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After years of schooling and textbook learning, it’s time to apply your knowledge to real work experience - your first post-graduate job. Despite your late night study groups, some rules of the working world just can’t be found in textbooks. Here are a few tips to make sure you not only know what to expect, but also how to make the most of this milestone.
While starting your first post-graduate job is certainly a monumental occasion in a person’s life, try not to apply too much pressure or finality to the event. Instead, remind yourself that your first job won’t define the rest of your career, nor will it predict your future career success. In fact, chances are you’ll change jobs, even careers, at least once in your work lifetime. Here are a few guidelines to follow:
Make the Right Impression.
Many recent graduates enter their first job with an air of confidence and know-how. Having a dose of confidence can be beneficial, however, be careful not to appear to your more seasoned coworkers as if you know more than they, or that you expect the same respect right out of the gates. Instead, be aware that you will be expected to earn the respect and trust of others, and to “put in your time” just as they have.
Study Your Work Personality.
Now is a good time to study yourself, your work style, personality and how others view you in the workplace. Pay close attention to your interactions with co-workers. How do they perceive you? How are they responding to you? Examine how you work with different personality and behavioral styles. What styles bring out the best in you?
Use the Opportunity to Build Skills.
One of the major findings of Spherion’s workplace research is that workers are now, more than ever, in control of their own careers. The traditional days when employers were responsible for building your career have long past. That means your goal at every job is to not only contribute at high levels to your employer, but also to leverage the experience to enhance your skills, build your resume and become more marketable. Always seek out opportunities to learn and contribute, such as volunteering for committees, join special project teams or take advantage of professional development provided by your employer.
Keep Growing.
The best way to keep growing your skills and career is to gain valuable feedback on your performance as an employee. Ask for a regular evaluation from your supervisor, even if it isn’t a standard protocol. This will ensure you receive advice on how you can improve your performance, or alleviate any potential problem areas.
At the end of the day, if you view your first job as a time to hone your work skills and work environment preferences, and an important stepping stone to bigger and better things, you’ll have started out on the right track.
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