How do you choose a logical next step after college? Practical tips from Felicia
Felicia Semedo Correia is a Junior Contract Manager at Staffing MS (part of HR-tech service provider HeadFirst Group). The path to this was not necessarily obvious. Felicia studied fashion and then worked at a bailiff's office. "It is not easy to choose your career path when you find out that your education and first job do not sufficiently match your wishes and skills. But when you stay true to what you can do and like, you always end up in the right place in the end."
Felicia always had the talent to make clothes, but what she didn't know is that when she chose to study fashion, it also came with a lot of negativity. Young designers' designs were often stolen and she also found out that it was mostly a polluting industry, something she still feels strongly about. The fashion industry was in conflict with her values, which complicated the choice of what to do next. "Eventually I ended up at a temp agency, through whom I started working at a collection agency. I was able to advance there and that was an important reason for me to choose this. It ended up being a nightmare, to say the least. What I get hot about is helping people, but the debt collection world is pretty "strict. People were not people, but numbers. We were mainly looking at people's wallets, whereas I wanted to help them."
Helping people
Felicia chose to go to Cape Verde for a while. When she returned, she knew for sure that her future job should focus on being able to help people. "When I entered Staffing MS, I found that I could actually do this. Whether it's login issues or making sure professionals turn everything in on time so they can get paid, it doesn't matter. Whatever it is, you can really add value."
Skills that fit your job
In addition, it was important to Felicia that she be able to multitask in her job, because she does this well. However, Felicia also calls telephone communication a required skill. "Talking to people on the phone requires patience and understanding. Sometimes someone even asks: how do you make an exclamation point? You still have to be able to keep calm in such situations."
At Staffing MS, Felicia primarily communicates with clients. For example, she makes sure professionals can submit hours on time. "But sometimes we also support Staffing MS consultants, which means I help with extensions, new rates and intakes that can be scheduled. It's a very versatile job, in which you have to be administratively strong."
Tips from Felicia
Felicia has an important tip for people who are searching in what might be a logical next step for them. "Really try to look at yourself. What can you do and what makes you happy? And then find a job with that. For me, this was in the fact that I could communicate well and wanted to help people. I started looking for that in a job and that's how I ended up here."
Felicia is in her place at Staffing MS. "The team feels like a family. When you're not feeling well, I've never been afraid to point it out. People are understanding and genuinely help you. I never had that at my previous job because I was afraid of being judged for it.
Tips from HeadFirst Group:
Choosing the first steps in your career can sometimes be tricky. Whether you have just completed your education, are looking for a new job or are just starting to think about your career path, sometimes you just don't know where to start. We'd like to share some tips to get you started:
1. Get informed
Spend time researching your options and learning about the different career paths out there. Talk to people already working in those fields, read industry news and visit social media pages and groups affiliated with the field.
2. Make a plan
Once you have done your research and have a better overview of the field and opportunities, create a plan with your goals. This plan should include the steps you want to take to achieve your desired career, and it should include a timeline with when you want to accomplish what. Importantly, you should also look at your skills. What skills do you master and what really energizes you? Include this in your plan and your final choice.
3. Take action
It can be tempting to sit back and wait for the right opportunity to present itself, but don't be afraid to really look it up. Approach potential employers, network with people in the industry and don't be afraid to apply for jobs that may not be a perfect fit or may not seem logical.
Are you also curious to know what your strong skills are and if this might suit a job as a Contract Manager? Take the test and find out!
Of course, there is also the possibility to spar with us about your next step. Please contact us. We are happy to think along with you!