Overcoming early career hurdles

Starting a career is a thrilling journey filled with anticipation, but it can also present its fair share of hurdles, particularly for recent graduates stepping into the professional world for the first time.

My journey began in 2007, filled with enthusiasm. However, I soon realised I needed to strengthen my technical skills, particularly in tools like Microsoft Excel. One day, my supervisor approached me and said, "Can't you even complete this small task properly?" Although it felt overwhelming at the time, it was a necessary learning experience.

Reflecting on this period, I realised that my difficulties were mainly due to my limited exposure to the Internet and lack of relevant computer skills during my university education. We had an air-conditioned computer lab at that time, but only three out of twenty-four desktops were operational. The only places we could access the LAN-dependent Internet were the two cyber cafés at the main gate. This lack of resources hindered our ability to gain hands-on experience. 

My supervisor and I had the same academic background, but he was six years older than me. I realised that he must have faced significant challenges early in his career. His response to my performance may have been influenced by not just the small error I made but also his lack of experience and skills that stemmed from his university education.

This realisation underscores the importance of mentorship and support in fostering growth and development within any professional environment. By addressing these issues collaboratively, we can create a more effective learning atmosphere for future employees.

The Importance of mistakes in learning

As a new entrant in the workforce, making mistakes is natural. Mistakes are a crucial part of the learning process. There's a saying: "If you don't make mistakes, you're not learning. But if you keep repeating the same mistakes, you're not growing."

While my supervisor's feedback was harsh, it pushed me to improve. After that Excel incident, I ensured I never repeated the same error. Instead of feeling defeated by criticism, I began paying more attention to detail and adopting my supervisor's perspective to spot mistakes pre-emptively. Over time, this approach transformed me into a more meticulous and reliable resource.

Lessons for fresh graduates

If you're stepping into the professional world, here are some key lessons from my early career that might help you navigate your journey:

Mistakes are opportunities to learn: Don't fear making mistakes, but be proactive about learning from them. Analyse what went wrong and how you can avoid similar errors in the future. Work on addressing the root cause rather than just the symptoms.

Adapt to feedback, even if it's harsh: Feedback, whether gentle or stern, is a gift. Please focus on the substance of the critique, not the tone, and use it to grow.

Invest in learning tools and skills: If your institution didn't prepare you for the tools required in your job, take the initiative to learn them independently. Unlike in the past, online resources and courses are more accessible than ever.

Develop resilience: The early stages of any career can be challenging. It's important to remain patient and persistent, even when dealing with demanding supervisors or difficult situations. If you ever feel discouraged, spend time with friends. You'll hear incredible stories about how each newcomer faces their own struggles.

Look through the supervisor's lens: Try to understand your tasks from your supervisor's perspective. From the very beginning, start imagining yourself as a leader. This mindset will help you anticipate potential errors and deliver higher-quality work.

Celebrate growth: Recognise and appreciate your progress, no matter how small. Every skill you acquire and every challenge you overcome is a step toward becoming a more capable professional.

A message to supervisors

For those in leadership positions, remember that your feedback shapes the next generation of professionals. Constructive criticism is essential, but empathy can make a world of difference. A kind word or a guiding hand can inspire more growth than harsh words ever will.

Final thoughts

Starting a career is never easy, and you will undoubtedly encounter moments of doubt and difficulty. But with every challenge comes an opportunity to learn and grow. Today, when I reflect on those early days, I realise that the demanding environment, the mistakes, and even the harsh feedback played a pivotal role in shaping the professional I am now.

To all fresh graduates entering the workforce: embrace your mistakes, seek feedback, and commit to continuous learning. Your early struggles will one day become the foundation of your success.

Shafiq R Bhuiyan is the Vice President of Communication and CSR at BRAC Bank PLC.

Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed in this article are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the opinions and views of The Business Standard.