Choosing your first job - what to look for
There are many things to consider about your potential employer whether it's the pay, the work environment or the location. So what matters more when you're choosing your first job? Here are some considerations.
Opportunities to learn
Learning doesn't end with formal education. In fact, it really starts when you step out from those hallowed halls. A job should enable you to continue building knowledge - the opportunity to gather new skills and knowledge should be major factor in your first job. When you check out a vacancy, ask what your daily responsibilities will be. The best opportunities come with dynamic positions - those that allow you to do a variety of things, while routine ones tend to have less scope for learning.
Travel
Some graduates feel very strongly about travelling - some hate it while some feel that they must absolutely have it as part of their job. For those who hate it, think of travel as part of the learning process. In fact, some posts require you to be a part of projects based overseas or out of state, especially in fields such as trading, information technology and accounting. While it may seem daunting, take it as a challenge. Since this is the time you are least likely to have other commitments, consider it with an open mind. For those who love travelling, positions that don't require you to travel should be given due consideration as well. Opportunities for travelling may come as you progress in your career.
Location
Location is also an important consideration as it usually determines the kind of lifestyle that you'll be adopting. If you work in the city, you may have to take a longer time to commute or pay a higher rent for a place to live in. As this will be your first job, what you'll be doing should be more important than where your job is located. Evaluate the opportunity carefully. But keep in mind that without experience to beef up your worth, you may not have the luxury of choice.Size and type of organisation
Another point to deliberate is the option of a big firm or a small company. An established corporation lends credibility and a readily renowned environment. You will work with larger resources but have little power as an individual to mobilise them. As a small fish in a big pond, there's plenty of space to grow professionally, as long as you stand up and get noticed. Smaller companies on the other hand are more restricted in terms of growth but you usually have more say and decision power. It's typical that you end up with a hand in every department, giving you a wealth of know-how. But with less established companies, stability could be an issue. Always check a company's background and past performance.Job title or position
In the course of the hunt, beware the title that comes with the job. Somewhere during the last few decades, Political Correctness met up with Creative Licence and decided that titles don't necessarily have to reflect the position. A few decades ago, a consultant consulted and a manager managed. Today, where a garbage collector is waste management officer, be wary of fancy titles given to the job. Find out exactly what your responsibilities are and what they will entail. Clear any doubts you have at the interview.Salary
Of course, the real crunch comes when taking into account remuneration but at the start of your career, don't just grab the best wage but give priority to learning experience. If you're paid well but learn absolutely nothing, you'll soon find yourself obsolete. You will also want to scrutinise the salary scale. Starting off with a high pay may just mean less room for upgrades.Working environment
If you're still having trouble deciding, ask, after you get an offer, if you could visit the office or meet the people you will be directly working with. Working environment is significant and could help you make the right selection. It may be a little hard to tell by just one visit, but it will give you something to work on. If you like hustle and bustle but the office consists of three people, you may want to reconsider.Other benefits and perks
Regard benefits and perks as part of the package. Some companies offer incentives, reward programmes and training schemes that are worth looking into. Even being in a position to make strategic contacts can be considered a perk. After all, that's how you'll get yourself noticed and recognised. Other things to look out for are contractual bonuses, medical and health benefits, and insurance although these should play a smaller role in your assessment process. It's advisable to take your first step into the world of work sensibly. Choose a place in which you can grow professionally with stability and security at least for the next five years. Weigh each offer on the above points and find one that gives you the best package. It's also important to find a job you can realistically be good at. Today's corporate working environment requires you to give 110 per cent and that means choosing something that suits your lifestyle, or what you want your lifestyle to be. Remember too that while getting it right the first time is good, mistakes are opportunities as well. Never let a job pass by without gaining something from it.At a glance
Considerations for choosing your first job:
- Go for jobs that give you the opportunity to learn
- Take travel as a challenge if the job requires it
- What you'll be doing should be more important than where your job is located
- Check the company's background and past performance to ensure security of the job
- While it sounds great to be a called a consultant, find out exactly what you'll be doing first
- Attractive starting salaries could mean less room for upgrades
- Your working environment could influence your performance - check it out first
- Consider other benefits and perks that come with the job.
