What’s the secret to success in your first job? Ultimately, there’s never going to be ‘one’ right answer — after all, if there was, we’d all be doing it. Instead, five professionals with years of experience between them share their varied tips for young people focused on getting the most out of their new roles.
Be a people person
“Work hard. Work smart. Take every opportunity seriously and prepare for it like it’s going to be your only opportunity. And work on your human side as well. Respect people, learn to work with them, and don’t take them for granted. I think if you combine these two things then the only obstacles to succeeding in your career are natural obstacles you can do nothing about.”
Karim Mousa, Regional Business Development Manager, UAE
Don’t try to blend in
“Try to always be yourself and be competitive, because at the end of the day, your main competitor is yourself. Try to be as unique as possible.”
Daniel Bacea, IT Service Specialist, Romania
Spot new opportunities
“Be open. I was so concerned about making sure that I was in the right job or heading in the right direction, that often I didn’t notice the opportunities that were coming my way. I think it’s really about having an idea about where you think you might want to be in the next five to ten years, but not being so cemented to it that you’re not willing to go in a slightly different direction.”
Elaine Trimble, Director of Urban Infrastructure, UK
Find your comfort zone — then leave it
“Be comfortable in what you are, but don’t be afraid of challenges. You grow when you are outside your comfort zone. When you stay in your comfort zone and surround yourself with the things you’re familiar with, that’s the end of your learning — and that’s when you perish away.”
Salman Ali Khan, Power Generation Services EHS Head, UAE
Listen and learn
“I would first say the trick is to seek knowledge, especially in the area you choose to focus on. So, identify the area, build confidence and then practice. It’s also very important to have a mentor who will look at your progress from an independent and objective standpoint and give you advice.”
Ibe Etea, Compliance Officer, Nigeria & Ghana, Africa
