Starting a New Job Through a Recommendation: How Can I Prove My Worth and Grow Quickly?

Hello,

I have secured a job with good pay through a recommendation in a large corporate entity, similar to Bank of America Merrill Lynch. While I cannot disclose the name, this company holds even greater prestige and size than the aforementioned example. It is an investment management firm. I have been appointed as an officer, one level below management trainee. Despite my modest academic background and lack of prior experience, I am a 27-year-old female, having completed my MBA in Finance in 2010 from a management institution in Ahmedabad, Gujarat. This institution, although not highly competitive or well-ranked, is considered below even average business schools.

My query pertains to the steps I should take upon joining this organization to not only sustain my position but also progress to the management trainee level swiftly. I am diligent and hardworking, yet given my limited background and experience, I am unsure of the specific areas where I should focus my efforts. I am curious to learn about the expectations of HR toward employees recruited based on recommendations rather than merit. Will there be biases in terms of opportunities and career advancement? My aim is to maximize my learning in this role and aspire to significant growth, especially since I am a late bloomer in my career trajectory. Embarking on an MBA was my first major opportunity, which I seized. This job signifies the second significant opportunity in my life.

I seek suggestions that can aid me in proving my value to both my colleagues and superiors post-joining. What skills should I cultivate before commencing my role at this company? I have approximately 15 days remaining. To any HR professionals reading this, I would greatly appreciate any insights or tips you could share.

Thank you.

Hi,

First of all, congratulations on your lucky break.

From your detailed and comprehensively expressed post, I am sure that you have both the ability and the drive to grasp this second big opportunity in your life to achieve success. So the first thing is to start believing that you deserved the break and that other things being equal, you just got a leg up to join the multinational setup.

The first thing to do is closely watch the culture and style of the organization and try to fit into that. This could include making changes in your dressing style, communication style, behavior, and interactions, work ethics, etc.

If possible, try to find a mentor to guide you. This can be tricky since it should not be viewed as you being close to seniors. At the same time, try to understand your job description and key result areas clearly and use that as the blueprint for you to focus on. The trick, though, is to go beyond that and contribute much more than what is expected. However, this must be done without stepping on other's toes, without being perceived as too pushy, and at the same time ensuring that you are able to carry your colleagues along with you.

It is equally important to keep updating your knowledge and to expand your work horizons. This will provide the platform to grow higher, wherein your job profile will expand, and your learning will come in handy.

Meanwhile, since you have 15 days to go and you have shown the inclination to be prepared, do a candid personal SWOT analysis. Also, revisit and brush up on the theories that you will have to be thorough in and those related to your job profile. Anticipate the requirements of your new job and work on those weaknesses that could hamper your effectiveness on the job.

Best Wishes

Hi,

Thank you very much for your valuable insights. I believe it's going to be of great help to me in this perplexed situation. I will take care of all the above-mentioned things in mind and be well-prepared before starting it.

I am going to relocate to Mumbai alone without family for this job and right now am based in Ahmedabad. So, I am gathering all the courage these days. Thanks again.