THE first step into the world of work will resoundingly burst the secure bubble of your college life. A frenzy of nervousness and apprehension overrides the excitement and fervour of starting a career. After all, there is a whole lot of difference between being a student and an employee!
Stephanie Calhoun, of JC Penney Co. Inc. says, `Remember that no one owes you anything because you have a degree. You yourself are in charge of your career.'
You have to devote a significant amount of the day to the job. It entails longer and more rigid schedules with fewer breaks. There will be a different set of procedures and expectations. You will have to bid goodbye to the ease and tranquil of college life in the face of loads of responsibility coupled with accountability and looming deadlines.
The sudden thrust from the safe haven of classrooms to the harsh reality of corporate atmosphere can unnerve even the best of the lot. Some teething troubles are unavoidable. Even seasoned professionals acknowledge that beginning the first job is quite tough!
Do not panic! The greenhorn is not expected to hit the home run right away! Just aim to settle in the best way you can. Here are a few tips to help you to get acclimatised to the world of work:
Create the right image - `I think the early days are when your superiors and colleagues form the most lasting impressions about you', observes Ann Russell, a programme coordinator with AmeriCorps. So, maintain punctuality, dress appropriately and be well mannered at all times. The carelessness of scholastic life will not do. You have to conduct yourself in a professional manner and present yourself in the best light right from the word go.
Take the right attitude - Nothing beats a positive outlook and strong work ethics. Strap loads of adaptability under your belt. Approach your job with the spirit of enthusiasm. Be proactive, willing to learn and keep an open mind. The key is to stay focussed and not buckle under the onslaught of pressure.
Be on your guard - Your performance in college affected you alone. But, here it affects the organisation as a whole. You are always being watched. Try to put in your best. `Work hard and seek opportunities to show your full potential', advises Erin Fletcher, Segment Manager, Seattle Monorail Authority.
Listen and observe - Possessing these two qualities can propel you a long way towards success. Talk 20%, listen 80% is the golden mantra for survival. Pay close attention to the tone of corporate culture. Keep your eyes and ears open as you learn your way around the organisation and its members.
Ask, ask and ask - You are the new kid on the block. No one expects you to know everything. So, do not hesitate to seek help and advice. Ask while it is still acceptable for you to do so! It is always better to ask rather than to go wrong and redo the whole thing. After all, `the stupid question is the question unasked!'
Get along well with the Boss - You have to get used to working under a supervisor. Building proper interaction with him will help you understand your work thoroughly and fundamentally. Define your goals and review your work with him. It is important to develop a proper communication channel, however unreasonable or difficult the superior may be. Remember, your boss will never be as lenient as your professor!
Gel well with colleagues - Co-workers are a bit like classmates. Your relations with them can make or mar your work experience. Build good interpersonal relationships with them. Display of co-operation, team spirit and loyalty will take you a long way. The first job opens the door to a new way of life. Your future is staring you right in the face. It is rightly said, `Being successful in the first job sets the stage for your potential career success'. Prime yourself for the move.
Anticipate and prepare yourself to meet the challenges head on and you can make your transition a lot smoother. Walk in with a fresh perspective and an aggressive learning curve. Believe in yourself, trust your capabilities and do not lose momentum. Use your energy and ambition to your advantage. Be prepared to give more of yourself and nothing will be able to stop you from firmly entrenching yourself in the job.
Stephanie Calhoun, of JC Penney Co. Inc. says, `Remember that no one owes you anything because you have a degree. You yourself are in charge of your career.'
You have to devote a significant amount of the day to the job. It entails longer and more rigid schedules with fewer breaks. There will be a different set of procedures and expectations. You will have to bid goodbye to the ease and tranquil of college life in the face of loads of responsibility coupled with accountability and looming deadlines.
The sudden thrust from the safe haven of classrooms to the harsh reality of corporate atmosphere can unnerve even the best of the lot. Some teething troubles are unavoidable. Even seasoned professionals acknowledge that beginning the first job is quite tough!
Do not panic! The greenhorn is not expected to hit the home run right away! Just aim to settle in the best way you can. Here are a few tips to help you to get acclimatised to the world of work:
Create the right image - `I think the early days are when your superiors and colleagues form the most lasting impressions about you', observes Ann Russell, a programme coordinator with AmeriCorps. So, maintain punctuality, dress appropriately and be well mannered at all times. The carelessness of scholastic life will not do. You have to conduct yourself in a professional manner and present yourself in the best light right from the word go.
Take the right attitude - Nothing beats a positive outlook and strong work ethics. Strap loads of adaptability under your belt. Approach your job with the spirit of enthusiasm. Be proactive, willing to learn and keep an open mind. The key is to stay focussed and not buckle under the onslaught of pressure.
Be on your guard - Your performance in college affected you alone. But, here it affects the organisation as a whole. You are always being watched. Try to put in your best. `Work hard and seek opportunities to show your full potential', advises Erin Fletcher, Segment Manager, Seattle Monorail Authority.
Listen and observe - Possessing these two qualities can propel you a long way towards success. Talk 20%, listen 80% is the golden mantra for survival. Pay close attention to the tone of corporate culture. Keep your eyes and ears open as you learn your way around the organisation and its members.
Ask, ask and ask - You are the new kid on the block. No one expects you to know everything. So, do not hesitate to seek help and advice. Ask while it is still acceptable for you to do so! It is always better to ask rather than to go wrong and redo the whole thing. After all, `the stupid question is the question unasked!'
Get along well with the Boss - You have to get used to working under a supervisor. Building proper interaction with him will help you understand your work thoroughly and fundamentally. Define your goals and review your work with him. It is important to develop a proper communication channel, however unreasonable or difficult the superior may be. Remember, your boss will never be as lenient as your professor!
Gel well with colleagues - Co-workers are a bit like classmates. Your relations with them can make or mar your work experience. Build good interpersonal relationships with them. Display of co-operation, team spirit and loyalty will take you a long way. The first job opens the door to a new way of life. Your future is staring you right in the face. It is rightly said, `Being successful in the first job sets the stage for your potential career success'. Prime yourself for the move.
Anticipate and prepare yourself to meet the challenges head on and you can make your transition a lot smoother. Walk in with a fresh perspective and an aggressive learning curve. Believe in yourself, trust your capabilities and do not lose momentum. Use your energy and ambition to your advantage. Be prepared to give more of yourself and nothing will be able to stop you from firmly entrenching yourself in the job.
PAYAL AGARWAL
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