New people, a new everyday life and new tasks are often things that young professionals have to deal with. But how do you get a successful start to your career after training, studying or making a career change?
Start working before you graduate
For many people starting out in their careers, it is important to settle into their new role. It is important to sell yourself and your own services in order to assert yourself against the competition. Up to three years after training, you are still considered a career starter or young professional, which is why it is particularly important to gain practical experience during your studies in order to be competitive. Internships or work-study are suitable for this. Dual study programs offer the advantage of combining both. Since the thesis is often written with partner companies, it is important to set an interesting focus in order to get a head start.
Career changers, on the other hand, often benefit from what they have already experienced. You have professional experience that can be marketed well in job interviews. Additional life experience can also be beneficial.
Maintain contacts
Interpersonal contacts are valuable when it comes to a successful career start. According to an analysis by the Institute for Labor Market and Occupational Research, every third position in Germany is filled based on contacts; this is particularly relevant for small companies. The earlier a career network is established – for example as part of an internship, the better.
Different startup programs
Some companies offer the possibility of a trainee program. As a trainee you have the opportunity to get to know all processes and departments. But in contrast to an internship, you receive comprehensive training in the individual areas and individual support. In this way, companies select potential young managers because they can decide after just one year whether further investment is worthwhile.
A similar opportunity is available in the media and print sector, the so-called traineeship. Graduates can gain and expand practical experience by working for newspapers, magazines, television stations or online media.
Gaining professional experience is a top priority
Another way to gain practical experience as a career starter is to work for a temporary employment agency. Despite their rather bad reputation, different experiences can be gained from these companies, which make later orientation easier. In addition, university graduates can expect a similarly good salary. Also an advantage: contacts can be made here.
But fixed-term contracts are also a good option at the start of your professional career, as the job market has become more flexible these days. For career starters, it is important to first gain a foothold – that is, to build up a foothold in the sense of experience in order to master the further path.
The beginning is particularly important
If an employment contract is concluded, one thing applies above all: the first impression counts! According to the University of Cologne, the first impression is particularly important because it is highly error-prone. Often, first impressions are based on superficial information, which is why they seem very extreme and persistent. The good thing, however, is that they can still be revised. This requires an open and courageous attitude.
Finally, it is important to note that a career does not always follow a straight line. Gaining experience and taking advantage of opportunities often pays off.
Editorial team finanzen.net