Learn how to make your own luck in the workplace, advises Steven McGowan
New employees rarely have it easy. Many companies fail to make any preparations for new employees, who often have to get by without training programmes, induction days, mentors or personal coaches. They are simply expected to pick it up as they go along.
If you're in this position, don't worry - you can boost your own opportunities by taking on new challenges and broadening your role wherever you can.
So here are 10 useful tips to kick-start your career:
1. Set yourself clear targets. Make a specific list of what you want to achieve over the coming months, reflect on these items regularly and seize every opportunity that arises to achieve your goals. This can vary from reading a specialist journal to keeping up to date with developments and trends in your profession. It can also help you to improve relationships within your sector.
2. Be thankful for differences. We like to create comfortable workplaces for ourselves by mixing with colleagues of roughly the same age and background as us, and this is what we stick to. Don't be afraid, though, to mix with colleagues from different generations or cultural backgrounds. They could cast a whole new light on your job. Be open to diversity.
3. Maintain a good balance between work and home life. It's great to be committed to your job and your career, but it's equally important not to lose sight of your personal priorities. Be aware of not being able to relax fully after work or not spending sufficient time with friends and family. Try to recognise when you're not finding the right balance and then look for ways to reintroduce a good balance between your personal and professional commitments.
4. Be your own boss. Managing your own career can be a part-time job in itself. Consider investing in resources such as project management software or notebooks that help you to plan your day. This can help you determine your priorities. Using the same organisational capacities and discipline as you do to determine your personal targets can help you to develop your own professional career.
5. Be ready to accept new responsibilities. Research by Robert Half shows that, in the first three months, many new employees are not proactive enough in seeking help. View your company in its entirety and look at the most important initiatives that your employer is focused on. Ask yourself how you can contribute toward achieving these company targets.
6. Learn new technologies. Computer systems are constantly being updated, and the constant stream of hardware and software updates means that your technical knowledge is never complete. Getting acquainted with new practices and making smart use of websites relevant to your field can really help you to further your career. If you're an expert, suggest sharing your knowledge with others.
7. Networking. It's important to have regular contact with colleagues from your sector, former tutors and ex-classmates so that you can keep abreast of the newest trends and developments. Networking is not only important when finding a new job; it's also an important way of sharing information throughout every stage of your career, helping others in their professional development and benefiting from your expansive network of contacts.
8. Be conspicuous. Make sure that others are aware of your achievements but without exaggerating. Show initiative during meetings and suggest ways of improving company targets. Keep pace with your projects and ask your supervisor for regular feedback on your efforts.
9. Be flexible. Be open to new challenges and tasks, even if they are not in your job description; after all, they could act as a springboard that will help you achieve new responsibilities. You're not going to be able to lead every project you're involved with, but remember a good team player is valued by colleagues and employers alike.
10. Stay positive. Always try to maintain a positive attitude, as this is a valued character trait in every industry and position.
Steven McGowan is the division manager at Robert Half Technology
