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In a previous blog, we have looked at how interns should mentally prepare themselves. Is there a difference how graduates should behave compared to interns? Well I certainly think so. Lets explore the Mentality of Graduates [畢業生返工心態] this week.
Although both interns and graduates are new to any company that they join, one of the biggest differences between them is the fact that interns most likely have an expected end date while graduates do not. Hence as a graduate, not only do you need to prepare yourself for learning about your job itself, you’ll also need to learn all about the company as well. Every company has its own history [歷史] and culture [文化]. Make sure you know this very well. The reason is because you want to embrace your company’s culture and really be part of a big family. Does your company spend a lot of time ensuring work-life balance? Accept that. Does your company have a joking and friendly vibe? Contribute with your own jokes as well. The company’s culture might not fit with your own personality initially and that’s fine – you can always change jobs [轉工] later. However, as a graduate, try to see why a company’s personality is like that and extract the positive aspects.
Also, every company has their own organisational structure [公司結構]. Make sure know the key people (like the CEO, key partners etc…) but also be aware of the different departments and staff hierarchy. There is a saying in Hong Kong that knowing someone is more valuable than knowledge itself [識人好過識字]. Even though you might know every department and the heads, sometimes it might be more valuable to know the “working-level” staff as well. Sometimes, the most powerful person in the department might actually be the second-in-command rather than the head of department [主管].
On average, I think your career will last 25 – 30 years. There’s a lot to learn. A company is made up of its people. The more people you know, the better you’d be in the company!
