Your First Year on the Job

As the fall semester quickly comes to an end, many graduates are preparing to start their professional jobs. However, your career job is not like going to college anymore- no more sweatpants to class or sleeping until noon. Your first year on the job will be very different and is essential to understand that you will have a lot to learn about your organization. "You need to know how to establish yourself, learn the "way things are done," and figure out what you need to do to earn credibility and respect," according to Job Choices- For Business and Liberal Arts Students. Some success strategies to having a great first year on the job are to slow down, learn the culture, manage a good impression, learn the art of being new, manage your expectations, and become a savvy subordinate. To understand these further, look at the descriptions below.

*Slow Down: Instead of trying to dazzle collegues with your new initiatives, open your eyes and ears to learn about the company and the people in it. Learn the way things are done before you take charge.

*Learn the Culture: Each organization has a unique set of rules and norms, often informal and unspoken. Watch your collegues, pay attention to what they spend their time on, and see how they communicate and work together. Find ways to "fit in".

*Manage a Good Impression: Everything you do is magnified-everyone is watching and evaluating your ability to succeed. While many factors play a part in what they are looking for, they want to notice your attitude that you are willing to do what it takes to fit in on the team.

*Learn the Art of Being New: Accept your role as the newcomer and perform at your best, while learning the organization, to become accepted.

*Manage you Expectations: Many aspects of your job will not be what you thought they would be. The job may not be as glamorous, important, or high level as you thought. The important thign is to be realistic about your role in the organization.

*Become a Savvy Subordinate: Learn what your boss wants, needs, and expects and do it! Be a problem solver instead of a problem finder.

Overall, your first year on the job is crucial to your future success in the professional world. Be sure to slow down, learn the culture, manage a good impression, learn the art of being new, manage your expectations, and become a savvy subordinate. Good Luck!
*Source is: Job Choices 2009- For Business & Liberal Arts Students.