 3 tips for new grads — and showing up to work IRL is one of them

• Andy Kofoid, an executive at Databricks, shared the career advice he gives his adult kids.
• He said grads should focus on skills and “check” their passion, rather than blindly follow it.
• He suggested working in an office four to five days a week to build skills and a network.

“There’s no better way to do that than being with people in person, lunch, getting a coffee, going for a beer after work, having a conversation, really getting to know somebody,” Kofoid said.

The executive added that it’s really hard to get a job in the first place from just submitting an online application. He said if job seekers can leverage their network, their odds of getting an initial conversation is much higher.

Not only does in-person work help employees grow their network, but it also builds a “good work ethic,” he said. Kofoid added that showing up to work on time and staying until the end of the day “builds grit.” While some people have a strong work ethic naturally, many don’t at the beginning of their careers, he said.

Kofoid also said that “working in a bullpen” promotes learning. When employees sit next to their colleagues or boss, they can get live feedback.

“You get interaction,” Kofoid said. “And I think that helps from a growth and development standpoint around skill.”