Seven Things I Learnt at my First Job
I started as an analyst at Axis Risk Consulting, a subsidiary of Genpact, one month after completing my graduation in Business Studies. Sure, I had done quite a few internships, but full-time work was expected to be different and rightly so.
I started my training, like a little kid all set for her first day at school, which involved studying multiple processes, Axis culture and socializing among peers and seniors. I didn’t expect myself to know anything about internal audits or account reconciliations, but somehow, all it required was common sense, connecting prowess and the ability to go deep into a problem.
I’ve summed up my learnings in the below points. They’re applicable to almost all fresher jobs:
Seniors are a Boon
Your seniors can be a huge help, especially those who’ve been in your position and those you’re reporting to. It is important to let them know things you don’t understand, assignments you’d like help with and to seek their advice about integrating into the culture of the workplace.
Earnestly Seek Feedback
Whether it’s appraisal time or not, it is important to ask others, seniors and peers, what they think is going right and what is going wrong with your work. At the end of the day, you’re not working in isolation and the messages you get across to the team, intentionally or not, are important. The appraisal itself, is the perfect opportunity to ensure cross feedback. Don’t be afraid to praise your peers for their efforts, especially when they’ve helped you!
Expand your Work
At Axis, I was not only doing my regular assignments but was also involved in other on-the-floor and knowledge dissemination activities. In fact, most employees of Axis were involved in more than the integral work. These help you in your team-building skills and give you bonus points!
Understand the Culture and Assimilate yourself
This should be a no-brainer. Firms may even prefer someone who’s a culture fit with 80% qualifications over someone who’s not and has 100% qualifications. A firm’s culture will have effects on your mental well-being. It is your duty to ensure the culture affects you positively and aids both yours and the firm’s growth.
Speak your Mind
Want to work on a specific project? Speak. Feel like too much work is affecting your work-life balance? Speak. Feel one of your peers is super-smart? Speak. Nobody is going to know what you feel unless you speak about it. Of course, don’t go with a full-blown emotional speech. But do let your seniors know about your aspirations and apprehensions. Despite being a beginner in accounts, I was able to get an impressive result in a project thanks to my seniors and peers as I clearly communicated that I would require extra support.
Don’t Limit Yourself to the Job
Do things outside the job. Pursue a hobby (Check out my origami!), write a blog, analyze the performance of another company or simply learn a new skill from the various online resources. Take up a side project outside your work and give yourself a goal. The job isn’t the end all of your life.
Keep a track of your work
As someone who failed to do this, I cannot stress enough on the importance of this! When you move on to your next job or higher education, your past experience can be an added advantage, both during interviews and as resume points. All your amazing work stories are for naught if you can’t remember them. Keep a document and some time aside once a month to record both your achievements and failures in that month, work related or otherwise to help you remember your own stories.
Your first job is going to help you define your expectations from your own life and subsequent assignments. It’s important that you ensure you make it a fun experience and not the drudgery you want to escape from.
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