So you’ve finally graduated college, taken a four-month vacation to enjoy your post-student life, applied to hundreds of companies, had numerous job interviews, and now, you’re about to start your first career day in two weeks. Congratulations, finally, you’re entering the real world.
Starting your professional journey is undeniably terrifying and overwhelming. After spending all of your life at school, you’re suddenly entering a world where everything is new. The exciting and daunting part? You’re responsible for everything you do. Thinking about new people, things, and experiences you’ll know, learn, and have is exhilarating. At the same time, it can be petrifying to think about the things you’ll do wrong for the first time.
If you feel that way, here’s a secret: preparing and having specific things will help you kickstart your first job. But of course, at the end of the day, your professionalism, rapport, and skills are the things that will get you far. Still, for people fresh out of school, having the right mindset and things could help tremendously.
If you’re about to embark on your first professional career, here are five must-haves to help you kickstart your corporate journey.
1 – A good neck-tie
My first must-have is for all the lads out there. Now that you’re starting your suit and tie phase, I recommend buying at least one to three ties that you can use for meetings and special corporate events. If you’re wondering where you can find a great and unique tie, I suggest checking wedding ties. You might just find a great set of grey wedding ties that you can use for your work.
Don’t worry. People won’t even know that the tie is from a wedding line unless they’re familiar with the brand and the necktie. Having at least three unique neckties is a must-have, especially if your work involves many client-facing tasks. You’ll never know when your boss will assign you to assist in a massive client case or meet with your top clients.
So to ensure that you’re always ready for any unexpected turns, surprises, and challenges in your career, I suggest keeping a good neck-tie in your office drawer or bag.
2 – A watch
Being in the corporate world is an endless web of accomplishing things before their deadline. Between those tasks, you also have to squeeze in hours of meetings to discuss important work matters with your colleagues. And so, keeping track of time is essential to ensure that you don’t miss and waste any minute you have.
Therefore, a wristwatch is an essential accessory for any young professional. In the corporate world, professionals use watches as their main accessories. You don’t necessarily have to get an automatic watch immediately. After all, automatic and mechanical watches are expensive. A simple quartz watch will do.
I suggest getting a silver stainless watch with a dial of your choice. I wouldn’t recommend getting a gold-tone watch as your everyday work accessory. But a two-tone wristwatch, specifically silver with gold bracelets, is highly recommended. Leather watches would also be great. But if you’re looking for a watch that you can use for a long time, I’d recommend going for silver stainless steel instead of a leather watch.
3 – A retractable pen
Regardless of your position, having a pen in hand is a must in the corporate world. Even though many companies now prefer digital signatures, a pen still comes in handy, especially when you think you won’t need one. It can be as simple as receiving a document that a different department has routed or logging in manually to another office for entry.
Aside from the two situations I provided, many more could happen to you unexpectedly. No matter how advanced and digital your company is, having a pen in your suit and blazer could make your work easier. Who knows when you’ll run late to a meeting just to be stopped by a mailman to receive a document?
I suggest keeping one retractable pen with you. As much as possible, avoid buying ones with cap covers. Retractable pens will save you time and are easier to use with one hand.
4 – A planner
If the industry you’re about to work for is fast-paced, having a planner would help save your life, literally. In real life, a young professional’s desk is full of documents in piles to review, route, shred, and repeat. Listing your task lists, meetings, and reminders on a sticky note is like putting your other foot in the grave.
Having a work planner will help every professional in the corporate world to stay organised. Also, with everything going around you, it can be hard to keep track of all the reminders and requests your boss needs from you. But if you have a planner in hand, you can just list the critical things your boss is saying to keep you on track.
I recommend getting planners with calendars and enough blank pages where you can write your notes and reminders for the day.
5 – A cardholder
Last but not least is a cardholder. Sooner or later, you’ll have your business card once your probationary period is over. And, the chances that you’ll be meeting clients who’ll hand you their business cards are high. So, keeping a cardholder with you at all times is a must.
Also, giving your client a crumpled business card is not good etiquette. You don’t have to bring a wallet with you at all times. A simple, thin cardholder that could fit enough cards is enough. If you observe people in the corporate world, you’ll see most of them carrying a thin cardholder in their suits and blazer jackets.
On top of that, keeping your business card in a cardholder gives an impression that you’re organised, prepared, and professional. So don’t forget to keep one with you once you start.
Being always ready is a great attitude to have on every professional journey.
I hope my five ‘must-have’ suggestions will help you kickstart your professional career in the best way possible. If you’re not yet keeping these five with you in your daily work, this is your sign to do it now. Remember, being ready is a notable attitude in every professional journey. Good luck with your first job, and break a leg!
About the author:
Bianca Banda is a writer for Rael Brook, a menswear retailer from London providing quality shirts and accessories in a range of colours, designs, and fabrics, to men across the globe.
