FIRING ON ALL CYLINDERS

MAKING the shift from study to full-time work can be a shock to the system, with long hours and increased responsibilities.

However, there are ways for workers to smooth the transition. People management specialist and The Corporate Dojo founder Karen Gately says her top tip for first-time workers is to manage their energy levels.

“Work is unquestionably harder when we’re tired and drained of the energy we need to think and behave effectively,” she says.

“Prioritise sleep, eating well and spending time doing things that energise your spirit when you’re not at work.”

Gately also recommends first-time workers ask lots of questions and believe in the value they can bring despite their inexperience.

“Reasonable managers understand you are new into the workforce and will need guidance as to how to get your job done,” she says. “If you don’t know, or don’t understand, put your hand up for support.”

New workers also can target entry-level opportunities that are tied to on-the-job training and are specifically designed for people who are early in their career.

Laura Van Uum (pictured) did this when she began working for a council straight out of high school. She pursued a cultural and community services traineeship.

It was designed to equip her with a Certificate III in Business after 12 months.

However, Van Uum wanted to challenge herself so continued her study and completed the Certificate IV in Business of her own volition. She also simultaneously completed a Diploma of Event Management.

She continued to work for local government for another six months before landing a role with a state member of parliament in media and communications support.

“I was given the opportunity to be his campaign officer so I ran his (electoral) office and organised his launch dinner and office opening and co-ordinated 80 to 90 volunteers for the polling booth,” she says.