Transitioning from the protection of tertiary education into the intimidating world of professional employment can be unnerving. However, there are methods available for novices to adapt and flourish.
All professionals concur on one key term when embarking upon a job: curiosity. Being inquisitive about your surroundings involves not only posing questions but also asking the apt questions.
According to Frank Farrelly, CEO of Sigmar Recruitment, queries and the implementation of counsel significantly contributes to professional growth. “Curiosity is undervalued,” he articulates, “Individuals who nurture this skill and act upon it learn more, evolve into more skilled problem solvers and have a broader impact”.
Along with asking questions, it’s equally crucial to listen attentively to the answers and apply them. Repeatedly posing the same question is unfavourable. Be interested but ensure that you’re attentive and act effectively; else, your inquisitiveness is fruitless.
Farrelly says, “Every employee, from janitors to IT personnel, can be a valuable source of information for you. Interact with each of them. Do not hesitate to approach senior staff. Most will welcome the opportunity to assist, and don’t be deterred by the company’s most distant individual. Maintain your resilience and persistence”.
That said, Brendan Lally, a career counsellor at the University of Limerick, emphasises avoiding questioning for the sake of seeming impressive. “Genuine curiosity is the secret,” he suggests. “Accept when you lack knowledge. Your sustained enthusiasm and spirit is what most likely deemed you a suitable candidate for the job during the interview”.
Paul Vance, the head of recruitment at KPMG, advises that your queries should extend beyond your immediate tasks.
“It’s crucial to maintain a balance, however, it’s beneficial for our team to inquire about the problems we’re attempting to address and the opportunities we’re providing to our clients,” he points out.
Even if you have a specific expertise or a passion, it is important not to lose track of the broader perspective. According to PwC Ireland’s consulting graduate Cathy Culligan, it’s most effective to attentively listen to the response when posing a question. She suggests that the act of fully comprehending an answer and framing pertinent follow-up queries demonstrates your capacity to understand and be responsive. She also highlights that asking questions can be an excellent method of soliciting feedback.
LinkedIn’s news editor, Jennifer Ryan, supports this view. She suggests being considerate about your intentions and clarity about what you wish to gain from the conversation. Additionally, questioning can be used to create networking opportunities in the digital sphere, outstretching beyond the physical borders of your office. LinkedIn owes its success to this approach, you can access the knowledge of industry experts and colleagues.
Maureen Lynch, managing director at Hays Ireland recruitment group, suggests that the most approachable individuals tend to be colleagues on the same level who have a significant amount of experience in the organisation. They are likely in touch with the leadership’s expectations and can provide general advice, which senior members might overlook.
However, Lynch also recommends seeking advice from supervisors as well. They hold essential professional knowledge, assisting in the development of crucial skills to boost your career.
Susan Cousins, HR and talent manager at Sia Partners, advocates for conversations with employees of all levels. Although initiating interaction with senior employees may initially seem intimidating, most are more than happy to make time for such discussions, adds Cousins.
Taking mentorship into consideration is crucial according to Lynch. Each person evolves in a unique way and while some find a mentor helpful, others may not find it necessary. Yet, having a mentor can be instrumental in achieving growth in your professional life.
Lynch states that mentors aren’t restricted to your workplace, even though it can be advantageous if they work within the same organisation because they understand its operation. You could choose a mentor who is someone you respect and has the abilities you wish to improve.
Yianni, who works in global corporate communications and is a career expert at the recruitment platform Indeed, mentions that mentorship is reciprocal. She states that although mentors should be ready to provide advice, it’s also the mentee’s responsibility to exploit the full potential of the relationship. To derive the maximum benefit from the mentorship, mentees must value their mentor’s time, be well-prepared for discussions, be explicit about their professional aims, and regularly update their mentors on their progress and insights.
Ryan believes that a suitable mentor can significantly alter your career path. She mentions that directly obtaining advice from a seasoned professional within your field is immeasurably more fruitful compared to written guides or case studies because it can be customized according to your specific goals.
However, Ryan emphasizes that this involves an investment of time from both parties. So, consider thoroughly before choosing your mentor and be clear about the knowledge you aim to gain from them. A potential mentor could be identified amongst the Top Voices on LinkedIn, who are distinguished leaders in their career fields. LinkedIn awards the Top Voices badge to those who make substantial contributions towards assisting members in unearthing information pertinent to them.
Given the rapidly changing world, Ryan also believes that enhancing skills and enrolling in professional development courses are more pivotal than ever. She adds that the emergence of many new roles that didn’t exist a decade ago and the forthcoming GenAI era implies that this trend will persist. Consequently, everyone in the workforce, especially new entrants, should commit to lifelong learning. A fantastic way to prepare for the future is to learn new skills and brush up existing ones continually.
Consider auditing your current skills and identifying any areas that may require improvement or advancement. This can be crucial when contemplating a career change, as many of your abilities could be applicable to diverse sectors. The rising status of Artificial Intelligence as the proclaimed fifth industrial revolution underscores the requirement for continual professional growth, rather than viewing it as a mere desirable option.
Many people, understandably, harbour anxieties about the possibility of being overtaken or lacking relevant skills. It’s essential to gain a competitive edge by enhancing your existing abilities or acquiring new ones. Lynch suggests seeking career development opportunities that correlate with your career aspirations. For example, if you aspire to a supervisory role, contemplate enrolling in a course that fosters leadership talents and efficient task management skills.
Yet, Lally makes a note that not every company may be willing to finance these courses. If you’re a recent employee or graduate, demanding a substantial financial contribution can come off as presumptuous or entitled. When making such a request, ensure to highlight the direct benefits the course will bring to your position and its contributions towards the company’s objectives.
There may be apprehensions amongst the management regarding the return on investment, especially if the course isn’t directly related to your current responsibilities or might interfere with your work performance or distract you from your fundamental tasks. Remain mindful that you must first establish a solid work performance to justify a hefty investment.
On another note, Culligan strongly advises everyone to familiarise themselves with environmental, social, and governance matters as well as GenAI. She suggests keeping a learning diary to track and reflect on your educational focus and document it, which can also help you showcase your commitment to career development courses. Further, sharing the acquired knowledge with peers can help strengthen your grasp of the subject and foster a positive, continuous learning culture within the workplace.
To keep abreast with political discussions and analysis, the Inside Politics podcast comes highly recommended.