Five Things You Should Know When Starting Your First Job

Your first job is an experience you’ll never forget. With so much information to process, it can be overwhelming. With that in mind, here are five things you should know when starting your first job.

1. Be patient with yourself.
Everyone wants to do well in their job, but it takes time to learn a new role. Be patient as you find your footing and develop new skills. Patience is a key element of success.

2. Always be learning.
One of the best ways to be successful in your work is to learn, and not just from training manuals. Talk to experienced co-workers about your role. Speak to your manager about learning opportunities. Most of all, ask questions about your job and how you can do it best. Not only will that help you learn more, your manager will appreciate your initiative. For more information about personal growth, checkout the Developing Your Skills Portfolio blog. 

3. Be a part of your team.
When you start a new job, you join a team and it is an important part of your work life. Take the time to introduce yourself and find out what each of your teammates does in their role. It will show them you value their input and that you want to be a part of their team. Lunch breaks are a great time to network and build stronger work relationships. 

4. Know your rights.
Knowing your rights is important. Your employer should give you information about your rights and responsibilities when you start. Check out the WorkBC page on workplace rights to learn about everything from health and safety to employment standards and more. 

5. Have reasonable expectations.
No one expects you to know everything about your new role, so don’t worry about being the expert. As mentioned earlier, be patient and ask questions. You will be the expert before you know it.

Regardless of where your journey will take you in the future, the traits you develop in your first job can benefit you throughout your career. Your first job is a great place to explore, make new connections, learn and have fun.