IBA has taught us a lot of different things. As students, we learnt how university is different from school, who our real friends are, the different kinds of people there are out there and so much more. But most importantly, we learn that it is imperative to do things on our own. So, if you are a fresh IBA grad – or soon to be one – these two cents are for you!
Life as we knew it
Be it a technical Accounting and Finance course or an intense Philosophy, Logic, and Ethics exam, it all boils down to your individual efforts put in to overcome the plethora of challenges thrown our way. However, life after university is all about being practical. No one really cares about the conventional method of balancing a balance sheet by Sir Aman Ullah or the really cool social events you hosted during your four years if you cannot turn theory into practice. It is all about what you took from your experiences.
Of course, no one expects you to blow them off their feet on the first day of your new job because, well, your employer was well aware of your skills when they hired you. However, there are little tips and tricks you can nail that will prove that you are, indeed, a fresh IBA grad!
As fresh graduates, many IBA students have heard common phrases like “IBA grads think too highly of themselves” to “IBA students surely work to the bone and make a difference”. While there are many good things about IBA grads out there, some negatives hold very true in the corporate sector.
Tips and tricks to get you started
After several discussions with my current employers, previous potential employers, and guest speakers during PE and various sessions, below is a small list of things you could perfect that would take the edge off the common misconception at your workplace. So, if you are a fresh IBA grad or a near-fresh grad looking to dive into the corporate world soon, this article is for you!
1. Communication
During this day and age of multiple channels of communication, it can often get hazy to identify the type and level of communication you need to be acquainted with. This is especially true in the world of today with agile workspaces. Be it over email, WhatsApp, Facebook, and/or in person, knowing the right kind of language to use with your coworkers is extremely crucial. One form of communication might be okay with one certain colleague, however, another colleague could be less acquainted with this approach.
It is best to ask as many questions as you can when you are new in the place. Because you are new, more often than not, people are more than willing to help you get started. So, all you IBA grads; brush up on all those skills taught in those Business Communication classes!
2. Initiative
Everyone loves someone who can maneuver through challenging moments. However, this is an art that needs to be spread over multiple situations to be learnt. IBA gives you plenty of chances to tackle difficult scenarios by the use of your capability and imagination. The diverse mix of courses gives you a taste of multiple scenarios and and the billion projects keep on your toes. Use these opportunities to constantly challenge yourself to take initiative and keep moving forward.
3. Responsibility
This is an extremely attractive trait to master in the eyes of employers especially if you are an IBA grad! In fact, being responsible helps your managers and HODs open up to you and assign you important tasks. This slow relinquish of control brings you a lot of self-confidence and equips you with the drive to keep going.
4. Punctuality
This is a make it or break it habit with most employers today! So, here’s to Lalarukh Ejaz – or Najam Akbar, Nadia Sayeed, Imran Rauf, etc – who kept you running between 15-minute breaks from class to class if you are now a person of the clock. (If you look closely, it is mainly the ex-IBA grads that keep you agile).
5. Presentation skills
I have always been of the opinion that you are the supplement to your presentation; not the other way around. A good presentation holds the vital information which you mediate in a convenient way to the receiver of the information. So, for heaven’s sake! DO NOT put long, multiple sentences on your presentation and read off of the slides. Unfortunately, this is a common practice which is highly unimpressive in a corporate setting!
You got this, IBA grad!
It really is the little things that polish your skills and make you a better person in the corporate environment. No one expects a fresh grad to blow the company’s socks off. However, it is the nitty-gritty details that help you put together the whole picture! So, if you are a fresh IBA grad – or soon to be one – good luck and best wishes to you!
