Coming in early and staying late
Sadly, as a recent Graduate you have to get used to starting at the bottom and working your way up. It’s not ideal, and you didn’t go to University to make coffee, we know. That said – being the new kid in the office will carry an element of that until you put a stop to it.
The best way to avoid being the coffee go-to is to distinguish yourself. Set the expectation that whilst you might lack experience, you don’t lack ability.
Firstly, dress to impress. That old saying “dress for the job you want, not the one you have” is a cliche, but does carry some weight. Naturally this isn’t going to work for every given environment. Most creative agencies will laugh you out of the building for arriving in a suit – but in more “corporate” environments it will all start with how you dress.
If you dress like the coffee kid, you might be treated like the coffee kid.
Secondly, take initiative. Drive your own activity, set your own goals, and exceed expectations. It is a simple thing, but head to work early, and stay in work late. Typically, senior management are the first ones in the office, and might be the last to leave. They will soon notice you if you’re spending a lot of time hanging around. And don’t use the time to look on Facebook. Use the extra time for something prodcutive which will add value to the company. Take it upon yourself to do some competitor analysis, make recommendations for new processes. Demonstrate how your changes can add value to the business.
Sometimes this is easier said than done, and will come with practice. The bottom line is that you need to create your worth within a business and earn it. It won’t be there from day one. Think about how you are perceived and aim to ensure that you set a high benchmark. You’ll find yourself climbing up the corporate ladder in no time.
ProGrad specialises in training graduates in their graduate careers, and have placed thousands of graduates in Australia since 2005. For more information about our business, please call our ProGrad office on 02 8235 8300.
