How To Prepare For A Grad Position
Reflecting back on my first job out of University there are things that really helped prepare me for this first position, and things with hindsight I really wish I had known!
Tips that helped me back then:
Get practical: Practice the commute, check the dress code, know the details of day 1 (where to go, what time, who to ask for), leave your phone in your bag to prevent any distractions on your first day!
Remember a notepad and pen and ask as many questions as you can – there is never a stupid question! Asking questions and taking notes not only helps you but also shows you are taking information onboard.
Make connections: Make contact with your new boss before you start and try to find out what you can about them. If possible also try to connect with someone who has already started as a grad who can share their experiences and act as a mentor to you. LinkedIn is a great place to go to make these connections!
Take confidence: It may be your first job as a grad, but likely its not your first job. You already have plenty of experiences and skills to bring – remember that!
What I really wish I had known:
Before you start, think about the experiences you want to get and the legacy you want to leave. Being clear on this will really help you get the most out of your graduate position.
Research as much as you can before you start – research the company, the people, performance, the products or services. Having some wider knowledge about where you will be working will mean you hit the ground running.
Within your first week Introduce yourself to as many people as you can and if you can get hold of an org chart, tick off who you have met and some reminders about them. Starting to build your network early will help you later on with your career goals.
And my final piece of advice is to be truly open to options – this is the time in your career to explore and find your passions. It’s not a race so spend time early on exploring as much as you can, gathering experiences and trying new things. You will never regret it!
