When you’re still at university, the idea of getting a real job or even just being in the workplace crosses your mind. I used to believe that it all came down to looking your best (ideally in a suit and tie) and carrying a briefcase, doing whatever you were assigned to do and that was it, just like in the movies. Sadly, the real world has a way of humbling you in comparison to your expectations.
I decided to do an internship a few months before graduation and test the waters as grad season approached. The first few months were chaotic, primarily because I had no idea how to handle the work that was given to me by coworkers and supervisor in the department. What you learn in school may not necessarily apply to what you’re given to do in the workplace (could be subjective).
It was difficult for me to get started as an intern because I was the only one in my department. Everyone else in the department was absorbed in whatever task they were given, moving from meeting to meeting. I’d always assumed they didn’t truly see me. I was so desperate to create an impression from the start that my expectations gravely disappointed me later. I even disappeared for a few weeks. I was completely taken aback. Following my two-week sabbatical, I decided to shake things up a little and hustle my way through this stressful period of work. I tried to attend as many work meetings as I could and offered to assist with whatever data whoever was working on. Basically try my best to get noticed by the gang(in my head the department you work in is your gang...lol). Fortunately after weeks of hustling, it worked. I’d get called in for things I have zero knowledge about. But a long the way I learned a whole lot.
There’s more to the work environment than just trying to get everything done. It takes a little bit of patience, hustle and a whole lot of office gossip to function properly and survive this thing called capitalism, especially as a fresh graduate.
One important thing about being a newbie in a workplace is how important it is to build work relationships . Don’t just come in with the intention of being productive for the entire day and then go. Keep the office chatter/gossip going (but not too much), understand the office lingo, because the gang will start to like you and feel more at ease around you. Open yourself up. If you feel stressed or tired, stop everything for a couple minutes and have a one on one conversation with the person seated next to you. I’m glad I got to work with an older bunch(mid 30’s ain’t that old but young old), because it builds you up, mentally. This allows you to quickly point out areas where you require assistance without appearing to be a burden to those around you.
There’s more to the workspace than just trying to get everything done. It takes a little bit of patience, hustle and a whole lot of gossip to function properly and survive this thing called capitalism, especially as a fresh graduate. The initial phase of working should be a way for people to get an understanding of who you are, getting your feet wet.
Best of luck to anyone going through this phase, and I hope this information is useful in some way.
