Making the Most of Your First Job, Walter Jackson, Ph.D., Bates, '69

Making the Most of Your First Job

• View Your First Job As An Extension of Your Education
  The main task on your first job is to learn about the world of work and how organizations are run. Observe others, meet people, build a network, ask questions and be curious. Approach every task or meeting as an opportunity to learn, even if it is to learn about what you don’t like or are not good at. Don’t complain at work, find somewhere else to unload.

• Remember that difficult or unpleasant job assignments and bosses offer some of the best learning experiences early in a career. Stretch yourself, don’t be afraid to fail.
  
• Be Aware Of How You Are Managing Your Personal Brand
  One of the biggest stereotypes or complaints that Boomers have about Generation Y is that they often expect too much too soon and are not willing to put in their time to learn about the organization. Be aware that these and other stereotypes are afoot in the workplace and that people may apply them to you. If you are not actively managing your reputation, others will define it for you. Don’t provide opportunities for others to label you with a negative stereotype, e.g. Do your “My Space” and “Facebook” pages reflect how you want to be seen as a professional? Ask questions; seek out the advice of more seasoned employees regarding how things work in the organization. Be courteous and friendly with support staff, they can make or break your reputation within the company.
  
• Develop An Understanding of Organizational Culture, Power and Influence
  Study the organizational charts, but find out how things really get done and who makes things happen. Observe what kinds of behaviors get rewarded and who is successful. Study the leaders in your organization, which ones are admired and why? How do they make decisions or influence others? Understand the company’s mission statement and how the reality of day to day life measures up to it. Engage others in conversations about what works and what doesn’t. Be collaborative, help make others successful.
  
• Continually Learn About Yourself
  Your first job is an opportunity to learn about yourself as a professional. Take charge of your own learning, find out what are you good at, what you're not and what kind of work you prefer and what gives you a sense of satisfaction. As you have opportunities to interact in meetings, watch how others behave. Who is effective influencing a group and why. Find a colleague or a mentor who will give you honest feedback on how you come across in meetings and presentations. Develop a list of things that you want to learn about or get better at. Challenge yourself, volunteer for project work or to help out others in your department. Look for opportunities to build leadership and networking skills outside of your main job by volunteering to help with company sponsored community activities like United Way or other community based activities like the Bates Business Network.