Your first job - a springboard to leap forward from

Only after graduation or post-graduation, does one realize that textbooks do not teach everything. Lessons at school and college are indeed theoretical and devoid of finer practical nuances. In fact, the first job in anybody’s life is an experience by itself and it offers a horde of practical advice and pragmatic counseling.

 Try having a word with a person who has run half his career distance. You will be astonished to learn where he set out from. Therefore, your first job cannot be used to prefigure your profile and the position you will attain at the end of your career.

The first job is an opportunity to ascertain how well-equipped you are to reach for the sky. You get to know the functioning of your organization, how assignments and projects are implemented and what factors contribute to the success of individuals and establishments. As you gain experience and move forward, career changes are bound to take place. So, you should be learning or doing the following at your first job:

·   Minding your mindset

The most common grudge against youngsters is that they habitually desire excessive attainments rather too early in life. They also seem to suffer seriously from the ‘I know better than you’ syndrome.

You ought to understand that it is only hard work and sincere effort that will benefit you. Additional responsibility is given when you prove your worth and for this, you will also need to build trust with your peers and bosses alike.

You will also need to be cordial and concurrently firm in your dealings with your subordinate and support staff. This calls for tact and if you fail, chances are that a tag of either haughtiness or timidity will be attached to your personality.

·   Spotting those who matter

In any organization, despite a laid down command and control channel, there are many others who call the shots. These influences, extraneous or intrinsic should be known. And this could be done by watching and silently weighing how coworkers and others interact and how things are accomplished.

There could be some appointments that are may seem insignificant, but in actuality are very important. Who are these powers to be? Who are the people being regarded as ideals and why? Answers to such vital questions will indicate the decision making chain of the organization – vertically up or vertically down or a blend of the two.    

·   Knowing cultural facts

It is of great consequence to observe the conduct and outcomes that are appreciated in your outfit. In addition, you should ascertain the standpoints your organization. You should seek to know and understand the establishment’s declared goals and how do they vary from those of rival organizations.

 All organizations function on teamwork. As a new entrant, do you sense that solidarity exists amongst the rank and file of the company? It is quite likely that many policies may not have been reduced to writing but are operational by convention; if so, what are those tenets? Last but not least, you should also get to know people who appear to be doing well.

·   Gaining insight

Your first job affords you many opportunities to discover more and more about yourself – your plus points and your negative points, pursuits that you are comfortable with and activities that you get pleasure from.

At work you come in contact with people. You should make it a point to take note of their non-verbal language, because the same facilitates comprehension of their attitudinal disposition towards you. You are thus able to identify individuals who are a source of inspiration as also those who tend to bleed you dry.

In other words, you need to adopt a management style that draws out the best in you – something that would be acknowledged and appreciated by everybody, up or down the chain notwithstanding.

·   Acquiring new skills

The process of learning is cyclic and has no end. And it is never too late to learn. Since it happens to be your first job, you are still on a threshold. The vast expanse of the future and opportunities enclosed therein lies in front of you. To move around in it without getting lost, you need to have expertise.

Experience gained today should impel you to do better tomorrow. And for that, you need to get your hands on new qualifications and latest skills. Remember that so far you have had only rudimentary exposure and that by itself is inadequate to stand you in good stead for your entire career span. So, you need to be making perennial efforts to improve your profile.  

·   Seeking feedback

All organizations generally have an annual performance review. But there is nothing wrong in asking for a quarterly or six-monthly review. This will help you in getting to know how well you are coping with organizational expectations.

A distinct advantage accrues if reviews are held frequently. You will be able to stem drags that may otherwise be your predicaments later. You will thus stay on top, particularly if you ask and get to know how you can perk up your performance.

·   Recording pats on the back

Bouquets and brickbats are common occurrences in anybody’s career. Brickbats, though unpleasant serve to improve individual and organizational performance. On the other hand, bouquets are acknowledgements of good work done and are seldom forgotten. 

It is always sensible to keep a record of all compliments for good work done. These can be made use of in the future, particularly when there is stiff competition and the need to create an impact is felt. 

·   Monitoring internal postings

Members of staff are frequently moved from one department to another. These moves facilitate a good comprehension of the entire spectrum of organizational activities. It also helps in the understanding of various appointments and appointment holders.

Over a period of time, keeping eye on intra-department postings help in grasping job obligations and prerequisites.

Your first job is a school of a different kind. You learn many things, some of them not even heard of by you earlier. You formalize your behaviour, upgrade your skills and become proficient at your work. The first job therefore, is a springboard – you leap forward from it to make a career.