Try to stay positive at all times!
AUTHOR Ibrahim Albuainain - SEPTEMBER 2024
Graduating and stepping into the professional world can be both exhilarating and daunting. Many of us have high hopes and dreams, only to be jolted by the reality of the workplace. If you find yourself in an unexpected work environment, don’t rush in judging the situation just yet! New joiners often face surprises like the lack of induction training or a career development plan, leaving them in a maze trying to figure out their roles with little guidance. In this blog post, I will share three tips which could help you build a strong foundation and develop in a tricky work environment.
ILLUSTRATION BY Ibrahim Albuainain. Building skills in areas that spark your interest is crucial.
1. Identify Your Areas of Interest as Soon as Possible
The first and most crucial step is to pinpoint what interests you. It could be specific tasks in project management or customer service, or exploring domains in general like for example, statistics or occupational health and safety. Try to understand the fundamentals in those areas. Learn to ask deeper questions which definitely is going to help you discover gaps in the system and you will feel your value. For example, you could ask “What was the trigger for a particular process?” Often, you’ll find that many practices are not officially documented or even have legal basis. As you gather data and assess the system, invest in developing your skill sets, even if it means paying out of your own pocket. Nowadays, everything is accessible online so make use of all the available tools and resources. Remember, time is your most valuable asset, and investing in your skills will pay off in the long run.
ILLUSTRATION BY Ibrahim Albuainain. Instructions and tasks may seem random in the beginning, just stay focused!
2. Be Patient and Document Everything
Patience is essential in any job, especially when you are starting your career. Document every task you perform and all work-related communications. Avoid relying solely on verbal instructions; instead, follow up with emails summarising tasks and seeking confirmation. This practice protects your efforts, provides a clear record of your work, and ensures accountability. Maintaining organised documentation and formalised communication can prevent misunderstandings and disputes, showcasing your professionalism and reliability. Understand that career growth takes time, so manage your expectations, seek feedback, and stay positive as you explore the initial challenges.
ILLUSTRATION BY Ibrahim Albuainain. Aim somewhere!
3. Set Personal Goals
It is essential to set personal goals. If you think you can’t do it alone, consider getting a career coach for a few sessions. This will help you draw a path at early stages. Remember that without a clear direction you will be aimless, and you possibly will waste time. You may wonder what could possibly be an attainable objective when you are just starting out in your career? For example, I would say networking is essential. Consider extending your work relationships with other government organisations, contractors and even clients. Focus on enlarging your contacts and try to understand the politics of your job. This is because having a large network can smoothen (in case needed) transitions in one’s career path while also creating new opportunities.
In Conclusion
To succeed as a fresh graduate, begin by identifying your interests and strengths. Question current practices and find ways to improve them if possible. Develop your skills using online resources, even if it requires personal investment. Exercise patience and document all tasks and communications by confirming details through emails to ensure clarity and accountability. It is very important to set clear personal goals and consider seeking guidance from a career coach. At the end of the day, having a structured start will put you on solid grounds rather than getting lost and giving up early in your career. Please don't be just a number.
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