How is this so? Basically, an entry level job site not only delivers a place of employment, it also delivers a reliable learning environment. Here is a look at how that goes.
Have you ever heard the term learning by osmosis? This refers to the ability to learn something due to environmental or peripheral exposure. Most people assume learning is something that only takes place in a structured environment. Often, a structured environment delivers quite the excellent learning experience. However, the ability to "pick things up" due to peripheral exposure is also a legitimate way to learn. When you are placed in an entry level job, you will discover that you learn a great deal thanks to the exposure you will come across in the work environment. In many instances, you may even learn things that you otherwise did not think were possible to learn. Again, you never do truly learn the full scope of a job until you experience it. A solid entry level work position can greatly aid in this regard.
By the way, an entry level job site can also be the perfect venue for formal learning. While it is true that some entry level work site practices require you to hit the ground running when you sign on. Then, there will be those work environments that provide a structured learning program in the early stages. This could entail an extensive breakdown of the tasks that you are intended to perform, it could build upon your current skills, or it could seek to provide you with new skills required to effectively handle the task. Regardless of the approach employed, you will be learning on the job.
Now, regardless of which mode your intro to the entry level employment site may be, you will have a learning curve in place. What is a learning curve? This refers to the amount of time you are reasonably expected to get the hang of a particular job. This is certainly a good thing that the company will have a decent reasonable expectation regarding how much time to give you to learn the proverbial ropes. But, do not assume that your learning curve will be open-ended. There comes a point when you really need to get the hang of the job or else you may find yourself in the proverbial pot of hot water.
Here is some advice: divide whatever timeframe you are given to get the hang of a job by 1/3. That is, if you are told you have 90 days of probation on the job, do your best to learn it as much as possible by day 30. By day 45 at the latest, you will assuredly need to be up to speed. Often, when they say 90 days, they are not going to be of the opinion that they can wait until day 88 to see something positive out of you. Life does not work that way! The employers will already have made up their minds about your performance long prior to end of the 90 days.
So, that means when you are placed in a learning stage, you need to do you best to get up to speed as soon as humanly possible. If not, you will find yourself in more than a bit of hot water with your new employers. Certainly, you would not want that to happen!
How can you improve your ability to get the most out of your entry level learning experience? There are a number of steps that can be employed to enhance your experience. First and foremost, when you start a new job - make the new job your number one priority. Don't get spread too thin by things you do outside of work. Concentrate on the new job almost exclusively in the beginning. This will enhance the learning stage enormously.
Keep a journal of your progress. Take complete notes of your training classes and anything you learn informally. This will help you pick things up rather quickly which is a great help.
Be all about business when you are a new hire. Sure, you need to be friendly with you co-workers but don't try to socialize too much when you are new. It leaves a bad impression and undermines your ability to learn.
And you definitely do not want to undermine your potential to learn at an entry level work site. The benefits gained from such an experience are so great you don't want to upend it in any way.
