There are many unknowns when starting your first job–from questions about your colleagues and workload to whether you can live up to expectations. We all want a successful start into our careers, but in the end, it depends on what we make of it. An unpleasant experience can easily turn you off the job and eventually compel one to quit.
A recent survey by Monster.com in Singapore showed that almost 1 in 3 Singaporeans quit their first job within a year. While part of the onus is on employers to ensure their talent is happy, there are some steps you can take to ensure to make your first job experience a valuable one. Here’s how to get the best out of your first job.
Challenge yourself
About 30% of Singaporeans indicated they left their first job due to a lack of challenging opportunities. Unless you’re working for a startup, it’s unlikely that you will be assigned the most exciting tasks on day one.
Don’t be discouraged if the initial excitement for your first job starts to wane. But letting it slide won’t solve things either.If you are ready for more challenging opportunities, you need to bring this to your manager’s attention in a respectful way. Don’t just blurt it straight out, but discuss your trajectory at the company and ensure your progression curve remains steep.
Set your own goals
Not everybody has a 10-year plan when starting their career, but taking a step by step approach will eventually help define your plan. Before walking into the office for the first time, remember what you discussed with the hiring manager during the interview: What do you expect to achieve? What skills do you want to gain?
It’s time to work towards these goals. Besides improving on general skills, such as meeting deadlines and working with others, you should also sit down with your manager and discuss short-term goals for your professional development.
Don’t be invisible but get involved
Being proactive doesn’t mean you need to take on more work. Show that you are involved at work and how things are done. Getting noticed in your company is important to further your career. Almost three-quarter of Singaporeans said a lack of career prospects and professional growth was a key reason for leaving their jobs.
Remember that there are no stupid questions. If you have any concerns or questions, you shouldn’t hold yourself back. But there is a difference between being interested and telling others what to do. Try to learn from your colleagues and managers, instead of making their life more difficult by being a showoff or appearing overconfident. Let your mantra be: observe, ask, learn and offer help.
Schedule regular catch-ups
Although you might see your manager on a daily basis, newbies are often afraid of engaging with superiors. However, it’s actually one of the best ways to find out if you are on the right track and to get some first-hand leadership advice.
Feedback is hugely important, especially at the start of your career. Your manager might seem busy at any given moment, but it’s ok to ask for regular performance catch-ups. Make sure you come prepared with specific questions, so you don’t waste anyone’s time. It’s also the ideal time to discuss your short-term goals and get early-career guidance.
