Just finished your school year and not sure what to do next? Don’t worry, ECO Canada’s got your back.
Whether you’re a fresh graduate starting your first job/internship or looking for productive ways to spend your summer before you head back to school, you’ve come to the right place!
Here are five helpful tips and reminders for navigating your first job post-graduation:
1. Stay organized
Starting a new job can be overwhelming. There can be new systems, acronyms, and routines that can take some getting used to. Being organized is a great way to navigate through potential stress you may feel starting a new job.
- Create a to-do list for your daily tasks to stay on track of your work. Crossing off a daunting task feels good!
- Use AI to as a scheduling tool to allot time to various tasks
- Write down notes in meetings to help you remember important details
- Organize your desk/space with all the supplies that you need to help you succeed at work
2. Set goals
Goal setting is a great way to navigate what you want to get out of your experience at your job. Creating SMART goals (specific, measurable, relevant, and time-bound goals) will help you organize your thoughts, stay focused on the skills you aim to learn, and track your accomplishments.
Set up a goal sheet or talk to your manager about how they can support you in reaching your professional goals. This can help you prepare for performance reviews or updating your resume for future job opportunities.
3. Network
Try and make an effort to meet everyone in your office. This will not only help you expand your professional network but can lead to meaningful mentor relationships.
A strong and diverse network in your toolkit can help you stay on top of trends in your industry, open your eyes to new opportunities, and help you land future roles later in your career.
4. Mistakes are natural
Everyone makes mistakes! Don’t sweat over the small stuff. Use your mistakes as a chance to learn and grow. Be honest about your mistakes and talk through them with your manager.
5. Thrift your work clothes
Buying brand new clothing fresh out of school can be unfeasible. Instead of going to the mall, try shopping at your local thrift store for work clothes.
If you’re working in the field your clothes are bound to get dirty. Save the stress of staining new clothes by buying second-hand items. Plus, they’re more sustainable.
Your wallet and the planet will thank you!
If you’re still looking for work or want to advance yourself in other ways, here are some tips to have a productive summer break:
1. Volunteer
A meaningful volunteer position that’s related to your interests or your program can go a long way. Volunteering can be very fulfilling, and it looks great on your resume.
Here’s a list of environmental volunteering programs in Calgary:
2. Tree plant
Do you want to spend your summer outdoors? Look into tree planting opportunities across Canada!
Tree planting is a great way to build your work ethic and discipline. You will gain skills that will last you a lifetime in any career pathway you choose.
3. Take ECO Canada’s training courses
You can always keep learning! Brush up on your AI techniques, soft skills, technical writing, and more!
ECO Canada offers free and premium courses suited for any budget.
- NEW Artificial Intelligence (AI) Primer Course: 1,917 registrations
- Project Management Essentials: 700 registrations, 620 courses completed
- Essential Skills for Job Seekers: 796 registrations, 562 courses completed
Plus, access webinars for free to learn more on various topics such as workforce insights, ISO standards, Zero Emission vehicles, and opportunities from Royal Roads University to advance your professional development.
Check out the ECO Canada YouTube channel to view all in-house webinars.
Regardless of what path you choose for this summer and beyond; you should be proud of everything you’ve accomplished this year. Congratulations on the end of the school year!
– ECO Canada Team
