The challenge of feeling comfortable and in control in your first “real job,” is almost as difficult as getting the job itself. The prospect of integrating yourself into the smoothly-running machine of a corporate workplace can be daunting and intimidating. While there’s nothing that will alleviate these fears and tensions overnight, there are a few ways to combat these feelings of anxiety and worry. Examine the four points enumerated below to gain a better perspective on how to successfully navigate the first stage of your career.
1. Remember What Got You Here.
By interviewing with, and eventually being hired by your company, you have completed a demonstration of your skill and potential. Your company saw one or the other in you and felt strongly enough to bring you on board. Already, you should wear that as a badge of honor. Even if you’re not confident in your abilities, your company believes in you, and feels that you can make a positive impact on their success. Understand that while your company expects great things from you in the future, they are not disillusioned about you being new to the business. Take advantage of all the resources provided for you to learn, and embrace your role as a new piece the great organization.
2. Develop the Habits of a Successful Person.
Successful people are those that are willing to do the things that an unsuccessful person does not. Just because you aced an interview and got a job does not mean that you are in the clear. Now the real work starts—you must set your sights on what you want to accomplish and take the necessary steps to make it possible. While there are many important elements of accomplishing your goals, there are four habits that lay a good foundation: studying, practice, self-investment and following a process of reinforcement. Incorporating each of these habits into your routine will increase your chance of success and will add value to your daily actions.
3. Adopt the Traits of the Successful People You Want to Model Yourself After.
There are certain traits that time and time again you see in successful individuals. There a few key indicators to highlight when considering which traits you should adopt.
- Successful people can work within themselves.
- Successful people seek improvement.
- Successful people do what it takes.
- Successful people value financial rewards, flexibility, and their independence.
While some of these may seem obvious, over time, approaching your career with these traits in mind will help you realize your full potential so you can smoothly ascend to the next stage of your career.
4. Be Flexible and Adaptable.
The worst thing you could do when you come into a new organization is assume that you know exactly how everything works and that you know best. Coming in with an open mind and willingness to learn will set a positive tone for your entire career at a company. While displaying initiative and taking the lead on what you can will let you learn at a faster pace than just being reactive, you also need to be prepared to listen and learn from those who came before you.
It’s best to view your leader as a coach as opposed to a manager. Applying this lens to the situation will allow you to see your leader as an advocate for your growth and success as opposed to someone who is trying to manage your mistakes or ensure your compliance to the tasks at hand.
The exploration career stage is a combination of anxiety, excitement, and opportunity. By realizing your value, developing the correct habit and traits and being flexible increases your chances of success early on. Exploring your new role under these conditions will set the stage for the next portion of your career as well.
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