— People First Leaders

Early Career Development for NYC Organizations

Early Career Development for NYC Organizations

Helping recent graduates build the foundation to thrive in their first 90 days-reducing turnover and developing teams that actually stay.
I partner with organizations across the NYC metro area to work directly with early career professionals during their critical first three months. Through weekly coaching sessions and strategic in-person workshops, I build the self-awareness, workplace navigation skills, and career clarity that turn new hires into employees who contribute and stay.
The result? Recent graduates who don't just survive their first year-they build meaningful careers with you.
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Of cohort participants still with you at 12 months
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— The Challenge

Why Early Career Retention Matters

Most organizations lose 30% of their recent graduate hires within 18 months. Not because of bad hiring—but because nobody helps new professionals bridge the gap between who they were in school and who they need to become at work.
The cost is significant: replacing one early career employee runs $30,000–$60,000 when you factor in recruitment, training, and lost productivity. More importantly, high turnover damages team morale and your employer brand.

The gap isn't compensation. It's development.

Generic onboarding teaches systems and compliance. But it doesn't build self-awareness, workplace navigation skills, or career clarity—the foundations that actually create retention.
— The Approach

A 90-Day Development Journey

I work with early career cohorts during the first 90 days-the window when new hires decide whether to stay or start looking elsewhere. Through a structured three-phase program, I develop the whole professional, not just train them on your systems.
Phase 1/Days 1–30

Groundwork

Know Yourself
Building self-awareness, identifying strengths, clarifying professional values, and bridging the gap between academic and professional identity.
Phase 2/Days 31–60

Build

Know Your Environment
Decoding workplace culture, building strategic relationships, navigating feedback, and understanding organizational dynamics.
Phase 3/Days 61–90

Thrive

Know Your Path
Exploring career possibilities, setting development goals, building networks, and learning to advocate for yourself.
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— What's Included

A complete development partnership-not a one-off workshop

Every engagement combines individual coaching, in-person experiences, and structured manager touchpoints so development sticks long after the 90 days end.
  • Weekly 90-minute virtual coaching sessions
  • Individual check-ins throughout the journey
  • Four strategic in-person workshops at key milestones
  • Personalized development deliverables
  • Manager alignment and reporting
— The Outcomes

What Organizations See

Organizations that invest in early career development during the first 90 days typically see measurable improvement across retention, performance, and culture.

Higher retention

85%+ of cohort participants still with the organization at 12 months.

Faster integration

New hires build meaningful relationships and contribute earlier.

Stronger performance

Managers report better engagement and clearer communication.

Protected employer brand

Even those who leave do so equipped and grateful.
Grounded in Ethics
My approach is grounded in ethics: I develop people to thrive where they are. If it's not the right fit, they leave with skills and clarity-not bitterness.
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ICF Certified
Associate Certified Coach
— About

About Sonam

I'm an HR professional with over 20 years of experience leading operations across startups, professional services, manufacturing, and private equity. Currently serving as Chief Operating Officer at a professional services firm, I've spent two decades watching talented recent graduates leave organizations unnecessarily—not because of compensation, but because nobody helped them integrate and develop.
Three years ago, I became an ICF-certified coach to address this gap directly. I combine organizational expertise with human-centered coaching to help early career professionals build the foundation they need to thrive.
Background
  • 20+ years HR leadership across multiple industries
  • ICF Associate Certified Coach (ACC)
  • Partner with Greater Philadelphia Network for Young Professionals
  • Partner with The Yes Lab Academy
  • Based on Long Island, serving organizations throughout NYC metro area
I'm passionate about this work because I've seen what happens when development is done right—and what it costs organizations when it's ignored.
— Who I Work With

Organizations I Serve

I work primarily with organizations in the NYC metro area-including Manhattan, Brooklyn, Queens, Long Island, Westchester, Connecticut, and Northern New Jersey.
Ideal Organizations
  • Startups and tech companies hiring recent graduates
  • Financial services firms onboarding analysts and associates
  • Professional services organizations (law, consulting, accounting)
  • Companies with 25–500 employees experiencing early career turnover
If you're hiring 5+ recent graduates annually and losing them within 18 months, this program is designed for you.
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— Next Steps

Let's Talk About Your Team

I offer complimentary 30-minute consultations to explore whether this approach makes sense for your organization. No pitch, no pressure - just a genuine conversation about your early career retention challenges and whether Groundwork to Thrive could help.
Current availability: 

Book Your Consultation

A 30-minute conversation to see if we're a fit.

  • info@sonamconsulting.com
  • Connect on LinkedIn
  • Long Island, NY · Serving NYC Metro
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