Inna Prokazova
Head of Admin & Temporary Staffing Department
Ventra Employment
A lot of young specialists start planning their future career while still studying at university. Such a responsible approach is the key to building a successful career. But where do you start? You need to research and investigate and follow the development of your professional area, you need to be aware of all innovations and trends. So keep an eye out and stay informed.
Useful Tips: Subscribe and regularly visit websites related to your profession. Actively participate in professional conferences and events, and do not hesitate to make useful social contacts — specialists who already have experience in your field of activity can share valuable information with you.
For example, some educational websites provide lots of free lectures and workshops (theoryandpractice.ru and others). So look for what might be useful to you.
Desirable Company: An Outward Glance
Major Russian and international companies attract young specialists; lots of graduates dream of being employed by such companies as Coca-Cola or General Motors. Their reputed brand, social package, strong corporate culture and other significant details make these companies such great places to work. However, to get a dream job one needs to pass several interviews, perform tasks and tests, to prove competence and willingness to work at this particular company. Your motivation, competence and responsibility are usually beneficial.
When Your Dreams Come True
It just so happens that sometimes after passing all tests and interviews and getting the desired job, young specialists are disappointed with their new positions. A feeling of disappointment may occur for a number of reasons, for example:
• Understanding that the company is a huge mechanism, where the applicant is just a small pawn with a narrow range of tasks and clear rules for their implementation;
• Corporate culture and company values, the work of a team or managers that does not meet the expectations of the applicant;
• The experience and knowledge of a young specialist is unclaimed.
Practical tips:
There is a well-known practice of internships or work on temporary projects. This opportunity is offered by big recruitment/staffing agencies that work directly with employers.
Skilled consultants at staffing agencies know the specifics of a particular company, its structure, etc., and they are able to provide support in building your career in the right direction.
Project work & temporary jobs have many advantages:
• Career perspective and professional growth
Quite often university graduates are not able to start their career due to a lack of practical experience.
Work on temporary projects provides an excellent opportunity to try out various fields and to understand what work is most suitable for your education/nature/interests.
• The possibility of learning the conditions of work at different companies and finding the company of your dreams
Sometimes "direct entry" is almost impossible for those searching for a job at the international company with its corporate culture, innovations and high technologies.
However, young specialists may be required there on temporary projects. There is a good chance that the employee who showed the best results during the work on a temporary project would be invited to work on a permanent basis. It happens quite often. This is also a great opportunity to see the company from the inside and to compare the company's values, aims and atmosphere with your own.
• Flexible work hours that allow you to combine both work and study
• Acquisition of useful business contacts
• New experience for your CV
Summarizing all above-mentioned information, remember you can make your dreams come true. Project work is the one way. Being active, curious and determined is useful not only for your career growth, but also for all other spheres of your life.
