Intern interview: Alistair (Al)
Let’s hear from one of our interns at Savvy Up Alistair Robb. Al is a marketing graduate who came to us through the Summer of Biz graduate program in Wellington and we think he’s awesome!
Hey Guys, I just thought I would give you my insight into how I found the transition from university to the workplace and any tips that I can offer along the way.
Well, the only place to start is from the beginning, and I found the transition quite daunting at first.
Here I was stepping out of a Lambton Quay lift, an overdressed, Lynx-smelling graduate who was excited about starting his marketing journey. But I was stressing out as to how I should properly introduce myself - is hugging appropriate on the first day, or should we just stick with the handshakes? So many questions going through my mind.
No one enjoys coming out of their comfort zone but I think it's important to realize that there will be some growing pains when transitioning from the classroom to the boardroom. Work isn't a boring place full of unimaginative people doing routine tasks and attending endless meetings: It's an opportunity for you to meet interesting people and learn new skills.
In that regard, you have to remember that becoming a young professional is an important stage in any graduate's life. You learn a lot more about yourself as a person. So don't be afraid to make mistakes as long as you learn from them.
The most surprising thing I found about the workplace is the expectations around presenting your work. It’s very different from what you are encouraged to do at University; no one wants to read your 3000-word report that is perfectly referenced, with 1.5 line spacing. They would much prefer a one-page document that bullet points your suggestions.
On top of the work expectations, what really blew me away was how open people are to new ideas and new methods. Granted, my experience has been different from most where a large part of my post-grad life has been spent in startup companies; where you are actively encouraged to think outside the box. Rather than in the public sector, where I feel you are a lot more restricted as to the approach you can take.
Every workplace is different, and so will be your experience and what you take from it.
The biggest tip I can give to any young professional is to be curious and to try and get involved in what you are interested in. Employers value graduates who challenge themselves, and the fresh perspective you can offer can be invaluable to any organization so you should never be afraid of going to your manager with a potential idea!
Embrace your responsibilities. You have been hired because they saw something in you! Embrace the early morning rises (they won't go away sadly), come up with your own routine that works best for you. Personally I like to make a list of all the tasks I want to accomplish within the day, but everyone is different.
Just embrace the workplace, the hard part is already over and now the fun begins.
Caption: Photo: Al with his dad’s dog, Hudson.