Work is not all

black & whiteIt’s time to embrace the grey!

Congratulations you have done it!You’ve earned a degree in a new career field and you’ve accepted your first job after graduating.

Before you embark on your first day, it is important to remember that the world of work has probably changed since you took time off to be a parent, stopped work to study or changed careers.

Technology, communication, employee diversification… these are just a few of the areas in which the world of work has evolved.

Having realistic job expectations, combined with your life skills and new degree, will be the key to a successful new career.

To help you achieve this success, here are some realities about some of the new-job expectations you may have, and tips on how to embrace the grey… the ever-changing world of work!

EXPECTATION Now that I have my degree, I have everything I need to

start my new career.

REALITY All the hard work and study you did at uni has given you a solid

grounding for your new job.

TIP Each company has their own processes, procedures and ways of doing things, so part of your job will be to learn the core foundations of the company and merge

them with the knowledge you have.

EXPECTATION I will be the first port

of call for advice.

REALITY As someone who has a lot of life experience, you have

a lot of insight to offer.

TIP Remember that while you know a lot about the world,

life and working, you are the new kid on the block in this job. Until you have spent some time learning the ropes, you may find people won’t come to you first for advice.

The age diversity within your new work environment may also be unexpected. In today’s world of work, people from every generation work side-by-side, as well as throughout a company’s structure. You may find your supervisor is younger than you. You might be 10, 20 or even 30 years older than a person doing a similar job to you.

This diversity will provide a balanced, interactive workplace, and while you might find it strange at the beginning, you will feel comfortable in no time.

EXPECTATION Using technology is a

choice, not a necessity.

REALITY Depending on the industry your job is in, technology including computers and laptops, iPads

and video communication mediums like Skype may be

integral to your everyday tasks.

TIP If a pen and notepad is still your preferred note-taking method it’s ok to use them, but remember that there are many time-saving advantages to using technology and, in some cases like emailing, it is unavoidable in

the modern workplace.

If you feel your technological skills are not up to speed, ask if your employer has some classes or training available.

Otherwise, you can enrol in a local class or ask your family or friends for lessons.

Remember that your life skills, combined with your new degree and realistic job expectations are the key to a successful new career.

While you’re in a learning frame of mind, it would also be beneficial for you to learn about social media, if this is something you are yet to embrace.

While you’re in a learning frame of mind, it would also be beneficial for you to learn about social media, if this is something you are yet to embrace.

You don’t need to be on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram or any other social media platform yourself, but it will make conversations with other staff members easier if you understand them.

While you’re in a learning frame of mind, it would also be beneficial for you to learn about social media, if this is something you are yet to embrace.

You don’t need to be on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram or any other social media platform yourself, but it will make conversations with other staff members easier if you understand them.

Many companies now also use social media as a large part of their marketing campaigns, for staff engagement and communications and to track community participation. For this reason, understanding the basics of social media will help you in your work life too.

EXPECTATION My career path will be

a linear journey.

REALITY There is a lot of scope for

job variety and promotion in today’s world of work.

TIPEmployees now have the opportunity to change roles,

departments and locations, all within the internal structure of the one company. In fact, statistics show 54% of employers find candidates for new positions through internal hiring. (Jobvite Social Recruiting Survey, 2014.)

This means that your career path can travel in a range of directions, not just in the traditional, upwards path

by promotion.

While how long you’ve been out of the workforce and the industry or role you were in will determine how many of these expectations you have, the key to a successful new career is to combine your life skills and new degree with an understanding of how the world of work has evolved.

The working world needs your wisdom, perspective, work ethic and transferable skills.

You have what it takes to have a successful career, so go and make your mark.

We believe in you!

CRICOS: QLD00244B NSW02225M TEQSA: PRV12081 29.5.6.B 11.2016 images © Shutterstock

social.usq.edu.au

If you want to discuss how to prepare yourself for the ever-changing world of work, contact the Career Development team at Student Services to set up a free, confidential appointment, or visit the CareerHub.

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