Only after
graduation or post-graduation, does one realise 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 counselling.
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 outlook:
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
co-workers 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 nonverbal
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 launchpad - you
leap forward from it to make a career.
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