Entry-level jobs are a sure step-up from being an unpaid intern, but like internships they tend to be at the bottom of the work totem pole. Some entry-level jobs are better than others, but for the most part recent college grads that enter the workforce will find themselves starting their careers off at an entry-level job. It’s the first step on your career path and offers you the training and skills you’ll need to further your career. As mundane and boring as your entry-level job might be, if you take to the job with serious professionalism you’ll find yourself learning important things about your career path and work habits.
At an entry-level job you can learn a lot about yourself. Aside from getting accustomed to the job role you’ll be embarking on, you’ll learn what it is you like to do, what you’re good at and what you need to improve upon. Take note of what you like and you’ll be able to identify where you want your career path to take you from this entry-level job.
You can learn how to improve upon your skills as well. An important element of accomplishing this is by asking your boss for regular feedback. Developing good communication between you and your boss will make your job a lot easier. Also, developing the communication skills needed to receive feedback and criticism help to build upon your professional skill set. The more you improve upon your skill set, the better off you’ll be in the long-run. On top of that, your boss will be satisfied with your growth as an employee.
In an entry-level job you also start to learn how to navigate the waters of corporate culture. One of the things that often passes by the minds of entry-level job seekers is how the corporate culture will be and how important it really is. Corporate culture influences how the organization is run and what is acceptable behavior within the office. Picking up on the ins and outs of a company’s corporate culture will give you a leg up in your entry-level position and help you to learn what kind of corporate culture you would like to work in. Finding a good culture fit and knowing what works for you is an important part of paving your career path and is often over-looked by young job seekers.
Finally, learn what it takes to get promoted. If you are finding your groove in your entry-level job and feel that your skill set is improving, then think about how this job can move you further along your career path by getting promoted. Take note of how other coworkers have been promoted and learn what it takes to make the big leap towards a larger job role and more responsibility. You can do this by bringing new ideas to meetings, challenging yourself with more difficult tasks and being an all-around entry-level superstar.
What are some things you learned in your entry-level position? Share with us in the comments section below!
IMAGE: Courtesy of Flickr by Drongowski
2 comments