After working hard and partying harder for three/four years at university, you have just landed your first job after graduation. A massive well done. With the job market more competitive than ever before and many tough hurdles to get through before securing a role, it’s a great achievement. But as you start your first journey in the working world – don’t fall into the trap of believing the common misconceptions many new starters have. Teachingabroaddirect.co.uk breakdown four of the biggest misconceptions.

Misconception One: You can’t leave despite not liking it
Graduates often feel like they have an obligation to stay in a job for a year or two even though they dislike it. If you are concerned about different aspects of your job – whether that be the workload, the people, the culture, the expectations or anything of that nature – then you have every right to be worried. The first stage should always be to see if the issue(s) can be resolved, if it can’t, then carefully analyse the situation in hand. If you can’t envision yourself tolerating the current circumstances or being at the company in the near future – then consider an exit strategy. There is no taboo against this. In fact, this self-evaluation will help you comprehend what you are specifically looking for in a company as well as a role to be truly successful. Thus, making your next venture a more meaningful and lasting one.

Misconception Two: No self-development during initial months
Self-development is forever an on-going process. As you transition from university to work, you will realise there is more knowledge to acquire on top of all the theories and models you were taught by your lecturers. Yet, graduates think they can’t ask their employer for any self-development opportunities in the first few months of the job. Largely due to them fearing they are not established enough at the company to do so. If certain parts of your role could be better done by you with additional training via a course or workshop, then make your employer aware. There is no harm or shame is asking. It is more likely that your employer will be impressed by you taking the time to identify weaknesses and then, the solutions to improve upon them.

Misconception Three: The company culture is unchangeable
If you find the culture in the company unproductive and regressive, then consider how you can slowly change it. Don’t assume just because you are one person, there is no impact to be made. Before you set out on your conquest, don’t be discouraged when it doesn’t work out. Primarily, figure out what in the company is holding back real growth and cohesion. For instance, if you sense people are alienated – then consider how you can be a beacon of positivity. Whether that be through encouragement or making constructive suggestions as to how processes could be changed for the better. Remember, small steps can just be effective as big steps, though take a longer time to come into play.

Misconception Four: Not to consider the future before the present
At the start, the mind is naturally consumed with you wanting to consistently impress your employer. That is totally fine, nothing wrong with that. Although as you adjust to the role, begin to reflect on the future. Ask yourself some tough questions – will there be a variation in your responsibilities? will there be room for progression? will you get a chance to manage projects/handle clients? will there be valuable opportunities to diversify into other areas that may interest you? These are all important questions which allow you to assess if the companies ambitions for you match up to your own going forward.

Conclusion
Never discredit the hard graft you have put into getting to this stage in your life. As you start your career, be pro-active in shaping your own destiny. This mean’s never settling to take the back seat. Likewise, not ever being grateful just to be in a job or be somewhere solely to make up the numbers.

Link to ‘Teaching Abroad Direct’ – https://www.teachingabroaddirect.co.uk/