Don't be scared when tackling the unknown. It's your chance to write the next chapter of your personal story.

One year ago, the fear of the unknown consumed my thoughts. I was about to graduate college – one of life’s most rewarding achievements – and yet I couldn’t enjoy it. I couldn’t allow myself to feel proud. I assumed when the novelty of graduation wore off, I was going to be unemployed and underwhelmed.
Everything changed, though, when I answered the call that would validate the four years leading up to it. On the other end of the phone was Reebok, offering me a position in their year-long Apprentice Program. It felt as though the world was offering me a sense of relief and peace of mind that my work hadn’t gone unnoticed. At that moment, I was officially employed by my dream company.

“Often, people say that your first job won’t be your favorite job or even a job you enjoy. It’s viewed as a stepping stone into the real world – an opportunity to transition from college life to work life, eventually preparing you for the role you truly want.”

My experience couldn’t have been more different from the aforementioned stereotype. My first job was not a lackluster stepping stone. In fact, it was quite the opposite.

As this chapter comes to a close and I embark on the next step of my journey, there are a few things I need to thank my first job for before saying goodbye.

1. Attitude is infectious.

Thank you to my first job for epitomizing the importance of personal attitude and the intangible impacts it can have. There will inevitably be days when you can’t control writer’s block or falling behind in email. You can, however, always control the attitude in which you go about those activities. Owning a positive attitude that others begin to recognize as the norm is a characteristic that becomes contagious – and I’m grateful to have caught this “bug.”

Attitude is key: at the CrossFit box and in the office. Your vibrancy inspires your coworkers in their work life as well.

2. Prioritize culture.

Thank you to my first job for showing me how a workplace environment can be the ultimate catalyst for growth. You spend just as much time (or more) with your coworkers as you do with your friends or family, so placing company culture high on the priority list became a must-do at my first job. At Reebok, the hour you take away from your desk to dedicate to fitness – whether it’s boxing, spin, yoga, CrossFit, running, etc. – is just as important as any other meeting on your schedule.

“It has become clear to me that you shouldn’t pursue just a job; you should pursue a culture that inspires you to be better and provides you the avenues to do so.”

3. Trust the process.

Thank you to my first job for teaching me how to maximize the potential in every day – and trusting that doing so will open the right doors. It was daunting to know that as a year-long apprentice, my future wasn’t necessarily guaranteed. That realization, though, allowed me to truly focus on each day as it came – worrying about the future would only hinder my development in the role. Through trusting the process, the next opportunity presented itself and I was well prepared to seize it.

So whether you’ve been doing the same job for years or are on a new path, think back to that first year you spent in the working world. What did you learn?

6 COMMENTS

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by Margaret Raabe 26.04.2016
Thank you for such a great article. I will also soon be looking for my first job and its great to hear landing your dream job right out of the gate is possible! Reebok is also a company I really admire, not only for their innovative products but also for their excellent company values and culture. Positive attitudes and good energy really does go a long way!
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by Nina Weihrauch (Moderator) 27.04.2016
Dear Margaret,

thank you for your comment. I hope you'll find a job, that suits you and coworkers who inspire and support your development. Keep up your positive attitude.



All the best,

Nina
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by Haris K. 28.04.2016
Dear Adidas Team,

It was a pleasure to read the article, and it reminds of my personal interest towards Adidas as a brand and a company. Yet, I feel disappointed. I have applied through the Adidas Career Site, haven´t got any email what so ever as feedback, tough Adidas stated that they would contact me. Wrote an email to the HR department as to solve the mystery what "application process closed " means. Haven´t heard back. Now please, is it possible to get an Answer ? I would really appreciate it. I also do understand that certain processes can take their time, but two months without any reply what so ever, seems a bit long to me.
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by Nina Weihrauch (Moderator) 28.04.2016
Dear Haris,

thank you for your comment. I'll check your application process with HR and will come back to you via e-mail.



Thanks for your understanding and all the best,



Nina
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by Tyler 06.12.2016
My first job was in Adidas store in NY and it has tough me a lot! I became the manager very soon and looks great on my resume. This service helped me a lot to create it https://bestcvwriting.com and I like to tell people about it to help out. Nice article!
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by Essay writing Uk 03.03.2018
This is the thing that you ought to incorporate into your card to say thanks. There are numerous events for sending an expert card to say thanks: after a prospective employee meeting, in the event that somebody helps you out, on the off chance that somebody has you in their office—the rundown goes on. Despite the reason, however, there are sure components you ought to dependably incorporate.
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