JobsBroadway Career Blog

Graduated, Now what?

Graduates@JobsBroadway.com

Welcome to the real world, fresh graduates. I believe most of you will be really excited to plunge into your first job; start earning your own money, buying your own car, fulfilling your dreams etc.

Before you start to make circles on newspapers classifieds or browse for jobs online; here are some prep-up tips for all fresh man:
1) Understanding the meaning of work
I often ask students, why do you want to work? Besides money and pride, the most precious gift behind working is the learning and experience that make us somebody. I treasure that experience that I have learnt from each job; whether a bad or a good one. It makes me grow and learn the meaning of life.

If a person merely enjoys the money that they make from a job, he/she will never be successful. Many multi-millionaire do not want to retire early not because of the money they foresee coming, is the experience and the never ending challenge they want to endeavor. It’s far more exciting and fun than just looking at the figures in their bank accounts.

2) Knowing your strength and weaknesses
Before you start writing your resumes or applying your job, you have to be well aware of your strength and weaknesses. This will ease you in starting your first job hunt. I suggest listing down in bullets your interest, your strength and weaknesses in a piece of paper. By then, you will know where you wanted to start.

Sometimes I suggest students writing down “things they want to learn” and “things that they are good at” to scope down the field they want to involve in.

3) Do not ask for high salary
Many fresh graduates mind about their first pay check. That RM 200 – 300 different is as though a big level of distinction between branded and “pasar malam brands”. It is totally WRONG. Don’t be specific in the salary, but you can be specific in the industry you are searching for.

Brandon started off his first job as a junior editor in the local newspaper company for RM1200. He worked as an editor during the day and at night he helped a non-profiting organization write articles for their newsletter for free. His talent caught a CEO’s attention during a charity event, and Brandon was hired as the CEO’s personal secretary to manage his busy schedules, organizing meetings etc. He really loves this job because it is never boring. Guess what his pay triple fold in 2 years.

4) Learn to be responsible and make accomplishment
What you will expect to learn in your first job would be taking up responsibilities, work extra miles to make contributions to the company. This first job experience is extremely important for your next career move. If you never start making contributions, do not expect other company to pay you that extra salary.

On the other hand, accomplishments made should be written in your resume to promote your ability and strength. Many people job hop to another company because they face certain problems or issues which they can’t solve and choose to avoid it. This attitude equals to failure.

So, to all fresh graduates, take on the challenge! Take charge of your career!

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Tags: high salary, JobsBroadway, Sam