Get ready for your first ‘real’ job with these 4 essential tips
First jobs, they’re nerve-wracking, exciting and completely unique experiences.
Even if you’ve held down a full-time internship, there’s something different about embarking on your first ‘real’ job; it’s a significant milestone in life’s journey.
However, as you prepare to transition from the academic realm to the professional world, it’s essential to equip yourself not only with the required skills and knowledge to do your job, but also with the mental preparedness to navigate this new world with grace, resilience and a healthy dose of financial savvy.
Get your head in the game
Landing your first ‘real’ job is like stepping onto a rollercoaster: exhilarating, daunting and filled with twists and turns. Mentally preparing yourself for this phase in your life is essential, otherwise you might lose track of where you are. Take time to reflect on your strengths, values and career aspirations, and approach your new role with confidence, curiosity and a willingness to learn and grow. Remember: setbacks and challenges are inevitable parts of the journey, but they offer valuable lessons and opportunities for professional and personal development.
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“Before anything else, preparation is the key to success.” – Alexander Graham Bell |
Get financially fit
It’s not the most glamorous part, but financial preparedness is equally essential for navigating the transition to the working world. Negotiating your first salary sets the tone for your future earnings, so don’t miss this opportunity to advocate for your worth. Do research on the average beginner’s salary in the industry and start from there. However, it is also important to embrace mindful spending habits and to resist giving in to lifestyle inflation as your income increases. Healthy financial habits will set you on the path toward long-term financial stability.
Here are some tips on how to get started on your financially fit journey:
- If you don’t have a bank account, open one so you can receive your salary.
- Find out, read about and use any benefits your company offers you.
- If your company doesn’t offer a retirement plan, look into starting one through an external financial provider.
- Create a budget including income, expenses and savings to achieve financial goals.
- Take care of any outstanding debt before spending money on things you don’t need, including student loans and credit cards.
- Do research on money matters and learn how to manage your money in the best way possible.
Mind the workspace dynamics
When stepping into your first ‘real’ job, the office culture can feel like a whole new language. There may be unspoken rules, established teams, and jokes you don’t quite understand. Rest assured that navigating workplace dynamics and building relationships with colleagues take time. Start by observing how people interact, who seems close to whom and how meetings are conducted. Then you can start introducing yourself, and don’t be afraid to ask questions. Treat those around you with professionalism, respect and an open mind. Remember: it’s not just about what you know but whom you know.
| 6 People you should aim to make friends within the workplace | |
|---|---|
| The human snack machine | The lovely receptionist who keeps a drawer full of secret sweets—and is willing to share |
| The socialite | The happy-hour coordinator extraordinaire who keeps you in the loop about co-worker get-togethers |
| The IT guru | The blue-screen-of-death saviour who can help you figure out how to adjust your margins without destroying your formatting—5 minutes before a presentation |
| The big brother/sister | Maybe not your boss but a mentor who has been with the company a bit longer and just generally knows a bit more than you do |
| The volunteer | That friendly face who pops out of nowhere just when you need help reaching that impossible deadline—at 4:45pm |
| The optimist | The one who manages to put a positive spin on even the greyest of situations, one to hold on to as there’s nothing better than some encouragement when things aren’t going your way |
Maintain a work-life balance
While the pressures of a new job might seem overwhelming, it is important to maintain a healthy work-life balance from the start. Prioritise self-care, hobbies and activities outside of work that make you happy. Establish boundaries that prevent burnout and exhaustion. Use good time-management skills to maximise productivity and efficiency during working hours and strive to recharge during your downtime. Your mental and physical health are important factors in your long-term success. Besides, you should work to live, not live to work.
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Top tip Life throws curveballs. Be adaptable and willing to adjust your schedule, when necessary, but don’t let occasional disruptions derail your overall balance. |
Landing your first job is a huge step, but it’s not all about work and money. This is your chance to grow, learn new things and meet people. Be open to challenges, ask questions and don’t be afraid to be yourself. This is your opportunity to lay the foundation for a rewarding and fulfilling career journey ahead. Your future awaits; buckle up, have fun and crush it!
Disclaimer: This article is solely intended for information. It does not constitute financial, tax or investment advice or recommendation. Please speak to a financial advisor or registered financial professional before making any financial decision(s).
Standard Bank, its subsidiaries or holding company, or any subsidiary of the holding company and all of its subsidiaries make no warranties or representations (implied or otherwise) as to the accuracy, completeness or fitness for purpose of the information provided in this article or that it is free from errors or omissions.
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