Stumbling blocks at the beginning of a career: What beginners don't think about

After graduation, nothing stands in the way of your career.

At least that's true in theory.

In practice, however, it often works differently.

Hamburg - you have your degree in your pocket and your career can begin.

After all, many graduates have already shown what they can do in internships.

But sometimes it is not that easy to get into position.

What newbies should know when starting a job:

Don't just consider large companies: 

Many young professionals believe that a large company automatically offers more and better opportunities than a small one.

After all, a group has branches all over the world, often offers fixed career programs, pays higher salaries and has prestige and large networks.

Conversely, this also means a lot of bureaucracy, clear hierarchies and rigid structures.

There is often no room for creativity and quick solutions.

"An idea that an employee has over breakfast can be approved in a smaller company by lunch," says career advisor and salary coach Martin Wehrle.

In a corporation that could take a few months.

Young professionals can quickly get lost in these structures.

If flexibility and creativity are more important than above-average salaries, it may be wrong in a corporation.

Applicants should therefore think carefully about what they want, says Veronika Latzel, career advisor in Hamburg.

If you want to work flexibly, prefer flat hierarchies and strive for freedom and responsibility, you might be better off with a medium-sized company or start-up.

Beginners should also bear this in mind, however: "It is relatively easy to switch from large to small companies, but difficult from small to large ones," says Wehrle.

Don't just do the duty: 

Diligence and discipline are virtues that are highly valued by superiors.

However, if you want to make a career as a beginner, you should overshoot the mark more often.

"Of course, the boss gives the commands that need to be implemented," says career advisor Wehrle.

The question is how?

Instead of comparing two competitors for marketing analysis, career-oriented people should check four companies and submit the report two days in advance rather than on the reference date.

Wehrle's credo: "Do not become a reliable and predictable vicarious agent."

Power and profile, that's the motto.

Don't come up with new ideas straight away: 

If you want to make a career, you have to show initiative.

Especially if you are new, you usually still have an open view, recognize potential for improvement and want to stand out with good ideas.

But be careful!

Too much commitment can quickly be interpreted negatively for applicants.

“It is important that you observe very closely in the first few months, ask questions and try to get to know the rules of the game,” says Britta Schäfer.

She is a coach and graduate psychologist in Munich.

Those who point out grievances too quickly step on the feet of others.

It is therefore good when beginners first write down their ideas and then apply them when they are recognized and have found their place.

Don't wait for others to approve: 

Motivated praise!

That is a truism.

Nevertheless, it has not yet reached the heads of all superiors.

So career starters are better off if they don't wait for approval from their superiors or colleagues, but celebrate their successes themselves.

In many cases, however, this is easier said than done.

Why not take a photo after a successful day and stick it on the mirror at home?

That is what motivational psychologist Rolf Schmiel advises.

Then what you have achieved is better remembered.

dpa / tmn