Choosing Your First Job After College

The graduation march, how sweet it is to the ears? Every time I hear it, I feel goosebumps all over my body as the sense of that magical moment consumes me again. I can clearly recall how the world seemed to standstill as I step on the red carpet, wearing that black robe. But the day after seemed to be a day of horror as I come to my senses that I am then facing an entirely new chapter of my life, embarking on the first job search to kick off my career.

Don’t Let the Pressure Takeover

That is definitely exciting and difficult, isn’t it? Not only that there is a feeling of uncertainty, but the pressure from family members, friends, and your mentors also come in. Unemployment and underemployment are also real, especially in the Philippines. This means that for you not to suffer on both, you need to pursue a career that is aligned on your degree. This doesn’t mean that you should allow yourself to settle in a job that isn’t for you just because of having no choices or taking on a job for the plain purpose of practicing your college degree (even if you didn’t like it at all).

This is the reason why this is not an on-the-spot decision that you have to make. In my case, I waited for six months until I accepted an offer and I am proud to say that after five years, I am still working for the same company.

Getting Started: Do Your Homework

You might be clueless on how the corporate world looks like at first. Free yourself from the pressure of getting a job right-away and sending your CV to almost every company that you’ll come across. For you to know where to go, try to get a sense of the marketplace by doing some serious research. Use your resources, browse through websites that would give you an insight on companies – the available positions, their employee programs, and their status in the industry. You may also want to read some of their employee insights to have an idea how it feels to be part of their team. Ask among your peers if they know someone who works on the company that you are eyeing for and engage on a few conversations with them to have a sense of what their experiences are so far.

Pay Attention to Culture

Once you’ve submitted your CVs and was able to receive invitations for interview, make it a point to know more about the culture of the company. Do they promote the same values as yours? Do they have employee development programs and continuous learning programs? Do they value work-life balance? These are just a few things that are worth knowing. You certainly would not want to work for a company who does not empower you and promote your career growth. Try to get to know who your possible direct supervisor is to have an idea how you can potentially work together and how he can possibly set you up for growth.

What About the Paycheck?

Of course, you will be working to get paid. At the end of the day, you need a job that helps you pay the bills and maybe help you start accumulating some savings – but you must be willing to start small. Most companies would like to see more of you first before giving you a bigger offer. Instead of asking too much at first, try to ask about the opportunities available that will enable you to get some increases and how often can you possibly get those. Research on the average rates for an entry level role on your field to have an idea what an acceptable offer is. Also consider your possible expenses such as your daily travel to make sure that you are not compromising.

Think About Your Five-Year Plan

When you were still in school, you might have been thought that you need to establish a five-year plan. This helps you consider if the job in front of you will help you get to where you want to be. It doesn’t have to be within the same company because after all, your first job is a stepping stone towards the dream job that you want. If you don’t see it as a vehicle that will help you get there, try to consider opportunities that other companies may be able to help you establish the skills, discipline, and attitude that will help you achieve what you’ve set for yourself.

What you should expect…

Congratulations once you’ve made your decision! But it doesn’t end there. Expect that there might be times when you’ll think that you’ve made the wrong choice, but believe me, it’s part of the process. Expect that things may be difficult, especially while you are learning new things but don’t worry because you will be an entirely new person after some time. Focus on absorbing things at first then try to apply your own style once you get the hang of things. While this may not be your last company, try to gain more transferable skills and know yourself more and get set up for the greater things ahead of you.

Always remember that there is no such thing as a perfect company. You might be seeing some aspects the  you like in one and the rest on the other.  Like what Katherine Whitehorn said, “Find out what you like doing best and get someone to pay you for doing it” .You will definitely do great when you are doing the things that keeps you motivated and excited – then everything else will follow.