Tips for starting your career

If you are anything like me, after what seemed to be an eternal student career, I began feeling like that was all I knew how to do i.e. "be a student". Blazing down the home stretch I started seeing the warning signs indicating the end of the road, almost like a scene from a poorly written horror movie. And just like that, it was over, and it was time to join the “real world” as everyone tends to call it. However, as nervous as I was, I realised new chapters are exciting. It’s time to make your mark and write your story (insert your choice of cliché).

Realistically speaking, there are few people who get the ideal start, even Usain Bolt seems to stumble as he takes off in each race. Let’s discuss some of the things I’ve noticed in my young career that may help make the transition from University to the "real world". These are simple things which will help reduce conflict, improve growth and maybe get you noticed but may not include some of the more obvious points.

Don't be "just the grad"

I am an honours graduate working in tech for one of the big South African banks since the beginning of the year. While typing this, I’m reminded of one of the realities when joining organisations like these as a junior. It’s easy to introduce yourself as ‘The Grad’ or junior member; however, I learnt quickly that it is important to know when and where it’s necessary. I’ve been incredibly lucky to work in a team that constantly exposes me and gives me great amounts of responsibility.

When calling/meeting very senior colleagues, they aren’t impressed to know that you’re just a graduate. It’s far more important to state your team, the purpose for the meeting or why it is necessary that they comply. Let your skills determine your image not your title. Now understanding the positions and responsibilities of others is probably even more important. It can be incredibly difficult getting things done in large organisations when you require influence or contribution from many people.

“While you may think it’s a good idea to pick up the phone and call a CIO or Business Lead, research has proved many times that people respond best to those they are familiar with or feel equal to in some way"

While you may think it’s a good idea to pick up the phone and call a CIO or Business Lead, research has proved many times that people respond best to those they are familiar with or feel equal to in some way. Find that person’s person - everyone has one, possibly many. This could be an assistant, team member or in rare cases their boss. The professional equivalent of “putting in a good word” will help get your emails noticed and your ideas heard. Be subtle however and use this responsibly, you don’t want to come across as a pain, or someone that people have to avoid. Networking 101 - give and take.

Putting your hand up

Your roles and responsibilities will obviously vary depending on what you do and where you go, although I’ve found as a junior you should put your hand up at every opportunity. Balance the possibility of failure with your ability and make sure that in the shortest time possible everyone knows what you are capable of. Regardless of whether a task will add value to your career or not, taking on challenges, having the ability to adapt or even just helping someone out goes miles to help you grow. Having a mentor or someone you can run things by is a game changer. Often line managers or superiors have way too much on their plate to provide educational value. This doesn’t mean you can’t learn from others. If you are willing and able, there are more than a few people who will give advice and guidance, but choose that person wisely.

Mastery

Did I say every opportunity? Sometimes in conversation you notice something you would like to get involved in that has nothing to do with your daily job. Inch deep – mile wide, vs Mastery! Now this is a complicated one. As a young professional you want to seek mastery. When a given topic comes up, you want to be one of the names that come to mind. This is obviously preferable in rarer/newer topics. However, in order to involve yourself in numerous projects in a variety of fields, you need to be able to show interest and learn quickly. I personally am willing to put in the extra hours for an opportunity to learn something new and I think you should be too. To help these opportunities arrive, keep up! Know trends and news in your field at the bare minimum. It’s advisable to know that of your organisation as well. It affects everything, projects, conversation, share prices etc. This makes for great networking too.

Time management

Time management: Remember that concept? I’m not going to talk too much about this because they are harped on in every self-help snippet, but don’t be late! Punctuality is extremely important, especially when you are a millennial. You might be wearing the smartest suit in the room but if you are late, they see you as an untidy punk with jeans at his knees.

Pay attention

Pay attention to everything. It will help to learn the culture and know the people. This goes back to networking skills, or finding a good mentor, but you also need to be careful about the time and place of everything you do. And no, I am not talking about when it is ok to talk politics or use bad language - you should figure that out on your own. It’s more about knowing how to hedge your bets, against conflict, politics and everything else that comes with work. Simply said, backing the right person in an argument or disagreeing with an incorrect idea isn’t always the right choice. And as you pay attention to others, know that some will do the same to you, stay sharp.

Enjoy!

Lastly, prior to starting, I was gravely concerned that I would be micro-managed and scrutinised for everything I did. Use commitment and reliability to build trust and confidence from your superiors. You aren’t always expected to know, but you are expected to want to know. Starting your first job (or a new one) won’t be easy, simple or like everyone else’s experience. Just make sure to challenge yourself, enjoy it and make it count!

This post was authored by Ché Meer, one of my previous students. He started his career earlier this year at one of the largest banks in South Africa. Check him out on LinkedIn: Ché Meer.