Your first career

Shortly after receiving your diploma, the moment to begin the next stage of your life starts. You will be starting your first ’actual job.’ But what you have learned in school is not enough to prep you up for this event. If you have been involved in extracurricular activities or have worked while you were still studying, then good for you as you will fit easily in this new environment. However, there is still a big difference between being an employee and being a working student. Much will be expected from you. Here are some tips that will assist you in getting used to this new world.

On your first day at work, pay attention and observe first before proposing any changes. Though improvement is a good thing, it is still ethical to observe first in your new workplace. Remember that you will be joining a setting where practises are already set, and a newcomer who talks of better ways to accomplish things will frequently be met by negative reactions. This is because you have no knowledge of why or how they accomplish things in the first place. Also, you have yet to earn the trust of your colleagues. Finally, remember that people are naturally threatened by changes.

By paying attention and watching, you will definitely learn a lot of things. You will know what kind of environment you are now working on. You will also learn about your colleagues--most importantly their behaviour. By observing them, you will absolutely spare yourself from doing a major mistake. Remember that you are a newcomer while your colleagues have been there for such a long time. Learn from them.

When you finally get to know your co-workers, better keep your distance from the troublemaker. He or she will approach you and say: "The boss is always nice to new employees. Wait till you've stayed here much longer." Therefore, a troublemaker starts trouble, and acts as if he or she has no knowledge about it. You may listen to him or her, but never give a comment. Bear in mind that the one who talks about other people will soon be talking about you, too.

Apart from avoiding the troublemaker, be sure you won’t also tell racist stories and jokes to your co-workers. They are not welcome in any workplace. Plus, you know nothing about the personalities of your co-workers. Also, never use the company’s email system to forward jokes, because they might end up to the wrong persons.

Furthermore, never gossip about anyone else. True, it helps to know what is going around you. You can acquire important insights from common activities and colleagues. However, you may not want to be known in your first workplace as a gossiper. Bear in mind that the world is so small and the people you’re with can change in the days to come.