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Writer's pictureCharles Umeh

What your first job should do for you



Weeks ago we shared how our experiences in our first jobs shape our mindset for a lifetime today will be sharing what to expect in your first job.

 

Earlier when I started my career, I was given advice that had shaped my thoughts towards work and this was very clear when choosing to work what you should be looking for.

First things first is your first work shouldn't be completely about the money else you miss it especially if you have  NEVER worked before.


For this reason, it is advised you go for more internships. Internships are a two-way street for both the applicant and the organization.


The applicant is learning and sharing their skillset with the organization but because he or she isn't classified as experienced and is learning on the job they are free to make mistakes and sometimes they are easily forgiven at the same time they develop mastery and grow confidence. 

If the internship is done well enough the candidate earns the right most times to have an asking price by searching for a role similar somewhere else. They would be given an audience because they aren't completely rookie. 



Not all workplaces are open to investing in a rookie at the beginning of their career trajectory while many don't care and would jump at it, however, to give your case a better shot, you have to intern well and make sure you develop mastery at work and learning the things you normally would pay more to learn. 


Internships normally work better if they have to be with the biggest firm however if you have the opportunity at one to be a student there it works well for the optics just be sure you aren't just a figurehead there. most people who work with startups also tend to get great returns when interning because at startups you aren't pampered. 


 Most times you would do 10x of the task a bigger firm would.

In all let us be clear what you are trading at this time is experiential knowledge for a big salary. 


The global Igbo apprenticeship system is a clearer example of how these things work and I will share my findings some other time… most people do better if they also leave where they interned to seek somewhere else that would appreciate what they bring to the table and see them with fresh eyes compared to the firm they have stayed and are used to. 

some startups would not let you go because they are aware of your strengths and how many skills the work has made you become.

 I believe more organizations need skilled team members for a longer time and an internship is a better place to hone one's skills too, in the end separating your learning years from your earning years is your road map to achieving it in the long run.


This rule is also applicable in new environments when you move into them because the rules of engagement might differ.

The challenge most times is that we don't follow through with our plans because either we get so used to and comfortable with the new place,  or we get emotionally attached to it. More reasons you need one to hold your hands on your journey an investment in a career coach to hold you accountable on your journey isn't a bad investment.

Charles Umeh





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