by Patrick Markey

Created on: October 05, 2010

A new career can equate to a new opportunity to  make a first impression.  Starting in a new career can be exciting, a wind of fresh air and an opportunity to highlight your skills.  Perhaps your previous profession or job didn't support your skills or personnel or management was stifling and lacked focus.  Now the opportunity to start fresh and incorporate your knowledge in a new setting is exhilarating and perhaps a bit nerve raking.

Be patient

Get to know the people you are working with, the personalities, the office policies and procedures and learn who the key players are.  Take the time to learn your way around the company, study the company philosophy and ask questions.  Don't be afraid to fail but make certain you ask for assistance if needed.  The ability to know your limits is a quality that will get you further than sloppy work habits.

Network

Be a people person and work on connecting with all areas of the company, show up to office get togethers and networking opportunities and show that you are a team player.  Ask for feedback from supervisors and be proactive in opportunities to take on projects.

Work Hard

Volunteer for extra work, ask questions to clarify any questions on your responsibilities, be humble and realize that you do not know everything.  Take a proactive roll in your duties and assert your knowledge and expertise in a manner that works with the company philosophy.

Be prompt

Be on time, stay late, finish the tasks and even spend your own time finishing projects if necessary.  Establishing yourself as a hardworking individual that gets the job done is a valuable asset that you can provide your new company.

Reflect

Consider your last position and what it is you didn't like about how you handled work.  Take note of the areas you can improve and figure out how to incorporate new strategies in your current position that might help you further your career in the future.

The start of a new career can be the beginning of a fresh start.  Perhaps you didn't feel you worked as hard at your last job and were stereotyped in a certain way, could never dig yourself out of a rut or you just needed a new place to hang your hat, starting a new career can be exciting.

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