Ready for a fresh start in your career? The new year is a powerful moment to harness the fresh start effect — the idea that certain points in time help us separate who we’ve been from who we want to become. These moments create psychological distance from old habits and make change feel possible. This is where IT Connect + Grow steps in as an invaluable resource, designed to support your professional journey. By offering a wealth of development programs, educational resources, networking opportunities, and community-building events, IT Connect + Grow aims to help you cultivate leadership skills and foster meaningful connections within the Stanford IT community.
As you step into 2026, here are four tips from IT Connect + Grow to help you apply the fresh start effect to your professional growth.
1. Focus on who you want to become
Instead of setting a vague goal, define your future identity. For example: I’m becoming someone who actively builds my network.
2. Choose one focus area
What would that version of you practice consistently? Pick one skill or habit to focus on first.
3. Run a 60- or 90-day experiment
Frame your growth area as a short-term experiment. This lowers the pressure and increases your willingness to step outside your comfort zone.
4. Attach a growth structure
Join a program, cohort, or short-term assignment that provides structure with clear start- and end-points and built-in accountability.
Take Your Next Step with IT Connect + Grow
If you’re ready to turn intention into action, IT Connect + Grow offers multiple ways to begin:
IT Experiential Development Program (IT EDP)
Build your network, gain hands-on exposure, and explore different areas of Stanford IT through informational interviews, meeting observations, or short-term assignments.
Interested in hosting an opportunity? Share your ideas and we’ll be in touch!
Flash Mentoring
Schedule a one-time conversation focused on a specific question or topic. It’s a simple, low-commitment way to learn and connect.
Want to be a Flash Mentor? Email it-connect-grow@lists.stanford.edu.
Self-Directed Learning Resources
Set aside a few minutes a day to explore some of these resources, including online articles, courses, research, and more.
Upcoming Events
Explore this month’s IT Connect + Grow events to keep learning and expanding your community.
You don’t need to map out your entire career to move it forward. Growth starts when you decide to begin and then take the next step.
Have questions, would like to know more about IT Connect + Grow, or want to get involved with an IT Connect + Grow program, event, or initiative? Email us at: it-connect-grow@lists.stanford.edu.
