WHEN newbies enter the working world, they should make adjustments in the way they think and act. The working world is very different from school or university days.
The corporate world operates in an entirely different manner. Hence, newbies have to shake off their previous ways of functioning and adapt to the corporate way of doing things.
Here are some blunders that newbies should avoid at all costs:
Lack of team spirit
When you are still a student, you work hard for your own achievements — for individual academic success.
However, in a working environment, the work is for the success of the company. In order to bring success to the company, you need to work closely with those in the same department as well as colleagues from other departments.
The success of the company does not depend solely on one individual but rather it is the combination of effort and expertise from all those working in the company.
Hence, you have to get rid of the selfish desire to gain success for yourself. At first you may find that you may be able to progress well on your own. However, in the long run, when others can sense that you do not have team spirit, you will be cut off from them. And you will realise it will be very difficult for you to get anything done without the cooperation of your colleagues.
Waiting for directives
While you are studying, you are often given instructions on what to do and what is expected of you. However, in the working world, you would be given only basic instructions and you have to figure out on your own what to do next to get the work done.
If you think that your superior is going to give you step-by-step instructions on how to get things done, you are on the wrong track. In the corporate world, you have to be proactive and full of enthusiasm.
When you are not sure on how to move ahead, you need to ask questions and get advice from your senior or superior. Sitting and waiting will not get you anywhere.
The. only choice
Do not harbour the thought that you have limited choices in your job-seeking. Fresh graduates should not restrict themselves to the job that they want to venture into.
As they are fresh in the market, they are free to explore many job opportunities. For instance, engineers should not restrict themselves to technical jobs but should be open to other jobs such as sales engineer, customer service engineer, etc.
Fresh graduates should focus on seeking the right job that would allow them to learn, expand their knowledge and explore new skills.
Hence, if you have landed a job that is not your first choice, get the best out of the job by being keen to learn and developing an interest for it. Who knows this might be the job that suits you better.
Impulsiveness
Even though you may have had extensive internship experience or impressive academic results, you should not be impatient and feel that you should be rewarded within a short period.
Newbies should avoid asking for a salary increment, promotion or increment of annual leave before due time. If your performance is good, rest assured that your employer will reward you accordingly.
If you are too hasty in making your demands, you might end up leaving a bad impression.
Priscilla Hiu is a career guidance consultant of Gracia Management and a certified behavioural consultant of DISC Personality Profiling System, Institution of Motivation Living, USA and Extended DISC Personality Profiling System, Extended DISC Northgate.