Your first job is most likely not going to be your dream job. But it is going to have the biggest impact on your career journey. Here’s how to navigate it:

Starting out your first job may be disappointing at first.

You would find yourself waiting for the next move or still actively searching for jobs.

However, if you are not careful, you may make crucial mistakes that can limit your actual career when you land your dream job.

🔴 How hard you work:

You may be tempted not to work too hard because afterall, it is not your dream job. You may want to reserve your energy for the ‘main’ job.

But you hurt your career by doing a less than satisfactory job. You hurt people who are invested in your growth. You hurt people who are likely to give you a referral.

Dream job or not, give your job your very best effort.

🟣 How eager you are to learn:

Truth be told, during my first job, I was not so enthusiastic about learning. I felt ‘afterall, I am just waiting for the main thing’. Little did I realize that that was the main thing.

Don’t be like me. Show eagerness to learn. Show willingness to work. This would help you in attracting more opportunities.

🟢 The skills you acquire:

Perhaps this is the most important thing you can acquire from your first job. The skills you acquire from your first job is for life.

You would learn from mentors who are willing to see you grow. You learn more about processes, systems and the practicalities of the industry you are in.

So I would advice you, even if your job is not your dream job, give it all you can.

Your first job forms the crucial foundation for your career and if you take it for granted, you may have many regrets later on.

I hope this helps you as you navigate your entry level stages.