Today my post will be about the many challenges young professionals encounter when entering the work force. Whether you are starting your first full-time job or a new job, you are faced with the task of establishing yourself. Yes you think you are prepared due to your internships, extracurricular activities and part-time jobs but working full-time for one purpose is a different story. You want to be valued for your experience and degree when in actually that is just what got your foot in the door. The rest of your reputation will depend on the work you do while you are there.
Below are some lessons I have painfully learned when first entering the workforce and changing jobs.
Challenge 1: Being young, inexperienced and unwed
These are the three “no’s no’s” when joining a new staff. For many of your co-workers if you are new to the job, just out of college and not married you will not be viewed as an equal. Though everything comes with a rite of passage, this can be extremely frustrating.
Approach: Show these people why you were hired. Show them the energy a younger person can bring to a company. It also does not hurt to look to them for advice, this way they will feel you are valuing their experience and will mostly likely give you a break.
Challenge 2: Presenting New Ideas
It is so easy to become excited about the new ideas you want to incorporate. One big mistake is to jump in and start presenting your ideas as soon as you walk through the door. Your boss and co-workers may see your ideas as criticizing and critiquing the company’s policies or procedures.
Approach: Take the first few months in a position to learn the job. Observe the culture of the company and how things work. Do not assume that because past employers were happy to hear new ideas that your new boss will be receptive. After some time with the company start subtly bringing ideas into meetings or presenting them to your boss.
Challenge 3: Office Politics and Drama.
This is not something that just young professionals are involved in. I have seen 50 and 60 year old seasoned members of a company create more drama than the newer professionals. However this can make or break you in a company, not to mention make your work experience unpleasant.
Approach: Again observe the culture of the company and the interworkings of the staff. Who seems to “wear the pants” among your co-workers? Who does everyone go to for advice? Who does everyone trust? And more importantly who does everyone not trust? Before taking sides or agreeing with someone get all the details and facts. Be careful not to get involved in gossip.
Challenge 4: Becoming the “yes” person.
When first starting a job it seems like the right thing to do to say “yes” to any project or order that comes your way. Though it is important to do the work given to you by the boss, it is also equally important not to bite off more than you can chew. If you say “yes” to every project thrown your way, people may quickly take advantage of this. Co-workers will automatically assume you will take on a project. Another drawback to being the “yes” person is that you are taking other projects from people who may really want to do them. This could cause tension in the workplace.
Approach: Be selective of what you say yes to. Make sure you are signing up for projects you know you have the skills, abilities and time to dedicate to. You know professionally the goals you are working towards so make sure your projects reflect those goals.
Challenge 5: Dealing With Your Supervisor.
We all work for people we love and people we would rather not work for. Learning how to deal with these different supervisory approaches can help you become more flexible in your work.
Approach: Research the different type of supervisory roles and find the role that best fits your current supervisor. Once you find out what type of supervisor you are working for, the better you will be able to satisfy and work with him or her.
Challenge 6: The Dreaded Confrontation
Conflict is a natural part of life and will happen. There is no way to avoid it. It seems even when you do try to avoid it people will confront you about avoiding confrontation.
Approach: When faced with confrontation do NOT let your emotions get the best of you. Always remain calm. This is something I have had problems with in the past. Instead of confronting someone about a behavior, I let it fester until BOOM, I am ripping someone’s head off. When you are in control of your emotions and approach the matter in a calm manner you look more professional. Thus people will respect you for approaching them in a mature manner. Make sure to use phrases like “I feel” instead of “you did this.” If you take ownership of your emotions it will feel less like an attack on the person who you are confronting.
Challenge 7: Competition among Co-Workers.
There are some co-workers who will do things to make you look bad so that they look better. It is just the way it is.
Approach: Again remain calm when dealing with people like this. Focus on the things you are suppose to be doing. Throw all your energy into doing your projects well and not being upset about the way they are treating you. Let them get obsessed with the quest to make you look bad. If they are spending their time and energy focusing on this, they are dropping the ball somewhere else.
Challenge 8: Confidence in Yourself.
It is only natural when starting a job to be anxious about doing the job well. This shows that you care about your work. When you second guess every little thing you do, it makes others nervous. Then they will start second guessing what you do.
Approach: Instead of stressing over the skills and abilities you want to improve focus on the aspects you do well. For the things you want to improve, start a short-term goal list and work through them one at a time.
Please share your own challenges and how you dealt with them. I hope this helps those who have just graduated college and are anxious about entering the work force.
