It’s hard to survive in the jungle if you were trained in a zoo

The metaphor of zoos and jungles is very similar to today’s working world. If you have recently finished school or university, you are likely about to enter the working world. There are a number of lessons you can learn when you get your first job and transition into your career. You can read books or blogs, but nothing is better than first-hand experience to understand what to expect from the working world.

From being that child we all once were, wanting to be a professional of some sort, to years, if not decades, of studying, you need to understand that most probably your first job will likely not have anything to do with what you wanted to do or what you studied, but that does not mean it isn’t valuable.

The first job doesn’t mean it is the job of your dreams. However, it is a job that will help you build your skillset for the career you really want one day. Hence, if your goal is to one day be the head of marketing of an organisation, you may have to start out working as a receptionist. So what? The most important thing is to build those valuable connections and make a name for yourself.

The connections you make throughout your career and life in general are extremely valuable. Even if you are in an entry level job, even though you didn’t go to school to work in an entry level position you can still use this time to meet key players for the future. Even if you do not plan to stay with the company, you can make valuable industry connections. Foster professional relationships because you will never know when these may come handy. 

It is natural feeling like you want to jump ship as soon as possible when your first job is not exactly what you thought it would be. However, you have to find the positives in it, even if you cannot see them right away. Staying in that role for a bit longer will show you have loyalty. No first job is perfect; in fact, most are far from it.

So are you ready for a reality check? There are critical issues facing you in the near future.

Going to work is not like that 8am lecture which, let’s face it, we have all skipped in the past. Show up late one too many times for work and you’ll find yourself unemployed. At school or university, acting unprofessional might result in a bad grade, but at work this may result in your employer asking you to pack up and leave never to return.

Being professional also revolves around being dependable and a self-starter. In order to succeed, you must be seen as a member of the team, and one that can be relied on to do their job. Deadlines are also critical; much more so than at university.

Moreover, do not be full of yourself. Having a degree doesn’t entitle you to a job, and it’s best to be prepared and know that some employers will not be impressed with your grades or your education. Having high grades is definitely a selling point in your favour, but not something you should solely rely on to get the job. University does not prepare you for everything. One of the most overwhelming issues that recent graduates face is that university doesn’t prepare them for many of the challenges they encounter as they make the transition from academic to working life.

Finding the right employment is not easy, and the harsh reality is that a large number of jobs available are, in fact, entry level positions. Many organisations use these roles as an opportunity to help people grow and achieve their aspirations. The best entry level job for you will depend on your combination of interests, skills, values, personality traits and goals. The level of education you have attained or plan to acquire is another important factor.

When looking for your first job, aim to find the right platform to grow and establish yourself in the working world, and do everything with a realistic vision of what you really expect in life.

Your entire world will change and those carefree school days will feel far away at times. But if you stick with things for a while and get the most out of your first job, it can be a valuable catalyst for future success.

This article was published on the 8th of April 2018 in the Classified section on the Sunday Times of Malta

https://www.timesofmalta.com/articles/view/20180408/business-news/It-rsquo-s-hard-to-survive-in-the-jungle-if-you-were-trained-in-a-zoo.675743