How To Prepare For Your First Full Time Jobs Once You Finish University

Finishing your degree at university is one of the most fulfilling moments in your adult life, and one that is full of promise and hope for future work opportunities. However, switching from an academically focused environment to a professional work environment is quite hard, and it is important you are as ready as you can be for your first full-time job. The connections you make at these jobs can last a career, and the impression you make on your first few employers can help set you up for the foreseeable future, so here are some tips to keep in mind.

Teamwork

Most people have been taught that teamwork is important, from kindergarten group activities to recreational sports leagues. However, teamwork in a full-time job means different things. For instance, it is just as much about knowing your place in the team as it is about working well with others. While you likely have a lot more enthusiasm and energy than members that have been in the company longer, they have the benefit of experience and hindsight. Don't try to make a name for yourself in your first week. Instead, it is much better to follow directions and provide input only when asked or there is a clear opportunity.

Set An Example You Can Stick To

When you first join a new job, you are more than likely going to try to do your very best work in the first few days to prove you belong. The trouble with this is that you set such a high bar for yourself, which can be difficult to maintain once you develop a more realistic pace. You already have the job, and, in general, no one is expecting you to work beyond your physical means. That does not mean you should slack off, but know that you could be working there a long time and you do not want to burn out so early on.

Get The Little Things Right

Working in a full-time job is just as much about the big, overarching projects as it is about being punctual or neat and tidy at your desk. When compared to some of the very complicated and in-depth work you will be doing as part of your full-time jobs, getting these little things right can seem insignificant but they make a big impression on those around you. Not only do they make you easier to work with, but they leave a positive memory of you in people's minds, which means they are more likely to want to help you or work with you in the future.