Ready to start your first job? Congrats! The fact that you have landed a full-time job is a big accomplishment and it is definitely worth celebrating. You can take advantage of this occasion by kick-starting your professional development. Here are the steps you should take in order to make the most of your first job and set yourself up for a successful career path.

Identifying Your Career Goals

You never know where your career will take you. Your first job could be a great fit and it could also make you second-guess the field you have chosen. You want to create several long-term career goals during the time that you invest at your first job. Many people think they know exactly what they want to do but it isn’t until they are at their first job that they find out what they don’t like. You can use this time to identify what kind of career path you want to build and in the process you can try to have an open mind. If you are moving in a new direction, allow yourself the ability to explore it.

Get To Know Your Immediate Team Members

You will want to develop strong relationships with your co-workers. Getting to know the people that you work with will help you fit in with your team while also helping you establish a positive rapport. To earn the respect of your boss and co-workers, make sure to avoid engaging in office gossip. If you need to vent about something annoying, you should talk to someone outside of the workplace.

Expand Your Existing Skill Set

Your first job is your opportunity to challenge yourself by learning skills that are outside your comfort zone. Hone in on all the things that you want to learn that will make you a more valuable employee. Your company may provide educational training or certification courses, so take advantage of those offerings. Volunteer yourself for interesting projects, join company committees that align with your interests and offer you the opportunity to utilize your networking skills.

Find The Right Mentor For You

Having a career coach like me to help you formulate ideas and learn new strategies on a regular basis can be really beneficial. Instead of asking any person who holds a different title if they will be your mentor, you can choose someone at your current company who has achieved the kind of career that you want in your life. Start with a small goal.

Study The Company Hierarchy

Find out who makes decisions at your company and compare it with the organizational chart. People in the finance department most likely have more influence than you expected. Once you have identified who the key decision-makers are, focus on building relationships with those particular people.

Create A Catalog of Accomplishments

Make sure to keep a list of your work achievements. A compliments file that you can present to your boss before performance reviews and to employers when you have job interviews. Make sure you update your resume on an ongoing basis so that it reflects your most recent career wins.

If you are a college student you might be wondering when is the best time to apply for summer jobs? Whether you are hoping to land an exclusive internship in order to gain professional experience, these summer jobs can take anywhere from a few weeks to a couple of months so it is better to start the process sooner rather than later.

April 

• Determine the relevant type of job that you are looking for by developing a relevant list of criteria including;
• Where you want to get a job,
• How much money you would like to make,
• Key skills needed for the job or industry,
• Areas of interest and / or organizations to explore.
• Assessing your current skill set by yourself or with a career counselor in order to determine which key skills an employer might require.
• Develop a basic resume and cover letter. Make sure to update your LinkedIn profile as well.
• Begin looking for specific job opportunities;
• Job fairs or college career fairs on campus,
• Friends, family members, relatives, professors and others who can direct you toward job possibilities,
• City-specific resources.

• Start applying and following the employer directions.
• Ask teachers, previous coworkers and supervisors who know you if they can serve as references. Have each individual write you a one-page letter of recommendation that you can give to prospective employers.
• Follow up with companies that you have applied to. Make sure your materials have been received and that each company has everything they need to consider you for the position.
• Schedule interviews with companies of interest as appropriate.
• Start researching available housing options for summer if necessary.

May

• Practice answering job interview related questions with a friend or career counselor at your school. Make sure to research companies and jobs before you go on any interview.
• Finalize summer living arrangements.
• Schedule job interviews in a timely manner.
• Go on job interviews and follow up with thank-you notes afterwards.

June

• Show up for your first day on time and be prepared for anything!
• Communicate with your new supervisor about the skills that you would like to further acquire and develop.
• Go above and beyond to make a good, lasting impression on your supervisor and colleagues.

For most job seekers, the phrase "new job" sounds exciting because it signals opportunities to learn new skills, expand your network and build your resume. Change can also be intimidating so if you are scared of a new job, you are not alone. Certain aspects of the job search process can be terrifying. If you find that you are nervous about a new job and you are having a hard time getting the process started, it might be time to confront your fears.

Keep reading to discover five reasons you might be scared to get a new job.

1. You Are Scared To Quit Your Current Job

If you are a devoted employee the thought of disappointing your boss during a busy time can be stressful. Loyalty to an employer is admirable these days but you have to focus on your career. 

2. Actions Define You

Many people are afraid to get a new job because their identity and self-worth are tied to their current job. The idea of moving to a new job can feel like you are transitioning and that can be unsettling. 

3. You Are Worried That You Might Hate Your New Job

It is very common to be nervous about a new job because of the unknown. Even if you hate your current job, who is to say that you could be more miserable somewhere else? When your current position is terrible it is easy to assume that it is normal in the world of work. This might include working overtime, having an overbearing manager and relentless clients. 

4. You Are Convinced That You Cannot Conquer Your Fear

Do you add up your accomplishments to equal luck? Afraid of being exposed as a fraud? This mentality can lower the confidence of the smartest professional. With an honest assessment of your career up till now, you will be better equipped to recognize your transferable skills and see where you need additional learning and support.

5. You Hate Being the New Kid On The Block