Starting Your Career? Here Are Some Essential Things You Need to Know
People’s careers can dictate their lives, sometimes for the better, or sometimes for the worse. It’s been found that most Americans start their careers by age 15 when they get their first job. However, arguably, people’s first jobs aren’t real career starters. This is why many claim that they start their careers at age 21 when they graduate from college.
Starting your career can be both exciting and daunting regardless of age. There are many things to consider, and it can be hard to know where to start. However, starting your career shouldn’t be hard if you know what you’re doing.
Shortage of Skilled Workers
Because of the recent pandemic, there has been an increase in the number of people leaving the workforce. Unfortunately, this has led to a shortage of skilled workers in many industries. This can be both good and bad news for those just starting their careers.
Skilled workers have the training and experience to do a particular job. As a result, they are in high demand because they can do their jobs well and don’t need as much supervision.
The bad news is that competition for jobs is higher because of the shortage of skilled workers. One way to get through this is by starting your career once you get a degree. You might not have the necessary experience for the job, but at least you have the knowledge and training. Furthermore, college graduates have 56% more pay than high school graduates, which gives you a good head start when starting your career.
Additionally, companies are willing to invest more in training and development because there is a shortage of skilled workers. So, if you’re starting your career and don’t have much experience, don’t worry. Companies are willing to train you to be the best at your job.
Personality Plays a Big Role
As more companies lack skilled workers, they’re more likely to invest in your personality. If you have a great personality, companies are more likely to want to invest in you because they know you’ll be an asset to their team. Furthermore, people with great personalities tend to advance in their careers quicker than those who don’t.
One way to ensure you have a great personality is by taking the time to self-reflect. Know your strengths and weaknesses. Are you shy or outgoing? Do you work well under pressure, or do you crumble? Once you know your strengths and weaknesses, you can work on them to be the best version of yourself.
Furthermore, it’s essential to be yourself when starting your career. Don’t try to be someone that you’re not. Be genuine and honest, and people will respect you for it.
Know a Lawyer
This is something that most people tend to forget. However, knowing a lawyer, especially an employment lawyer, can make a huge difference in your career. Injustices in the workplace and the economy run rampant, and having a professional on your side can protect you from these injustices.
An employment lawyer can help you with a variety of things, such as:
- negotiating your salary
- reviewing your employment contract
- filing a complaint against your employer
- getting the right benefits
There are many benefits to knowing a lawyer, so make sure to find one that you trust. Furthermore, don’t be afraid to ask for help. Many people think they need to know everything before starting their career, but that’s not true. If you don’t know something, ask someone who does. It’s better to ask for help than to figure it out on your own and make a mistake. Also, feel free to attend seminars regarding this topic.
Seek Post-graduate Education
Getting a post-graduate degree before starting your career is not required, but it can give you a leg up on the competition. Furthermore, if you’re planning on going into a specific field, such as law or medicine, you’ll need to get a post-graduate degree.
A post-graduate degree is an advanced academic degree you earn after getting a bachelor’s degree. It usually takes three to five years to complete. Those are extra years after you get your bachelor’s degree.
There are many benefits to getting a post-graduate degree. For one, it shows that you’re dedicated to your chosen field. Employers will see that you’re willing to do the extra work to be the best at what you do. Additionally, having a post-graduate degree will make you more marketable and give you an edge over the competition.
Furthermore, a post-graduate degree will also allow you to specialize in a specific area. This is especially beneficial if you’re planning on going into a particular field, such as law or medicine. By specializing in a specific area, you’ll be able to provide more value to potential employers.
So, keep these things in mind if you’re starting your career. Keep learning and advancing in your chosen field to be the best at your work. And don’t forget to seek help when you need it. After all, nobody knows everything.