Congratulations! You’re a new graduate! You’ve made it through four years of rigorous study hours and assignments that made you question your sanity. Now you’re part of the “real world,” so you can put all the knowledge and skills you have obtained to good use. But, your knowledge will only take you so far; you’re a job seeker now! You need to draw on your work experience and take the time to identify the career path you want to start out on – this doesn’t have to be set in stone and could be encouraged by the job market at the time of your graduation. Now, to start the job search for an entry-level gig! Get in touch with recruiters, go to job fairs, impress a hiring manager, get your job offer and then roll out the following tips.
These will help you to navigate your entry level job and all of the lessons that come along with it.
It’s OK to make mistakes.
Your first job is a learning curve, so don’t be afraid to take risks, ask questions and make mistakes. When you do make mistakes, make sure you learn from them. You may feel embarrassed and think the world is coming to an end – but hey, it’s not, this will be a practical learning experience for you. Take a deep breath, collect your thoughts and discuss what went wrong with your manager.
Don’t make your life your job.
You need to learn how to balance work, friends, and family. Your career is important, but you need to also focus on our relationships and your personal life goals. Now that you have a steady income, live your life, travel and experience new things! Often, young professionals can be afraid to use your much-deserved vacation time to do so. But taking time off doesn’t mean you are a bad or lazy employee, everyone needs a break.
Dress to impress.
First impressions matter! Make sure your attire matches your companies culture. Regardless of the company’s work environment, you should dress to impress. If your appearance is not up-to-par, your co-workers may not take you seriously as a young professional. Remember you want to dress for the job you want, not the job you have.
Create business relationships.
Build relationships with your co-workers and others in the accounting industry, and get as much career advice as you can. Your first job will most likely not be your last; and so new college graduates will need to keep in touch with your connections for future job prospects, references, and work-related favors. Staying in touch can be as simple as en email – but make it meaningful, find an article or a relevant news hook.
Be a team player – and flex your soft skills.
We’re serious, this your first job after graduation and it will be a learning curve. You are not expected to know everything about your industry. In fact, it’s odd if you do! Your manager and team members are there to teach you and give you the tools to help you advance your career – and your soft skills are important to show here. Don’t give the impression that you already know everything, be a team player and use your communication skills.
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Jordan Junqua is the Marketing Associate for Surgent CPA Review. Jordan graduated from Saint Joseph’s University with a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration degree concentrated in Marketing. Before joining Surgent CPA Review, Jordan worked for a full-service luxury travel consulting firm, where she gained knowledge in digital marketing, product development, social media and public relations.