My last blog was on the power of Gen Z and how they are redefining work culture. It focused on why organisations should embrace the changing workforce demographics and get the best out of Gen Z. In this blog, I am going to talk about how Gen Z should approach their first job.
After spending about 16–20 years in schools and colleges, where life is structured around uniform, routines, timetables, examinations, evaluations, projects, and certifications, we step into an organisation, which is a different world.
Typically, when we get into our first job, many of us want to break away from the disciplined, regimented life we lived during our academic years. However, this might not be entirely possible, because organisations also have rules, policies, ways of working, and clearly defined dos and don’ts.
Getting your first job means a lot to all of us. It is a moment of pride for us and our loved ones. However, it is not about breaking free. Earning money at the end of the month does not mean we can ignore the rules and regulations at the workplace.
Every organisation is different—based on its business model, products, technology interface, and overall culture. Young graduates often make the mistake of comparing facilities, benefits, and workplace culture with their batchmates or friends in other companies. In this era of social media, such comparisons can distract you from what truly matters such as learning opportunities, career path, and exposure. Learning and long-term career growth are far more important than having a CCD coffee machine or a fancy breakout room in the office.
If you get an opportunity to work on real projects early in your career, it is far more valuable than sitting in a swanky office just collating data for a project manager. Careers must be the priority, and learning is the only thing that can fast-track your growth.
Over the last few years, I have heard many new joiners complain about things like:
- The office being too far from home
- The job feeling mundane or operational
- Constant follow-ups from managers on targets
- Wanting a posting in their hometown.
- Lack of flexible working options
Let me tell you: no job is perfect. And here is my response to these points:
- The office cannot shift for you.
- No first job is strategic; everyone starts with the basics.
- Targets exist for your manager as well, and their manager follows up with them too.
- If this job were in the US, you would go there, so why not Ahmedabad or Hyderabad?
- Spend as much time in the office as you can; it helps build social skills, networking, and visibility. Visibility matters.
If your organisation provides the following, make the most of your first 2–3 years:
- Psychological safety
- Strong learning opportunities
- A clear career path
- A supportive line manager
- A role that requires interaction and collaboration with people
If you have all this, stay committed. Make friends at the workplace, you may end up enjoying that more than having a CCD machine in the office. A typical career spans over 30-35 years so there is a lot of time to make it big. Campus to Boardroom path is through learning and working with the right people around you.
Author
Prof. Atul Chandra Jha
Department School of Business
The NorthCap University