IN THE FIRST YEAR OF YOUR FIRST JOB, MAKE SURE TO CHECK OFF ALL OF THESE MILESTONES.
When you first start working, there is a lot of enthusiasm as well as uncertainty. It is easy to overlook the reasons you acquired the job and the things you need to do in order to ensure that you keep it and grow within it while you are still getting used to your new routine. In the first year of your first employment, there are some goals that you should make it a priority to accomplish.
1. Ensure that you make a superb first impression.
No sloppy work. There is a strict no-late-arrival and no-early-departure policy. And no excuses. After your initial conversation and period of probation, you will still be examined, and you will need to achieve a passing grade.
2. Become thoroughly familiar with the organization and its employees.
Find out how things are run in the company, as well as the culture, strengths, and weaknesses of the organization. Be inquisitive, ask questions, and take notes. Learn the names of the people who work in the various departments, paying specific attention to those with whom you will have close collaboration. Find out what their responsibilities are, and discuss ways in which you can assist one another. Do not be overly eager to demonstrate what you are capable of doing. Establish the groundwork for a positive working relationship by paying attention to, and learning from, your coworkers. The moment you realize you’ve been included in your small group or on your team when you get a joke that only the other members know,
3. Exhibit a positive attitude toward your work.
Young employees who are newly hired are frequently held to the expectation that they will infuse the department with enthusiasm and bring a new point of view. Therefore, you should embrace your new role with zeal and curiosity, and you should strive to convert every opportunity into a challenge.
4. Look for a role model.
Make a connection with someone who can serve as a source of guidance, instruct you on how to handle unforeseen obstacles, and assist you in opening doors inside the firm.
5. Have a conversation with your manager about the way things are going.
If you have not yet been invited to a performance review of any kind, whether it is an annual evaluation or an ad hoc casual review with your manager, you should take the effort to schedule one for yourself. Create a written record that details both the positive and bad aspects of your performance. Do not be scared to seek feedback from others on how to enhance your performance. When you hear positive comments, you should never allow yourself to become complacent. Even if your manager isn’t paying careful attention to how you’re doing, it’s still important for you to monitor your own advancement.
6. Promote a plan of action or a concept.
If you have an innovative concept that you would want to propose, and you have done your research to justify the amount of effort that will be required to implement the idea as well as the rewards that would come from doing so, you should go ahead and pitch it. You have the advantage of not being burdened by the customary pessimism or cynicism that comes from doing things in the same old way for many years because you are new to the business.
Even if your plans do not come to fruition, the fact that you are thinking strategically for the firm and attempting to make things happen will be welcomed. Even if your plans do not come to fruition, the fact that you are trying to make things happen will be appreciated. And before you get too wrapped up in putting these fantastic ideas into action, make sure to remember to bring your performance review and resume up to date with all of your accomplishments.
7. Make sure that people can hear you.
The phase of observation is now finished. You have a solid understanding of the business as well as the culture, and you have some notion of what is successful and what is not. You have also determined who the decision-makers, influencers, and gatekeepers are, and you are aware of what drives each of these groups of people. Therefore, the moment has come to make your voice heard at meetings and brainstorming sessions in order to stand out for the right reasons. Give your perspective, bounce ideas off of others, and ask a lot of “what if” questions. While you are at it, exercise tact, keep an open mind, and don’t be too forceful in expressing your opinions.
8. Create a network of professionals in your field
When you have established tighter relationships with your immediate coworkers, colleagues from cross-functional teams, and direct client contacts, you can begin sending invitations to connect on LinkedIn to those individuals. You can even ask for a referral from these individuals if they hold a high level of trust in you and have direct experience with your capabilities.
Create a group of associates who share your professional interests. These connections will come in handy in the future for a variety of things, including leads on business opportunities, helpful advice, and potential career paths.
9. Offer to take on additional responsibility on your own.
Do not wait to be asked to take on additional tasks if you have not already done so since you joined the team. Instead of the work you presently have, you should get started on the job you really want. You may, for instance, offer to handle the company’s most important client, assume ownership of initiatives that are essential to the firm’s roadmap, or carry out responsibilities that are a part of your manager’s goals. With contributions of this caliber, you will become necessary.
It’s possible that the results of your efforts won’t show up immediately away, but over time, you’ll position yourself to receive a promotion, a pay raise, or even recognition as an expert in your field. Establishing your credibility in your current function is necessary before informing your team and supervisors that you are prepared to take on a more significant responsibility.
10. Make sure you give yourself some time to think on your experience.
You stop counting the days when you allow yourself to become immersed in the excitement of new projects and your everyday work routines. You won’t realize how much time has passed until you glance at the calendar one day and realize, “Wow, I’ve been here for an entire year already!”
This is your cue to take a moment to reflect on your journey, including all of the highs and lows as well as everything in between that you’ve experienced along the way. Your first employment might not be your ideal position or your ultimate objective, but you are aware that you require this steppingstone in order to go to the next level, and you are thankful for the experience that you have gained.
Consequently, the time has come for you to start asking yourself, “What’s next?”
11. Oh, and most importantly, don’t forget to enjoy yourself!
Do you believe that we are all capable of being a little bit like Jerome K. Jerome (1859-1927), an English author and humorist who once said, “I like work; it fascinates me. I could easily spend hours just staring at it.
Don’t forget to have fun at your job. Because if you enjoy what you do for a living, you won’t ever have to work a day in your life!