Look for a role you love & culture fit to succeed in
first job
Don’t Chase A High
Pay Package
To most of us a first job is a
real sign of the world that was promised. It is validation of the self that we
have so carefully built through years of struggle and countless sleepless
nights.
Therefore it is no surprise that
the question: ‘What should you look for in a first job?’ has undergone much
needed scrutiny.
The metaphor of first love seems
fitting to describe the emotional anchors associated with a first job. We all
enter the world of work with the unflinching belief that we will change it —
create an impact or become the best!
Personal
values:
On campus, our decisions are often
influenced by what I would call the ‘collective conscious’ or our personal
imperatives. So the highest paying job suddenly becomes synonymous with the
dream job.
Think about what your personal
values are, what you most enjoy doing and then target a job and an industry
that will give you an opportunity to experiment and learn. Do not chase a
salary figure. Find a role that you’d love and you will earn.
Manager:
Your first manager will determine the work ethic that you will embody
for the greater part of your career. Seek to work with a manager who will
intellectually challenge you, who will nudge you out of your comfort zone and
help you see the world through varied lenses. Don’t get too hassled if you land
up with a bad manager. You will learn as much from them if not more — what not
to do when you become a manager and this is an important learning.
Organisation’s
culture:
The culture of a place, its values,
norms and practices have a huge impact on our happiness and success. People
generally think their cultures are more distinctive than they actually are —
uniqueness bias. Though it is tempting to look for a great culture, it is wiser
to rule out the worst cultures, as toxic behaviours wreak more havoc than
positive behaviours breed joy. If the general view of an organisation is that
it is wildly unfair and inflexible — cross it off your list.
An organisational culture that
encourages fast failure and quick integration of lessons learned is likely to
be innovative in practice.
Growth
mindset:
Remember to have fun. Your first job is
your learning zone. Operate in it with a growth mindset. Instead of just
spending time doing things, spend more time exploring, asking, experimenting,
reflecting, striving and becoming. Find a mentor or a trusted colleague to
exchange ideas or have vulnerable conversations with.
Be patient:
Take your time when entering the workforce and go step-by-step.
Sometimes decision-making in large organisations may not always keep pace with
the expectations of people who live in the digital age. All your ideas may not
be accepted. Understand that an organisation that has stayed around long enough
would have seen several cycles of change. Do not read implicit knowledge as
resistance to change. Persevere and be committed to succeeding.
By Madhavi
Lall
The author is
head (HR), Deutsche Bank Indi
TA7FEB18
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