International Area Studies Newsletter

How to Find Inspiration in your Entry Level Job

Alexandra J. King Pile, B.A.’07

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

There have been numerous articles and think-pieces written to inform anxious old-guard managers about how to cope with the fact that we Millennials are infiltrating the workforce. Chief among their concerns is the perception that we are entitled, spoiled, and unmotivated. What many of them have not yet realized is that we are very hard workers and can sometimes innovate circles around our older counterparts, so long as we remain sufficiently motivated and inspired. Of course, the stereotypes against twenty-somethings (like all stereotypes) are both unfair and largely untrue. So, is there anything we can do to help usher these toxic ideas out the door? As usual, the answer comes from within. Our commonly maligned trait of self-focus is not such a bad thing in this case. From my own experience, I offer five ways that Millennials can inspire themselves and use this inspiration as a spring board to a successful career.

 

1.  Chase the experience, not the money.

Some people have fulfilling and well-paying jobs fall into their laps upon graduation; God bless those lucky people. On the other hand, college grads will find themselves actively searching for employment at some point. In that process, you may have occasion to ask whether you should focus your energy on finding any job that pays well (regardless of your actual interest in the position) or whether you should pursue a job you would enjoy (regardless what it pays). Early in your career, it will likely serve you well to try the latter. No one is suggesting that making money is not important. What you should keep in mind; however, is that it is easier to make a good impression when it is obvious that you enjoy your job. Besides that, you are more likely to remain engaged if you are part of an organization whose ideals you support. Even if you eventually intend to leave the company, you will be better able to market yourself for new positions if you are overflowing with positivity from your last one.

 

 

2. Develop and maintain your own interests.

 

Some young professionals equate their job success with their personal value. Often, your very first job after graduation is not the one you dreamed about. And if you do not immediately become society's definition of "successful," it is easy to get down on yourself which, in turn, can rob you of your motivation.  This is why it is so important to decouple your work self from your “real” self.  Besides your regular “9-5,” do you have your own side projects in the works? Can you volunteer for a cause that resonates with you? Could you pursue a hobby or write a blog or take more road trips? If so, achievements in your personal life can help to create in you an attitude that manifests in all you do, including your entry level position at work. 

 

 

3. Invest in yourself.

 

Career blogger, Alexis Grant, commented that "the biggest mistake young people make in their careers is this: they work so hard for their employers that they forget to invest in themselves." But, between navigating a new workplace culture, getting accustomed to independent living, and those impending loan repayments staring you down, where are you supposed to make space for investing in yourself? If your goal is to be employable for your entire career and to take on ever higher ranking positions with ever increasing responsibility (and pay) then you must be intentional about becoming a well-rounded, well-informed and well-connected professional. Try to dedicate at least an hour or two per week to learning new skills. For example, peruse ads for jobs you would like to have in the future and start building a list of common prerequisites. This is a good starting point for establishing your self-improvement plan which should involve bolstering your own competency in the relevant areas. Can you become proficient in a foreign language using online resources and smart phone apps? Do you dream of transitioning into a digital marketing position, but need more techie skills to qualify for the best jobs? Would learning one more programming language significantly increase your earning potential? Employers do not always send new employees to conferences, so take it upon yourself to learn what you need to know.

 

Besides expanding your professional skill set, networking (and doing so aggressively) is essential. This does not mean simply scrounging up connections on LinkedIn, but involves seeking out contacts and mentors in your desired field and engaging with them regularly. Your millennial mastery of technology and social media can get you there more quickly and conveniently than ever. The good news? You can do much of this without spending a dime.

 

 

4. Reward yourself.

 

Though most managers are aware that Millennials thrive on external motivation, many are still refusing to provide it. What then? Set your own goals and track them.  Did you reach a sales goal this week? Treat yourself to a manicure or a top shelf beer. Also, don’t be afraid to keep a visual reminder of your accomplishments in your workplace. It could serve double-duty as a signal to your bosses that you are contributing more than they realize.

 

 

5. Speak to your spirit.

 

Perhaps even more important than investing in your work life and personal life, is investing in your spiritual life. Of course, we all have different definitions of what this entails, but connecting to your inner self is often the first thing to suffer when work gets tough. Making sure to set aside the time you need for meditation, relaxation, prayer or even simple reflection on your place in the universe is often just what we need to bring our lives into the balance necessary for maintaining perspective and focus in other areas.

 

 

 

Alexandra was born and raised in Baltimore, Maryland. She earned a Bachelor of Arts from Drexel University in International Studies and her Juris Doctorate from the University of Baltimore.  In 2012, she left the practice of law and joined the United States Foreign Service. She is now a diplomat representing US interests around the world.