While you gain education when in college, you gain knowledge by working in the corporate world, for there is a lot more happening than you just doing your job. Experience is a lateral benefit. What’s the difference, you may ask? Plenty, I would say.
When you join an organization
You are happy that the interview earned you the job but puzzled how they selected you. Well, the HR managers invariably have a knack to spot your strengths and weaknesses even before they grill you. The interview is just a reaffirmation of what they have already assessed based on your resume and body language.
Take the induction program seriously. It allows you a peek into the company’s DNA while familiarizing you with the systems and processes.
Get to know people early on. You may very well say that you forget faces, but it helps to remember names and the reference of your last meeting with him/her.
Remember that getting the job is much easier than keeping it. Complacency can never be allowed to creep in.
Companies expect that you have come with all the requisite skills and hence are not willing to spend any further days in training you. Heard of ‘Zero day productivity’? That’s ‘start working from day one’ in corporate lingo.
Dealing with colleagues
- Talk to everyone but don’t judge anybody unless you have interacted multiple times (read-tested). Yes, it may sound preposterous, but go with your own judgment. Many times, newbies are influenced by what the others tell them and make an opinion. Everyone has their own idea of progress that drives their intentions and actions.
- Keep away from office politics. You can’t avoid it but don’t indulge in it either. Colleagues come and crib about any random person, including the boss. Don’t respond in any way. You never know how your comment may be used in an adverse way.
- Feel free to share lunch with those with whom you feel comfortable. If you don’t, be frank. Many times, colleagues’ lunchbox may have stuff that you are not comfortable eating. Hesitation never really helps and puts you in awkward situations.
- Aim to be jovial and friendly with your colleagues. There are chances to find like-minded individuals in the organization that you work at, and over time you may build stronger friendship with them. Strive to maintain platonic relationships.
- Don’t keep grudges about anyone. Learn to let go. I’ve seen people spend great amount of time and energy to respond to their grudge whose outcome was never productive. Read More....
