1

Believe in your abilities

Starting a new job, particularly if it's your first job, can feel both exciting and intimidating at the same time.

You may find yourself working alongside people who have many more years of experience than you. You may worry about making mistakes, compare yourself to others, or wonder whether you belong.

Many people experience these feelings when they start a new role. This is sometimes called imposter syndrome - the feeling that you are less capable than others believe you to be.

If you ever feel this way, remember:

• Your employer hired you for a reason
• They saw potential in you
• They do not expect you to know everything
• Every experienced professional was once a beginner

Know your strengths

One of the best ways to build confidence and self-belief is by recognising the strengths that you already possess.

Your strengths are the skills, attitudes, knowledge, and relationships that you bring to the team. You will have already reflected on these when applying for your role, but it's important you remind yourself and recognise how these develop as you progress.

Notice:

• What do people compliment you on?
• What tasks do you enjoy?
• What do you find easier than others?
• When have you made yourself proud?

Don't underestimate your potential

Too often, people place limits on themselves. They focus on what they cannot do today rather than what they could achieve in the future.

Your strengths, combined with effort, learning and experience, can take you much further than you might imagine. That is why it is important to think beyond your current situation and set goals that challenge and inspire you.

Ask yourself:

• What do you want your future to look like?
• What kind of career would you like to have?
• What impact do you want to make?

Don't be afraid to think big.

Think about where you would like your career to take you. Write down three ambitious goals that inspire and motivate you, and are achievable within the next five years. Try to make them specific and measurable enough that you will know when you have achieved them.

For even more motivation you can put these up somewhere you can see them every day.

Notice, are any of these goals the same as you set in 'Choosing Your Path'? Or has this changed since you've progressed?

You're wasting time if you spend your first month feeling like you don't belong. The only difference between you and me is I got here earlier. If we arrived at the same time, we would be at the same level. So the first thing is, let go of the imposter syndrome. Leave that thing at the door. You are inside - there's no need for you to be grateful to me that I got you in. Your qualifications got you in. It's no accident that you're here. And then in that month, let us hear your voice. Show us that you actually care about this company, that you care about where you are. Settle in, learn your organisation and build credibility.

Mabedi Mufahothe, Senior Manager, MTN Group