Career Advice For New Graduates in Pakistan

A question I am often asked by new graduates (and even mid-level executives) regarding a job offer usually revolves around the expected paycheque. This is all the information they provide and expected profound advice on whether or not they should take it. However, of this is all you are taking into according when considering which company to join, then you have a very narrow view of things.

Now, you might think that a ‘broader view’ is one where you monetise all the perquistises and benefits and then make a comparison. Well, that still will not give you a complete picture. Then should you be looking at?

First, an illustration to help us. If pay is the ‘largest room’ in the house, then the other rooms tend to be very small. Translation: many companies balance pay with a host of other opportunities (the Employee Value Position) that frankly, lmoney cannot   buy.

Here are a few things you should keep in mind when accepting a new job. They will pay off in the long run; if ignored, you may end up regretting your decision for years to come.

1. Learning. In terms of processes, systems, exposure, markets and customers – there are a variety of areas that reputable companies polish you up on. The level of complexity you are exposed to mega deals to structure and demanding clients to satisfy – go a long way in developing you professionally. In addition, many companies invest in developing talent in other functional areas besides on-the-job disciplines.

2. Growth. The impetus to career advancement comes not only from the content of your experience but also from the content of your experience but also from the size and nations of the company’s operations. If your company is growing and branching out into new ventures, the opportunity for you to contribute and grow is immense.

3. Ethics. The values are ethical standards of a company means you are not involved in any immoral practices. The race to achieve material wealth as soon as possible means we often take shortcuts with disastrous consequences ensuing.

By Leon Menezes. The writer is a professor-of-practice at the IBA-Karachi, a senior HR practitioner and an executive coach.

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