The transition from full-time student to full-time employee is scary and can be very daunting and overwhelming. Unfortunately, not a lot of people can relate to a newbie in the working world because everyone’s experience is different. However, there are a lot of things I’ve learned over the years that my friends who are finally graduating school are learning.
Here is my advice to those who are new to the full-time worker world.
1. If you get an opportunity, take it.
Golden opportunities don’t happen all the time so when you get one, you have to go for it even if it means it’ll be uncomfortable or upsetting to your boss or the company you work for. In the corporate world, they understand that you have to do things for you and they will be supportive (even if they are sad to see you go.)
2. Give it time.
When you first start certain jobs, it can be very uncomfortable; people know each other and have cliques, maybe no one will talk to you, maybe no one eats lunch together, or the office dynamics are weird. Regardless, you’ll find your place and will get comfortable eventually. It can take a few weeks to fit in, but you will eventually.
3. You’ll know if you don’t belong.
With that being said, if you genuinely hate going to work because of the environment or the type of people you’ll be working with, then you’ll know it’s time for you to leave. Yes, it will suck, but it’s better than suffering until you find something else.
4. Always do what’s right for your career.
Sometimes the timing of when we start a new job can conflict with the beginning of something new. I once had two job offers on the same day, one of which was after I already accepted a position. I knew I had to take the other one so before I even started, I quit. It was awkward, but I did what I had to do to better my career and meet my goals I set for myself.
5. Learn to prioritize.
At each job you take, different tasks will be on a different spot of your priority list. Make it your mission to find out which tasks are the most important for your company and make sure you accomplish them early on in the day. You’ll stay on your bosses good side if you follow this trick!
6. Communicate effectively.
When asking for help, be clear that you don’t understand and continuously ask questions until you do. When it comes time for you to actually get involved in taking on more tasks, be thoughtful and direct with your instructions and be kind and clear with your responses. Clarity is so helpful in an office environment.
7. Put yourself in situations where you can learn more.
People learn best when they switch jobs, tasks or projects because you’ll be surrounded by new people and new challenges. That’s where you’ll gain new tips, information, and strategies that you’ll be able to use someday in another task. Talk to people and put yourself out there in order to learn new skills that will come handy.
I know it’s hard, but you will eventually feel secure and confident and you will meet some awesome people who will definitely help you along the way. And so what if it’s not your dream job? This is one step ahead of getting to that point and that much-needed experience. Use it and learn from it if nothing else.
Photo by Annie Spratt on Unsplash
