Work!work!work!
Honestly speaking, being a Kenyan Graduate is one of the most difficult things in this Country.
Finishing university meant that you enter the real world a more educated man, with hopes of getting a job and securing a future.
Sending CVs to many companies was a daily task, asking for a job from to relatives you have not seen in a while and attending interviews that never seemed to end. When you finally got the job, you thought problems were over but that was not the case. The first job is always the hardest because getting into the job force does not come with a manual.
1. Lying on the CV.
Many people opt to make mistakes knowingly, when writing their CV. Some people end up writing about work or achievements they have never had while others lie about their years of experience. The reason why many people end up lying is because of the high qualifications stated in many job adverts. How would they expect you to leave university a year ago and have 4 years experience?
2. Not taking the office tour.
The office tour could be embarrassing for some people because everyone looks at a fresh university graduate like a baby. Many people will dismiss you thinking that you have no idea about what the company does and how you are supposed to add any value to the team. This should not stop you from going around the office, getting to know the people you will work with. It also helps you do a better job.
3. Being late for everything.
When you first start working, it is hard to differentiate between school life and work life because you are used to going to class at whatever time you like and leaving halfway through. When you get to work and meetings have to be scheduled and attended on time, it is a very bad sign to get to meetings late when it started 30 minutes before.
4. Mixing work and pleasure.
You just got to your first job and the colleague sited right next you is as hot as Idris Elba and to make things worse, he is always bringing you java coffee or asking you out for drinks. There are two things to do, either get into a trap you might not be able to get out of, or concentrate on your work for at least the first 6 months.
5. You act like you know everything.
You are new at the office, take time to know people and know how the business works. It is a bad sign to jump into conclusions and fail at tasks given to you. Asking questions is a good way to learn. Do not be intimidated by the mini skirt wearing, rude secretary. Go ahead and ask.
6. You come off to strong.
You were the brightest and most talented student in university and you might have gotten an internship at a big firm but that does not mean that you know it all. Many new employees come off snobbish and too strong because they do not give themselves time to acclimatize with the work environment before they start telling people how wrong processes and products are.
7. You get started thinking a promotion will come in the next 6 months.
Promotions need to be earned and depending on the type of institution, they might take a long time to come. Be patient, work hard and be smart about issues, a promotion will come soon enough.