What to Expect For Your First Corporate Job

When we leave school, a lot of us don’t know what we want to do for the rest of our lives. But there comes a point when the only way to find out is to try new things. 

Kayla’s tips to help you prepare for your first corporate job 

I left year 12 with no real plan and didn’t intend to attend university and landed in my first office job as an admin assistant/ receptionist. After gaining initial experience I was lucky enough to have access to study through my role and upskilled in business admin and project management. From there I had a long career as an Executive Assistant, fundraiser, business development and eventually recruitment for the last 2 years.  

Now, I help other junior candidates secure their first corporate roles in the public and private sectors. Many seeking their first corporate roles straight out of school or university.  

If this is you, it’s likely that you’re feeling a little unsure of how to get started or what to expect. To give you an idea, we’ve put together a few tips. 

Tip # 1 – It’s good to be nervous 

Feeling nervous is not a bad thing. After all, a corporate job is different to anything you’ve done before, and feeling nervous means you care about achieving your goals. 

Don’t be afraid to talk to family or friends about their own experiences, or reach out to a reputable recruiter. A good recruiter will give you advice and coach you, which will help you feel more confident. 

Tip # 2 – It’s ok to ask questions

It’s impossible to learn everything on your first day, or even in your first few months. But you won’t improve if you don’t ask questions, so be comfortable asking for help when you don’t know something. 

Supervisors in the corporate world are usually very experienced in training new people and will be happy to see that you are engaged in your training and thinking about how to do your work better. 

Tip # 3 – Accept that the training takes time 

While you may be able to learn the ropes in a hospitality or retail job in a couple of weeks, the learning curve in a corporate environment is likely to be longer and steeper with more technical information that can take months to fully grasp. 

Instead, embrace a mindset of “always learning” so you never feel like you’re waiting for the finish line. 

Tip # 4 Get advice if you’re struggling 

If you’re having difficulty in your new role, have a chat with your supervisor. Unlike retail or hospitality where managers are typically young with just a few years of experience, most supervisors in the corporate world have been in their industry for many years and have lots of wisdom to share. 

Your recruiter is also a source of support if talking to someone in your workplace feels uncomfortable. 

Tip # 5 – Take care of your health 

In retail and hospitality, you’re on your feet all day – possibly working in shifts such as 8am to 2pm, or 2pm to 10pm. In an office environment, you spend much more time sitting down. But it doesn’t mean you’re not going to be tired at the end a 40-hour week! 

Plan to take care of yourself by getting away from your desk at lunch, going for walks, and keeping healthy outside of work. Try to pace yourself instead of getting overloaded with everything you need to learn and do. 

Oliver Hall’s advice to new starters: 

After entering the corporate world six months ago, I embarked on a whirlwind journey filled with countless of different experiences and life lessons. As I reflect on my journey so far, I would like to share some valuable advice to fellow new starters. 

Build your network: Embrace the opportunity to connect with a range of individuals within your organisation. Networking allows you to tap into a wealth of knowledge, gain different perspectives, and create meaningful relationships that can support your growth and development. 

Get organised: Establish effective organisational habits early on. Keep track of tasks, deadlines, and important information using tools such as calendar, to-do lists or Trello. Being organised helps you stay focused, prioritise effectively, and manage your time efficiently within a new workplace. 

Set yourself goals: Take the time to identify and define your short-term and long-term goals. Setting clear objectives provides direction and purpose, enabling you to stay motivated and measure your progress. 

Expect curve balls: Be prepared for unexpected challenges and changes along the way. The professional landscape is dynamic, and it’s crucial to develop resilience and adaptability. Embrace these curve balls as opportunities for growth, learning, and building your problem-solving skills. 

Be kind to yourself: New beginnings can be overwhelming, and it’s important to practice self-worth and compassion. Celebrate your achievements, learn from setbacks, and be patient with yourself. Taking care of your mental and physical health will contribute to your long-term success and happiness in your professional journey. 

To have a chat with a recruiter about transitioning into your first corporate role, call HorizonOne on (02) 6108 4878.