5 Tips for Managing Your First Real Job

Our Experts | Lauren Simmons, Recruitment Specialist

I’m 25, with a couple of years of “real work experience” under my belt. I’ve learned a lot, and not always the easy way. The key thing to remember when you start your first real job is that even though your formal education might be over, you still have so much to learn. Today I’ll share with you a couple of tips for how to succeed in your first real job.

1. 1. Ask questions. No one is going to judge you for having questions about your first job. In fact, it’s better for you to take the opportunity to ask questions right away so you’re sure you are on the same page with your boss’ expectations. Don’t be afraid to speak up and ask a question or give your opinion.
   2. Leverage all of your resources. Take the time to grab lunch with your mentor or other people who are further along in their career than you are. But, not all of your resources will be other people. You should also be reviewing online articles and journals for your field and doing research on your own to help you reach your career goals.
   3. Get comfortable being uncomfortable. The more comfortable you are, the less you will push yourself. It’s normal to be uncomfortable in your first job, and that discomfort is what will allow you to grow.
   4. Learn to accept criticism. I probably should have put this one first, because it’s that important. Your first job is your chance to grow. When you receive constructive criticism, try your hardest to accept it and find ways you and grow from it. When I first started here at Alliance, I took criticism so personally without realizing how much it would teach me. Two years later, I’ve found that constructive criticism is what pushes me to keep improving myself.
   5. Get to know your coworkers. When you start a new job, and especially your first job, you’ll want to take time to get to know your coworkers. And not just to make friends, but because understanding their role at the company will help you to understand how you can work together as a team, and what opportunities you will have for growth at the company.