Building a career calls for hard work
THIS is that time of the year when young people graduate and set out to find a job, make a career or maybe even start their own business. After all when one is young, the world is one's oyster and there are numerous options to explore. It is a time when the future is full of exciting possibilities. Today's fresh out of college graduates (freshers as we call them) are much smarter and savvier than those of the past. Yet there is an uncertain anticipation of what the future holds out for them.
Though the career options today are numerous, for a fresher stepping out into the big, bad or brave new world (the way one sees it depends on perception) some advice on how to find one's footing here is always welcome. So here are some tips:
Starting fresh: When you are a fresher you have the advantage of starting on a clean slate. There is no past history attached or a past job to put in your resume.
So take the advantage of starting fresh by visualising how you want your career and reputation to shape up and work towards it. From the first day on your new job, be extremely cautious, especially about what you say or do. Your behaviour should add shine to your reputation and not cloud it. A black spot on your reputation will mar your future.
Value of work: If your first job does not meet your expectations or does not have that zing or excitement you had hoped for, do not despair. Realise that even the most successful people started out this way.
The fact is you will have to learn to appreciate the opportunity to work and give your best to whatever you do.
The right behaviour: In the world of work, though individuality is appreciated, do not go overboard. Everyone expects a certain degree of conformity in the way you conduct yourself, dress and interact with others. Wanting to be different from others in everything you do will not be appreciated.
Punctuality: Being on time every time will undoubtedly enhance your reputation.
Enthusiasm: A sure way to get noticed by the management is to display your enthusiasm and willingness to work on difficult assignments. Your willingness to do boring but essential jobs, staying late or coming early to finish work and meet deadlines and taking on extra work will be to your advantage. Be enthusiastic about what you do and be always eager to do more.
Learn from mistakes: If you make a mistake, try to learn from it. Review what went wrong so that you can avoid repeating it and do a better job next time. Learning from mistakes is necessary to succeed.
Listen: Cultivate the habit of listening to what others say and pay attention to what goes on. Make a conscious effort to make a connection with everyone you interact with at the workplace. Display courtesy and politeness to everyone irrespective of their position in the company. Both in your professional and personal life it is important to stand up for your individual values.
Be patient: Your career should be a continuous effort to improve and grow in your profession. You should aim for growth in your career. But this progress will not happen in a day, it needs time.
Finding the ideal job, or getting a promotion or pay raise will take time and you will have to be patient. You need perseverance, a plan and the belief that you can achieve what you set out to do. Remember those who have succeeded in their careers did not achieve it in a day, their success stories include struggle and hard work. Remember you will always have to work, work hard for success.
Whatever you do, learn to enjoy doing it and find value and meaning in what you do. This will make you happy and give a sense of fulfillment that is vital to succeed in a career.
HEMA SWAMINATHAN
faqs@cnkonline.com
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