Congratulations on securing your first job! Follow this guide to start your new job on the right note.
ENGAGE YOUR SUPERVISOR
Set clear work objectives and priorities with your supervisor. Take the initiative to have regular check-ins and conversations with your supervisor to make sure that you are on the right track. Find out what is expected of you in terms of work performance and create a plan to reach your goals. Maintain a work calendar with reminders to track your progress. Do not make assumptions. Seek guidance, ask lots of questions and leverage on being new.
CONTRIBUTE AND LEARN
Make yourself a valuable team member by contributing positively to the work. Give constructive suggestions whenever possible and do not keep to yourself. At the same time, be open to feedback, both good and bad. Be humble in learning from others and have an open mindset.
BE A TEAM PLAYER
Be sincere, positive, enthusiastic, and focused. Develop authentic relationships and build trust with those around you. Volunteer for projects or help your colleagues out whenever possible. Keep an open mind to feedback from supervisors and colleagues. Avoid office politics and gossip. Respect the opinions of your colleagues even if they differ from yours. Listen and ask appropriate questions.
IMMERSE IN THE COMPANY CULTURE
Attend all onboarding activities and take a leaf from your colleagues to blend in. Keep to the organisation’s email etiquette, work hours and any protocol when it comes to applying for time off. Always seek your colleagues’ advice if you are unsure.
Make an effort to reach out to your colleagues who can help you acclimatise quickly to your new role, especially if you have to start by working remotely. Set up individual meetings to get to know your colleagues better, understand what their roles are, and how you can support them. Other than learning about processes and administrative matters, you may also get insights on any unspoken rules and protocols of the company.
BUILD YOUR NETWORK
As a newcomer and at any point in your career, always grow your professional network to aid your career development. Make it a point to attend staff meetings, conferences and trade shows – even virtually – to meet and interact with people from your organisation and industry.
EMBRACE LIFELONG LEARNING
Though you may be fresh out of school, upgrading yourself with relevant and varied skill sets is highly essential to grow your career. Stay updated on industry trends to remain on top of the game. Sign up for professional development courses in and beyond your field so that you can consistently add value to your organisation.
If your industry requires professional qualifications, make plans to complete the necessary courses. You may also wish to improve on communication skills or technical skills to boost your career development.
Congratulations, you have gotten the job! You have got what it takes. Now, remember to stay humble in your role, be hungry to learn and embrace new experiences!
