Acquire new skills, knowledge and experience to prepare yourself for the challenges ahead
If you are just starting your career, you need to maximise your experience and develop your skills. Remember, in this environment of uncertainty, you are expected to manage on your own. That may sound like a daunting task, but there are road signs to help you navigate, advance your career and find satisfaction in your first job.

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Many things may contribute to your happiness as a new graduate entering the workforce, such as the location of your workplace, cost of living, community and the opportunity to connect with people of similar age and interests. Ask the following questions to determine your priorities and what you expect from your first job.

Job training

Will you receive the training you need soon after being hired? The type of training varies with each job, so during the recruitment process you should ask about initial and ongoing training. Does it seem there will be additional opportunities for learning beyond day-to-day experience?

Career clarity

Does the employer provide a clear picture of the career paths and opportunities available to new hires? This may become more important once you have completed a training programme. Find out how long you are expected to remain in the first assignment and when you’ll get a chance to advance.

Work autonomy

Each new hire comes with a different set of experience. Discussions with supervisors should include assessments of your skills and your desire for autonomous work. Once you have completed a training programme, can you work independent of close supervision?

Work tasks

Is there opportunity for assignments that are interesting, satisfying and challenging? Satisfaction often comes with accomplishing assignments that stretch you. Are you able to share in decisions about your work assignments?

Mentor matters

Is your supervisor capable of establishing a coaching relationship with you? Supervisors who can provide direct performance feedback and career advice contribute to greater retention of new hires. Does your supervisor help you acclimatise with the company culture and assist you in meeting employees from other departments?

Career development

Does your job open you to diverse learning experiences that help develop your career? Are you heading in the direction agreed upon when you were hired? Are there opportunities to move in different directions as your interests change and you develop new skills?

Employers have the responsibility to provide a safe working environment and compensate you for your contributions.

Film maker Ang Lee, who won an Oscar for his film Brokeback Mountain, addressed a university commencement by saying, “I learned to stay forever hungry to learn more. I learned to appreciate that collaboration is as important as genius. I learned how much there was I didn’t know. I learned to enjoy the pleasure of asking, trying and testing.”

Not everyone will successfully navigate these uncertain times. You may find yourself caught in a company’s struggle to maintain its course. Regardless of that, it’s important for you to acquire new skills, knowledge and experience to prepare you for the challenges and opportunities ahead.

Source: The Telegraph (Kolkata, India)