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Your First Year on the Job After Graduation

Your First Year on the Job After Graduation
Posted By: Dr. Marcia Robinson on January 28, 2009

Whether it's your first professional full time or part time position it is important to begin your career on the right foot.

In a tight job market, competition will be fierce to get your dream early career opportunity. Once you land your first job after graduation, keep in mind that the competition does not go away. It is still up to you, to be impressive.

Here are some things to keep in mind as you prepare for your first year on the job:

- Be dependable
- Establish your goals with your supervisor
- Make sure your supervisor is aware of your progress
- Ask questions.



Better yet, know who to ask questions
- Become familiar with the corporate culture - quickly!
- Work on your interpersonal skills. New college graduates should keep in mind that unlike in the classroom, where you meet a new group of students every semester, you now may have to build longer working relationships.
- Improve your writing and speaking skills
- Get to know your job really well, quickly. Do the research, burn the midnight oil - but find a way to become indispensable.
- Be confident and remain visible. Do not be afraid to volunteer.

Courtesy of Dr. R, Founder of The HBCU Career Center who has trained or coached students and new grads for 10 years on workplace, career, internship and employment success. Subscribe to her The HBCU Career Center
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