After a few weeks of introspection and enjoying the unemployed life, my senses and enthusiasm began to ignite. Maybe the idea of living in the moment and embracing the uncertainty gives me a new perspective and attitude on what to look forward to.
Before the school year starts for the new batch, I received a call from a friend referring me to a project-based job in my dear Alma matter. Without second thought but with a little weary on the nature of the work, I accepted the offer. Isn’t it great to serve back to your dear Alma Mater?
First day at work, I saw students rushing over their next class, meeting new friends along the Magis building, sitting through benches, taking a nap while pretending to read books in the library, then again, the situations I know too well can no longer be done again.
I’m now far away from the comforts of campus life and trying to be an adult is tough. Waking up early just to beat the traffic, trying to be on time for biometrics, doing a 9-5 job in a workplace where you meet different kinds of people are some of the new things I need to grasp and adapt.
For a fresh grad that just jumps in the new world, here are the things I wanted to share:
· Ask when you don’t know
You are not expected to learn everything you see in the office anyway. If you messed up with the formulas in excel; not familiar in operating the fax or photocopying machine; tasked to deliver the report to another colleague you barely haven’t notice yet are some of the things that really require you to ask.
Some commit more mistakes because they fail to ask probably due to hesitation, intimidation towards other colleague or even afraid to be judged or corrected. Regardless of which, if the situation caught you on the things that are unfamiliar to you, learn to seek advice or help with your workmates.
· Learn to make new friends in the office.
You could be the youngest person in the group but that doesn’t mean they’ll adjust for you. Frankly speaking, you have to deal to them. A simple “hi”, smile or chitchat on a short break can win a friend. In fact, it will make your new work environment easier
· Being a ma diskarte is a must.
Not everything is served to you on a silver platter nor does everyone gets to be mentored. Even if the art of asking is essential, that doesn’t mean you have to ask all the time. Each one of you has specific workload so you have to at least make an effort to learn it on your own.
· Accept that your new life demands a lot-- time and effort.
No task is too menial for you. You’ll be preoccupied by different unfamiliar or unrelated workload, tight deadlines and sometimes you thought you’ve done your best but it wasn’t enough; Well, it’s all completely fine. And for sure, you are probably thinking on how good the life you have as a student.
· Don’t be too picky on your first job, use it to learn and hone new skills.
My first job as an accounting staff doesn’t really correlate with my chosen marketing field. In fact, I’m really lost and unfamiliar with some of the accounting terms and formulas in the database but I enjoy it in any way because I get to know how this department works. Indeed, an added knowledge and a good work experience.
So to the newly graduates, with tides high and low, learn how to sail the boat and you will eventually be place to an Island where you belong. It takes time, patience and hardwork but it’s all worth trying. Paddle up!
