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First Job - Making Learning A Priority: The Basics

The document provides advice for succeeding in one's first job. It emphasizes that the first few weeks are crucial, and one should make a good impression by dressing professionally, arriving early and staying late, learning company policies and culture, and building relationships, especially with one's manager. It advises asking questions, seeking help, and continuing to learn beyond one's job profile. Finally, it notes one should not rush changes but focus on learning and having realistic expectations in the first job.

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sunkaranagendra
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20 views

First Job - Making Learning A Priority: The Basics

The document provides advice for succeeding in one's first job. It emphasizes that the first few weeks are crucial, and one should make a good impression by dressing professionally, arriving early and staying late, learning company policies and culture, and building relationships, especially with one's manager. It advises asking questions, seeking help, and continuing to learn beyond one's job profile. Finally, it notes one should not rush changes but focus on learning and having realistic expectations in the first job.

Uploaded by

sunkaranagendra
Copyright
© Attribution Non-Commercial (BY-NC)
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as DOCX, PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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First Job – Making Learning a Priority 2010

You have landed your first job – years of hard work at learning is finally set to pay off. Now the
next challenge is to keep it and succeed at it.

The first few weeks are crucial in deciding your tenure and growth in the company. To make
this period of transition (from a student to a professional) a smooth sail, you should be aware
of what it takes to make a good impression at the workplace. The principles are pretty simple
and obvious. But surprisingly, people often fail to pay heed to them.

Once you are aware of the principles, you should be willing to adopt them. Willing is the key to
make the transition quick and easy. You should be open to the new environment and its
customs.

You should be willing to learn and practice the work place properties and advancement
techniques. Following is some advice:

The basics…
Dress professionally. Assess what others are wearing and tone down accordingly. Be conscious
about your expressions, gestures, posture and body language. Frowning, drooping, folding
hands and shaking legs, give the impression that you are nervous or too casual about the job.
Always smile to appear approachable; don’t keep giggling.

Reach office early and leave a bit late for the first few weeks. This will give you time to
complete the HR formalities without having to waste your working hours. You will also get
some time to socialize with co-workers and explore the office.

And of course, it tells your boss that you are enthusiastic about your work.

Learn about the dos and don’ts’ in your organization right from log in-log out rules. Make sure
you got right, the employee policies.

By Nagendra B Sunkara Page 1


First Job – Making Learning a Priority 2010

Start building…

Relationship with the reporting manager is a crucial factor in determining your future in the job.
Build a strong professional bond with your boss as soon as possible. Give your best to the job
and complete the work on time. Update him about the progress regularly. Promise only what,
you can deliver.

Get to know the people related to your job – who you will be working with or can affect your
work. Listen and observe to learn about people around you and their ways. Talk less to avoid
saying something that could be taken in a wrong way.

Ask questions about your work and the organization. Be clear about your duties and
expectations from you. Seek help when you need it. Utilize buddy system, induction and
mentoring programmes to the best. Learn about the work culture.

Register with the company’s page on social networking sites or join the company group,
subscribe for the newsletter and set up news alerts that update you about the latest
happenings.

Remember that your learning doesn’t stop with landing a job. The first job especially, has a lot
to offer. So go beyond your job profile and try to learn all that is related to your work.

Be eager to take on new responsibilities. Understand the company’s mission and its values, and
assimilate them into your work. Align your goals with those of your company.

Contacts are very important in getting things done. So keep working on improving your
network. Introduce yourself to others over a cup of tea or lunch. Participate in company events.
If there are any clubs where employees of your organization meet, join them. But even during
informal conversations, don’t forget social and professional etiquette. Especially in the initial
days don’t ask personal questions, limit yourself to general ones. Gossip is a strict no-no.

By Nagendra B Sunkara Page 2


First Job – Making Learning a Priority 2010

Don’t rush…

Do not rush to bring in changes at the workplace. Don’t quickly judge people or hastily draw
conclusions from the events taking place around you. Let others get acquainted to you before
you can start influencing them. Build trust before beginning to lead.

In the initial years of work life, the focus of an individual should be on learning than on reaping
benefits. When you approach your first job with an open mind and are flexible enough to meet
its demands, your transition into the professional world is easy. Also, be realistic in your
expectations from your first job, lest you should be left disheartened.

By Nagendra B Sunkara Page 3

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