7 answers
ashley
Student
6
Questions
Asked
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What are some things to keep in mind when entering the work field?
#college #career #occupation #company
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7 answers
Frank Wilson
Teller
22
Answers
Montgomeryville, Pennsylvania
Updated
Frank’s Answer
Hello Ashley,
When entering the work field, there are a few things you need to figure out. Such as what are your personal and career goals since they will be fundamental in deciding what paths to take on your journey. Other than goals, I always asked myself what did I want to do and if I got an offer for a job was it something A) could see myself doing that job B) does it help me in my future goals like building my resume and C) can it be something I can do for an extended period. Some of the other things to keep in mind is networking with other people since that can become very beneficial when it comes to future jobs. You can get your foot in the door with a lot of different areas just by making friends with people and if they see a job opening for their company then they might put a referral in for you or if their company is looking to have a service done that you can provide then they could recommend you. I hope this helps with your growth in the future.
When entering the work field, there are a few things you need to figure out. Such as what are your personal and career goals since they will be fundamental in deciding what paths to take on your journey. Other than goals, I always asked myself what did I want to do and if I got an offer for a job was it something A) could see myself doing that job B) does it help me in my future goals like building my resume and C) can it be something I can do for an extended period. Some of the other things to keep in mind is networking with other people since that can become very beneficial when it comes to future jobs. You can get your foot in the door with a lot of different areas just by making friends with people and if they see a job opening for their company then they might put a referral in for you or if their company is looking to have a service done that you can provide then they could recommend you. I hope this helps with your growth in the future.
I agree that networking and maintaining relationships with people you meet along the way is extremely important- whether it be during your initial job search experience or as you begin your first job. Relationships will take you very far!
Maeve Cannon, Admin
Paul Goetzinger MPA
Academic and Career Consultant and Freelance Writer
745
Answers
Seattle, Washington
Updated
Paul’s Answer
Watch your health.
We have a tendency to over do it on the job, overeat, get stressed, stay for long hours, and work ourselves to death.
Be aware of the warning signs of overwork syndrome.
We have a tendency to over do it on the job, overeat, get stressed, stay for long hours, and work ourselves to death.
Be aware of the warning signs of overwork syndrome.
Smitha John
People Operations/HR Ops
3
Answers
Austin, Texas
Updated
Smitha’s Answer
Be open to learning. Don't chase the money, look for opportunities that are in line with what you want to do or aspire to be. Your first manager is critical, and will set the tone of how your view your career. Choose wisely.
Give it your all, but make sure you don't tax yourself because it's your first job. Remember you are in this for the long haul.
Networking is crucial, your next job will most likely come from your network.
Don't compare your career path to another person. As you move along, you will realize there are highs and lows, but in the end they all will tie together.
Give it your all, but make sure you don't tax yourself because it's your first job. Remember you are in this for the long haul.
Networking is crucial, your next job will most likely come from your network.
Don't compare your career path to another person. As you move along, you will realize there are highs and lows, but in the end they all will tie together.
Mark A.
verification engineer
8
Answers
Dallas, Texas
Updated
Mark’s Answer
Hi,
I can share my experience when I transitioned from college life to corporate life. Some of the things you need consider is income, work-life balance and making sure you can manager different priorities. Before working, I was a poor student. When you start working, you start earning money and you have to manage your expenses vs. income. Now, probably, you want to buy a car with a monthly payment and insurance etc. that comes with it.
In addition, you don't have as much flexibility. You have to be present for meetings and be accountable to your assignment. If you are co-located, you have to be groomed nicely and take care of your appearance (formal dress etc.).
But, don't sweat it. It is part of life and we all go through this. Of course search you prospect employer online and get a sense for their culture and how other folks behave at work and core values of your employer are very important.
I can share my experience when I transitioned from college life to corporate life. Some of the things you need consider is income, work-life balance and making sure you can manager different priorities. Before working, I was a poor student. When you start working, you start earning money and you have to manage your expenses vs. income. Now, probably, you want to buy a car with a monthly payment and insurance etc. that comes with it.
In addition, you don't have as much flexibility. You have to be present for meetings and be accountable to your assignment. If you are co-located, you have to be groomed nicely and take care of your appearance (formal dress etc.).
But, don't sweat it. It is part of life and we all go through this. Of course search you prospect employer online and get a sense for their culture and how other folks behave at work and core values of your employer are very important.
Adam Pridgen
Process Engineering
26
Answers
Columbus, Ohio
Updated
Adam’s Answer
When entering the workforce as a young professional, employee, or entrepreneur, there a few things to think about that can help ensure success early on.
1) Be consistently punctual
Being on time and respectful of others time is probably the most noticeable trait one can harness to ensure a good track record. Punctuality shows that you are present and eager to engage in a meeting discussion, provides confidence in colleagues that you are dependable to show up when needed, and reassures management, business partners, and employers that you are disciplined.
2) Fine tune your communication skills
Being a good communicator can really take you far in a career with any company, business, or endeavor. Many issues stem from a miscommunication and can lead to conflict or disengaging affiliates. Learning to finesse your way around problems to reach an end goal is the key to successful agreements and transactions on any scale. If you've achieved most of your work in a solitary fashion I'd suggest taking a communication training course, reading communication development books , and/or volunteer where you have to collaborate with others or the public to practice enhancing this skillset.
3) Mistakes and failure are inevitable
When only seek opportunities that are familiar, you eventually become disenchanted which usually leads to stagnation in a role or experience. Always strive after opportunities that seem a bit foreign so there's opportunity for growth and skill development. A good rule of thumb when job searching is to look for roles where you fit 60-70% of the qualifications/criteria which leaves 30-40% room for growth. Failing is apart of success, but failing the right way is key. There is a great book about failing correctly to achieve success that breaks down why it's beneficial to go after moderately harder to reach goals as it primes you for greater success in the long run. This book is called Failing Forward by John C. Maxwell.
4) Be open to constructive criticism
Good feedback is always nice to hear and provides reassurance that you are making a contribution to a team or hitting your goals. However, we all have qualities and skills that need nurturing and the best way to enhance upon them is to ask managers, interviewers, colleagues, friends, etc. what skills should you work on based on their assessment. From there you can assess what avenue to take to enhance that weakness and level it up for your benefit to add to the qualities/skills already established.
5) Build good relationships
Networking and having a good rapport with people is probably the most vital skill to harness when entering the workforce. Building a strong social network within the ecosystem of where you work can make a big difference of your enjoyment in the day to day role and job functions.
6) Open to learning
You should always be open to learning new skills and be able to digest information differently at times. As technologies advance so should your propensity to learn them and adapt to the ever changing environments. Stay up to date with the latest and greatest in your industry and always look for opportunities of improvement. The most successful individuals in any field are adaptable, eager to learn something new, and aren't resistant to change.
1) Be consistently punctual
Being on time and respectful of others time is probably the most noticeable trait one can harness to ensure a good track record. Punctuality shows that you are present and eager to engage in a meeting discussion, provides confidence in colleagues that you are dependable to show up when needed, and reassures management, business partners, and employers that you are disciplined.
2) Fine tune your communication skills
Being a good communicator can really take you far in a career with any company, business, or endeavor. Many issues stem from a miscommunication and can lead to conflict or disengaging affiliates. Learning to finesse your way around problems to reach an end goal is the key to successful agreements and transactions on any scale. If you've achieved most of your work in a solitary fashion I'd suggest taking a communication training course, reading communication development books , and/or volunteer where you have to collaborate with others or the public to practice enhancing this skillset.
3) Mistakes and failure are inevitable
When only seek opportunities that are familiar, you eventually become disenchanted which usually leads to stagnation in a role or experience. Always strive after opportunities that seem a bit foreign so there's opportunity for growth and skill development. A good rule of thumb when job searching is to look for roles where you fit 60-70% of the qualifications/criteria which leaves 30-40% room for growth. Failing is apart of success, but failing the right way is key. There is a great book about failing correctly to achieve success that breaks down why it's beneficial to go after moderately harder to reach goals as it primes you for greater success in the long run. This book is called Failing Forward by John C. Maxwell.
4) Be open to constructive criticism
Good feedback is always nice to hear and provides reassurance that you are making a contribution to a team or hitting your goals. However, we all have qualities and skills that need nurturing and the best way to enhance upon them is to ask managers, interviewers, colleagues, friends, etc. what skills should you work on based on their assessment. From there you can assess what avenue to take to enhance that weakness and level it up for your benefit to add to the qualities/skills already established.
5) Build good relationships
Networking and having a good rapport with people is probably the most vital skill to harness when entering the workforce. Building a strong social network within the ecosystem of where you work can make a big difference of your enjoyment in the day to day role and job functions.
6) Open to learning
You should always be open to learning new skills and be able to digest information differently at times. As technologies advance so should your propensity to learn them and adapt to the ever changing environments. Stay up to date with the latest and greatest in your industry and always look for opportunities of improvement. The most successful individuals in any field are adaptable, eager to learn something new, and aren't resistant to change.
Adetokunbo James
Social Worker
2
Answers
New York, New York
Updated
Adetokunbo’s Answer
Be ready to learn.
Always ask questions and don’t assume what you don’t know anything about.
Be open minded, flexible, reliable, diligent and work smart.
Always reinvent yourself.
Never be afraid of change.
Be passionate about your job no matter what level.
Lead by example.
Be your best self,
Good luck & best wishes to an amazing future!
Be honest about what you are capable of doing & learn what you need.
Always ask questions and don’t assume what you don’t know anything about.
Be open minded, flexible, reliable, diligent and work smart.
Always reinvent yourself.
Never be afraid of change.
Be passionate about your job no matter what level.
Lead by example.
Be your best self,
Good luck & best wishes to an amazing future!
Adetokunbo recommends the following next steps:
Maren Myslinski
Human Resources
16
Answers
Atlanta, Georgia
Updated
Maren’s Answer
Personally, the most important thing to consider when starting your career and searching for jobs is the culture and values of the company you join. Company A and Company B may be hiring for the same exact position, but what will differentiate the opportunities is the quality of the company, the emphasis they put on supporting their employees, the values they hold, and the culture that the company's employees experience.
Don't be afraid to ask questions about these types of things during interviews. While a company is looking for the best person to fill their open role, you have every right to do your own research in understand who the company really is and learn how they can support you in your career. Culture is everything when it comes to a job, so place the highest importance on this (even over salary).
Don't be afraid to ask questions about these types of things during interviews. While a company is looking for the best person to fill their open role, you have every right to do your own research in understand who the company really is and learn how they can support you in your career. Culture is everything when it comes to a job, so place the highest importance on this (even over salary).