6 BENEFITS OF AN ENTRY-LEVEL JOB
Starting your career with an entry-level job may not be glamorous, but it provides a solid foundation for you to progress.
Ambition is important, and many new professionals, whether they just finished education, or are starting a new career often want to go as high up as possible, which is great! But humble beginnings lead to great outcomes.
Here are 6 reasons why an entry-level job could be the best decision for your career.
COMMUNICATION
Working in an entry-level job can greatly improve communication skills.
Communication is one of the most vital skills any professional, in any industry, at any level should possess.
Whether you're selling to clients or just interacting with colleagues, it will come in handy - which is why you'd benefit from learning it early.
Entry-level jobs are the best way to get into a working environment without needing much, or any experience.
Through daily interactions, you can learn:
Active listening
Interpersonal skills
How to convey information effectively
Conflict resolution
Negotiation
Teamwork
So no matter what industry you end up in, strong communication will be of benefit and set you apart.
Not to mention, when you're trying to progress in your career, whether it's going for a promotion, or applying for a new job, confidence will always determine how well you portray yourself, and how assured you are in your abilities. By putting yourself into situations where you have to communicate with different people, you build a large amount of confidence.
TRANSFERRABLE SKILLS
Just like communication, there's an array of skills that, no matter what direction you go in, they'll be useful.
Some examples include:
Problem-solving
Adaptability
Leadership
Work ethic
Prioritisation
So don't underestimate how seemingly 'unimportant’ jobs make a huge impact when you begin to progress. Employers will value people who have experience working in an office, or customer service environment because it shows you can adapt, take on new challenges, and communicate effectively with people.
HELPS YOU TO ADJUST TO WORKLOAD
When looking to begin a career, we all think about the title, the salary, the package, and the influence. But do we ever really think about the workload and pressures that come with senior roles?
Being honest with yourself about where you are right now will ensure you:
Have support from those more experienced
Understand the basics so you build a solid foundation
Understand the responsibilities of those above you
Working your way up will make adapting to a senior role far less daunting because you've progressed over time.
EXPLORE DIFFERENT CAREER PATHS
One of the best benefits of working in an entry-level job is that there's no pressure. You can move around, try new things and get exposure to different industries.
Although education gives us the impression that we're supposed to have our career planned out, for most, you'll only truly know what you want to do until you new things. As you gain experience working in entry-level jobs, you can identify your strengths and weaknesses and get a better understanding of what sort of career would best suit you.
VALUABLE EXPERIENCE
It can feel pointless to take on a low-level position because you want to progress... but that's the whole point.
These roles equip new professionals to learn the ropes and gain an understanding of, not just their chosen industry, but the professional world in general. By starting at the bottom and working your way up, you can develop a solid foundation of skills and knowledge that will serve you well in your future careers.
Your CV tells a story, and without these sorts of roles, you won't be able to prove to an employer that you've taken on multiple challenges, build discipline, and gained valuable experiences.
OPPORTUNITIES TO PROGRESS
Entry-level roles are a stepping stone in everyone's career. But what many people miss is that many of these jobs offer more than just a foot in the door.
By working with managers and colleagues who have developed invaluable skills and experience, you won't only learn from them but you'll probably have the opportunity to progress within the company also.
Building relationships with those around you, especially managers will give you the ability to showcase your abilities, work ethic, and passion for the industry. This means promotions, pay rises, and a better benefits package, all within the same company.
Of course, moving around can give you a better understanding of the industry as we discussed above, but don't neglect the idea that there's an opportunity to progress within where you are now.
- Written by Shannon Matthews
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