Getting hired for the job you worked so hard to get is an exciting measure of success. It means the employer has agreed with you that you are well qualified, a good "fit" with the company and someone he/she/they want to work with. (And the pay ain't bad either.) But even this accomplishment brings new challenges, especially if this is your first job in your new career. There are certain stresses you should be prepared for and certain strategies you can use to assure job success.
The real key to job success is "fitting in". Defining what these means, however, is not easy. It involves understanding the environment in which you work, personal habits, relationship skills, and realistic expectations. Most of the problems you may have as an employee related, directly or indirectly to "fitting in".
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Every company has its own personality and own way of doing business. Usually this is developed from top management's perceptions. Prior to starting a job (i.e., before you apply for a position), you should research the culture of the company. What are the goals of management? How do employees interact? How are customers treated? What is the company's "style" of business? Some of this information can be gleaned from media and other publications. But you will need to talk to the employees to have a good sense of corporate culture. Informational interviews, plant tours and even job interviews can give you access to employee insight.
After you are hired, watch and listen to your co-workers. How do they get things done? Are there unwritten rules they follow? Are there things they do or do not do that surprise you? Is the company more formal or informal? Do employees act more autonomously or as part of a larger team? Of course, you can always ask questions about procedures and structure. But "personality" issues are usually easier to observe.
The Boss
Probably the most important work relationship. Good work habits aside, there are some ways to improve your standing with the boss:
Co-Workers
In almost any work setting, you will need to get along with other workers. Sometimes these are other employees. Sometimes these co-workers may be contract staff or vendors. In any case, you will need to recognize and practice good co-worker skills.
The most common complaint from employers about recent college graduates is not about technical training but lack of communication skills. You should be prepared to use formal communication tools, like memos, reports, business letters and email, on the job. If you have not taken a Business Writing class, your employer may be willing to provide training through the company, or to pay for additional classes. Interpersonal skills are harder to develop but even more important. Communication between co-workers is vital for a positive work environment. The growing mix of cultures and values in the workplace may also be challenging. A focus on professionalism and a respect for others will carry you a long way.
A common problem many new employees have is a hesitancy to ask questions. Rather than appearing foolish or troublesome, you will be appreciated for clarifying new procedures or techniques. Your employer would much rather answer questions and help you get it right, than have to fix your mistakes.
Often, it is up to you to promote your successes within a company. While a measure of common sense is needed, you can purposely develop a positive reputation within your organization. Good work habits, especially in your first year, can build a professional image for yourself. Appropriate dress, reasonable work hours, and a willingness to ask questions are the basics of good work habits. A willingness to put in extra hours and take on additional work is also positive. However, be careful not to take on more than you can handle, or to build up unrealistic expectations from your employer. Attitudeis important, of course. A willingness to work with and get along with others is vital. You will need to demonstrate the basic skills required for your job. But you may also want to show off a little. Formal or informal reports to your supervisor about your accomplishments are effective, even if they are not requested. Let other know about your projects and involve them by asking for advice or feedback.
A new job or career is a major life transition. Along with professional changes, you will experience changes in lifestyle as well. Often the stress surrounding a new position relates more to the personal transition.
For someone new to the workforce, or for someone who has been out of the workforce for some time, the adjustment from "student" to "worker" may be challenging at first. The focus shifts from short term goals to long term goals, and (usually) from the individual to the group. (Remember the term, "team player"?) There is also a move from theoretical to practical application. And sometimes what is applied in the workplace is at odds with what you learned in school.
The biggest change in most new employees lives relates to money. If the position is your first "career" position, you will probably be making much more money than you have. If the position is a career change, however, you may be facing a decrease in salary as you move to an entry-level position.
Budgeting is the key (of course) to efficiently dealing with this change in financial status. You will need to develop a long term budget, targeting necessities. Make sure you include funds for special needs related to a new position like transportation, wardrobe, tools and relocation. It's also a good idea to budget a small amount monthly into a contingency fund. Don't forget to put something aside for incidentals, like leisure and holidays.
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A major difference between a full-time student and a full-time employee has to do with time available and choice of activities. Professional life will up more of your time, energy and resources than school has. Education provides a built in peer group and easy access to social activities. These things need to be sought out once you begin your career full-time. You may also lose a significant support system in your instructors and fellow students.
Along with the workplace, you will need to look to professional organizations, community groups, and other "extracurricular" outlets to support you in this major transition. Stress management skills are important. Physical and mental health play a significant part in your career success. Also, important is the realization that your career, while a major part of your life, is not "who you are". You will need to build your identity around work and other areas of your life.
Career planning does not stop when you enter a career field. The cycle of Self Assessment - Exploration - Choice - Preparation - Action repeats throughout your life. Throughout your career, you will need to use this cycle to consider both professional and personal transitions including promotions, new jobs, transfers, retraining, sabbaticals, retirement, second (or third) careers, etc.
Your first major professional transition usually occurs after your first year on the job. You will need to consider further education or training, with a strong focus on applied skills building. You will need to consider movement within your company, either promotions or lateral movement between departments. You may want to consider leaving your first job after a year or two and looking for additional employment. Often this strategy is effective at increasing earning power and professional responsibilities. Or you may want to settle into your professional life for a few years and work on growth areas within your private life.
Last Modified: July 29, 1999. Send comments or suggestions regarding these pages to: Webmaster