As a young professional, you are most likely just now joining the work force after graduating with a bachelor’s degree or higher. Congratulations on completing your higher education! This can be the most trying time in a YP’s career. The real-world of your career is just around the corner. It’s important to make the most of it. These are our top tips for young professionals – just like you – starting a new job.
Never Stop Learning
Your education doesn’t stop once you’re handed your diploma. In fact, it’s just the beginning. Starting with the first day, you will meet new people, learn new processes and even re-learn skills that are different when working than they were in school.
Speak Up
When you start a new job, you may feel you don’t have anything constructive to add to conversations and meetings. Actually, it’s just the opposite. Those – like you – who have just graduated have learned the most current standards and trends in their industry. Your colleagues may not be aware of them.
Keep an Eye on Emails
As a student, you typically don’t have to stay current on emails consistently throughout the day. Once you start working, though, it’s important to keep track of incoming emails regularly and responding to important ones quickly.
Stay Positive
With so many new things to absorb at the start of a new job, you can easily become overwhelmed. Staying positive can help keep you on track. Winston Churchill made a positive impact with this quote: “Attitude is a little thing that makes a big difference.”
Always Be Professional
Now that you are a professional in your industry, it’s important to act that way. This doesn’t only apply during working hours or when your boss is around. Being professional on social media, at corporate events, when attending conferences, etc., will make sure you always make a good first impression. This is especially true when you don’t realize you are making one.
Focus on Networking
Networking is a skill highly regarded as a student. Most likely, it was networking that helped you find this first professional job and make that great first impression. You always want to reach out to others in your industry, your company and even those in related industries.
Update Your Resume Often
You will evolve as a young professional over time, with new skills, new accomplishments and new job titles. As these come up, be sure to add them to your resume and update your LinkedIn profile. As a young professional, your LinkedIn profile will be your first impression when networking, as well as when looking to move into a higher position within your industry.
As a member of the St. Paul, MN, Chapter of JCI, you will network with other young, active citizens in your community. Becoming a Jaycee is just one step on your path from a young professional to a community leader.
