Starting a new job in a new career is an exciting adventure. To make sure you have the best start possible, we have added a dose of reality to some of the expectations common for those starting a new, post-uni job.

1. Work is not all
black & white
It’s time to embrace the grey!

2. Congratulations
you have done it!
You’ve earned a degree in a new career field and
you’ve accepted your first job after graduating.
Before you embark on your first day, it is important
to remember that the world of work has probably
changed since you took time off to be a parent,
stopped work to study or changed careers.

3. Technology, communication, employee diversification… these
are just a few of the areas in which the world of work has
evolved.
Having realistic job expectations, combined with your life skills
and new degree, will be the key to a successful new career.
To help you achieve this success, here are some realities about
some of the new-job expectations you may have, and tips on
how to embrace the grey… the ever-changing world of work!

4. EXPECTATION
Now that I have my degree,
I have everything I need to
start my new career.

5. REALITY
All the hard work and study you
did at uni has given you a solid
grounding for your new job.

6. TIP
Each company has their own processes,
procedures and ways of doing things, so
part of your job will be to learn the core
foundations of the company and merge
them with the knowledge you have.

7. EXPECTATION
I will be the first port
of call for advice.

8. REALITY
As someone who has a lot
of life experience, you have
a lot of insight to offer.

9. TIP
Remember that while you know a lot about the world,
life and working, you are the new kid on the block in this
job. Until you have spent some time learning the ropes,
you may find people won’t come to you first for advice.

10. The age diversity within your new work
environment may also be unexpected. In today’s
world of work, people from every generation work
side-by-side, as well as throughout a company’s
structure. You may find your supervisor is younger
than you. You might be 10, 20 or even 30 years
older than a person doing a similar job to you.
This diversity will provide a balanced, interactive
workplace, and while you might find it strange at
the beginning, you will feel comfortable in no time.

11. EXPECTATION
Using technology is a
choice, not a necessity.

12. REALITY
Depending on the industry your
job is in, technology including
computers and laptops, iPads
and video communication
mediums like Skype may be
integral to your everyday tasks.

13. TIP
If a pen and notepad is still your preferred note-taking
method it’s ok to use them, but remember that there
are many time-saving advantages to using technology
and, in some cases like emailing, it is unavoidable in
the modern workplace.

14. If you feel your technological skills are not up
to speed, ask if your employer has some classes
or training available.
Otherwise, you can enrol in a local class or ask
your family or friends for lessons.
Remember that your life skills, combined with
your new degree and realistic job expectations
are the key to a successful new career.

15. While you’re in a learning frame of mind, it would also be
beneficial for you to learn about social media, if this is something
you are yet to embrace.

16. While you’re in a learning frame of mind, it would also be
beneficial for you to learn about social media, if this is something
you are yet to embrace.
You don’t need to be on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram or any other
social media platform yourself, but it will make conversations with
other staff members easier if you understand them.

17. While you’re in a learning frame of mind, it would also be
beneficial for you to learn about social media, if this is something
you are yet to embrace.
You don’t need to be on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram or any other
social media platform yourself, but it will make conversations with
other staff members easier if you understand them.
Many companies now also use social media as a large part of their
marketing campaigns, for staff engagement and communications
and to track community participation. For this reason,
understanding the basics of social media will help you in your work
life too.

18. EXPECTATION
My career path will be
a linear journey.

19. REALITY
There is a lot of scope for
job variety and promotion in
today’s world of work.

20. TIP
Employees now have the opportunity to change roles,
departments and locations, all within the internal
structure of the one company. In fact, statistics show
54% of employers find candidates for new positions
through internal hiring. (Jobvite Social Recruiting Survey, 2014.)
This means that your career path can travel in a range
of directions, not just in the traditional, upwards path
by promotion.

21. While how long you’ve been out of the workforce and
the industry or role you were in will determine how
many of these expectations you have, the key to a
successful new career is to combine your life skills and
new degree with an understanding of how the world
of work has evolved.

22. The working world needs your wisdom, perspective,
work ethic and transferable skills.
You have what it takes to have a successful career, so
go and make your mark.
We believe in you!

23. CRICOS: QLD00244B NSW02225M TEQSA: PRV12081 29.5.6.B 11.2016 images © Shutterstock
social.usq.edu.au
If you want to discuss how to prepare yourself
for the ever-changing world of work, contact the
Career Development team at Student Services to
set up a free, confidential appointment, or visit the
CareerHub.
Building strong connections at work can help you
succeed in more ways than one, so check out these
top 6 tips to establish great working relationships
with your co-workers.