Getting your first job is one of life’s greatest milestones as a completely new world opens up for you. Also, as you take a brand new step in life, expectations and aspirations reign supreme. However, it is always good to have your feet on the ground and keep certain things in mind as you dress up and walk in to your professional life for the first time.
Many find it difficult to go beyond the carefree life of a student and enter the real professional space. The first job is a very important step towards your future professional success and must to be taken seriously. Your first job is the right occasion for experimenting, exploring, making new connections, and learning new things. Make sure to create a proper and lasting impression at your first job which will benefit you lifelong
We have listed 10 most vital things to keep in mind while launching your career with your first job.
1. It’s not going to be easy
It’s time you embrace the fact that your first job won’t be the dream role you have been aspiring of. But, that doesn’t mean, you take it casually. Your performance at your first job will shape your future career and help you understand what your mettle. Your first assignment could be in a domain you would never pursue or it could be the field you’re best at – in both cases treat it as a testing ground.
Your first job will not in all likelihood, help you figure out what your future domain of expertise will be. The first job is about exploring the career path, experimenting with a range of kind of job responsibilities at office. Try to find out from colleagues and managers about the future prospects of your job. It is also important to check if you any additional degree or skill will eventually be necessary for you to gain more traction in your career. The first job is a stepping stone to get exposure and knowledge to pave a strong career course.
2. Work is no fun
In the professional life competition is massive and to make a mark as a skilled resource one needs to work beyond the comfort zone.
This doesn’t mean you be a zombie and take no breaks or have fun. However, it is foolish to underestimate your job role or to take it offhandedly. Even in case of the first job, putting serious efforts will benefit you in the long run. Make your work a habit – attention to detail, punctuality and other aspects – develop the practice of hard work from the very beginning.
3. You’ll have to give it your all
Your first job is your first stint with the professional and the best way to approach it is by giving it your all. Be ready for the long hours, for being weighed down with tasks and the brain-storming meetings which can go on for hours. All will pay off, eventually.
Also during your first job try and build your value, turn out to be reliable to your organisation and be so good at what you do that you become indispensable. Do not be the one who looks for chances to evade work or the one who pushes papers around; be proactive and sincere towards your assignments.
People should respect your value and fall back on you at the time of crisis. This builds your reputation and brand value. The sooner you understand the paybacks of the hard work the earlier you can reap the best results. Be open to late nights and other demands of the professional worlds in order to prove your worth to the bosses and to get noticed.
Also, on your first job, many things will not go your way and there will be differences of opinions, you will go unnoticed and your ideas could be trashed but your active participation and respect for work will soon get recognition.
4. Your moments of realizations
Your first job will be your period of deep realizations. You’ll recognize the significance of punctuality, of financially independence and you will be able to evaluate your strengths and weaknesses.
5. Learn as much as you can
The first job is the occasion for learning as much as you can as this gives you the chance to explore a range of job roles in your organization and to figure out if you find anything appealing for yourself to fit in. Learning the operations of different departments helps you become an efficient problem-solver. If given a chance to work with the founder or CEO of the concern then make most of it to learn as much as you can.
Also, talk to the seniors on diverse roles, make relevant questions and learn new things as being a fresher, you will have support and assistance from everyone. Besides, make use of your inherent and acquired skills to learn and gain knowledge.
Take note that in the initial phase of your career, money needs to take a backseat and the experience and knowledge you gather from your job role are your nuggets of pure gold.
6. Be a team player
Joining a new job at a company means working with a set of people with different temperament and experience. Enterprises are all about people who work together, as part of a team. Always be ready to work with your team mates and try to find out where in the process you fit in. Besides, while working in a team, always try to be patient. There could be occasions, where a particular piece of work gets deferred from others’ end and hinder your part in it, in such cases try to find out the causes and see if you can be of help. Being a able team player makes you an efficient professional.
7. Attitude matters
A good and positive attitude is of utmost importance at the workplace and it also helps in getting your job done far more easily. Be happy and positive at work – it’s the energetic lot who infuse energy to the workplace, and motivate others. Stay away from negativity and keep your personal and professional life detached.
Besides, as a fresher, being attentive is crucial as it reflects your earnestness for the job. Pay due attention to the instructions given by your boss, and take note of the information he/she wants. This helps you to get noticed by your manager who starts taking you seriously. While in a meeting, make sure that you listen to the interactions carefully and also give your input as and when necessary.
It is difficult to remember everything, hence carry a notepad and pen at meetings to jot down the vital points discussed and later follow the instructions to work on your assignments.
8. Build your network
Use your breaks to network with your colleagues and teammates; treat it is an occasion for meeting more and more people. As a fresher, it is very effective to interact with others working in your organization, as it helps you to learn more and to create your professional network.
Networking comes to aid whenever you face trouble in your work-life as you will know whom to seek help from in order to solve the issue. Even while looking for job opportunities, the network you built at your first job, help you find jobs more appropriate for you.
Networking is about maintaining regular interactions. Send e-cards on different events and occasion, invite them over lunch or coffee once in a while – these little gestures will reinforce your network.
9. Take a step ahead
At your first job you might not know how to tackle a problem, when one arises. But taking interest in finding a solution by taking additional responsibility by moving out of your comfort zone and volunteering is a smart way to make a mark. Even if you do not succeed your effort will get notices by senior management. Besides, by volunteering in trouble situations where the top management and the best brains work together you will get to operate closer with them and learn the better tricks of the trade. However, before taking the leap be sure of your strength and ability.
10. Patience
Success requires a lot of patience. In your first job be very painstaking and thorough. Also stay at your first job for at least a year to learn extensively. Besides, stay away from switching too many jobs in the early years of your career. All jobs have their share of challenges and if you tend to evade them rather taking the bull by the horn, you will end up running all your life.
If you are unable to manage with a certain situation, take career advice from your senior colleagues. Asking for help or guidance is always appreciated and people do come ahead and help freshers readily.