Summary: I want to share these five important lessons that I learned at my first full-time job.
- Understanding that the people you work with might take out their own frustrations on you. When I first started I was surprised when co-workers or supervisors would be great one week and then really difficult to work with the next. I learned that it is most often because of some other pressure they are dealing with and to not take it personally.
- Pay attention to details. Back when I was in school, one little mistake would be nothing, but in the real world one mistake could mean the difference between receiving or not receiving a huge grant, which can mean someone’s salary. Review things over and over!
- You’re going to make mistakes. It’s inevitable, we’re all human and we all make mistakes (yes, even your boss). Just don’t dwell on the mistake. Learn from it and move on.
- Don’t worry if it’s not the “perfect” job. Most likely your first job isn’t going to be your ideal job, but take the job! Every job you have, no matter how difficult or uninspiring, will teach you something that will help you get to the job that makes you excited to be there every day.
- Be careful what you say and who you say it to. This isn’t college anymore, you can’t just go gossiping to everyone you know and tell them all about your personal life. Of course you may want to share a little about yourself with your coworkers, but remember to keep things professional in the workplace.