RE: Refection Blog (Open Lab Assignment)
When I looked for work, prior; my main focus was how much I’d be getting paid. After reading the portion of the book, I realized that money is important but it’s not at the top of the list, it’s a working progress, which comes with hard work and dedication. I will construct my professional identity as follows.
It is important to show confidence. A recruiter can spot someone who is not confident of their purpose for being on the interview. There was an analogy in the readings which said “Don’t put the cart before the horse”. I found that very beneficial. Finding the right job that could be the right fit for you is a process. Aiming for the homerun is the ultimate goal, but you have to go through each base first.
My process to establish my professional identity will go as follows.
Before Day 1
Be knowledgeable of the job(s) you are applying to. When the time comes for the actual interview, be sure to show confidence, and knowledge. Act the part, own the part, and never ask current questions about the company, plan ahead. This can show genuine interest in the company as a future employee.
Day 1
If you get the job, never just do today’s job, prepare for tomorrow. If an assignment is due Friday, have it done by Thursday. This will show imitative and progress in performance. Always keep notes of all the tasks and never stick to your “job description”
Year 1
By this time, by choosing to go above and beyond your day to day tasks will show and will be respected. Experience is the gateway for more money, a raise, a promotion. All though money is important, it’s more important to build yourself to be an empowered leader. Your efforts will not go unnoticed.
Beyond Year 1
There will be a lot of ups, downs, loops, twists and turns which will pose as a challenge after that one year mark. This is where you prove yourself. It’s imperative that your work ethic and performance attracts the attention of upper level management. This publicity can turn into that promotion/raise that is deserved. The experience learned during that year is priceless.
In conclusion, my understanding of this chapter is to focus more on wanting to prove that the job can be done exceptionally well rather than needing the job to put more money in your pocket. It taught me that money is important but it should not be at the top of the list of priorities. Showing that you’re the right person for the job is top priority. The purpose is to promote that you’re ready, willing, capable, and able to do the job to the best of your ability. The money will come after you’ve proven that the job can be executed accurately and it will prove that you’re an expert in that field.
