What employers are looking for in you.

So you’ve just completed your post graduation,congratulations, you’re now an MBA! You will be fast tracked to the front of the line in your future job assignments. The boss’ eyes will always look to you for a suggestion or a valuable input. Your future is set… or is it? While getting an MBA was always part of the plan, here are a few things you will need to know before you apply to your first off campus job in the real world. Most of these are unwritten expectations that employers have of you, and it is best to inculcate these values while still in college than try and retrofit yourself into them a few months into your job.

While an MBA will equip you to handle most of any situation that may arise in your professional lives this list is more about attitude and character traits that will help in the process of being an indispensable member of a management team.

1) Be proactive, not reactive:

Being proactive means sensing a need before it arises and planning a process such that when the need does arise, you have a solution in place to take care of it. Say you have a presentation the next day to a client that you know can be bettered, bring it to the attention of your superiors, and volunteer to make adjustments to it, such that the client is completely convinced that your firm amongst all others is the most suited to undertake the project.

2) Be a teamplayer:

No one person ever built a gargantuan monument all by themselves. It would be practically impossible to do so. The same is true in the modern business environment. Teams of dedicated employees strive together, bringing their collective expertise, skill sets and insights to deliver the best solutions. Being a team player entails being a people’s person, putting the needs of the team above individual needs and most importantly sharing the credit! Remember being egotistical will get you nowhere.

3) Be self-motivated:

Being self motivated simply means not dwelling too much on setbacks and being able to learn from mistakes. It also means being creative, showing an interest, perseverance and above all having single minded focus in pursuing your goals. Self-motivated individuals are most sought after in organisations with strong focus on innovation. Especially in the fields of new media, marketing, advertising and finance, where the need to innovate is high!

4) Never lose your inner child:

While this may sound pedantic, the childlike qualities of boundless enthusiasm, energy and infectious humour are extremely important, especially as part of a team. The inner child in us can help lift morale, build relationships and most of call reinvigorate the people around us. A smile and an attitude of curiosity will go a long way in making a positive impression on all and sundry. Overdoing it though will mean you get branded as a ‘good times guy or girl’ and that is not something you’d want for your reputation!    

5) Focus and determination:

Determination and focus are two key attributes that employers will look for in you. Determination to lead and follow without hesitation, focus to reach the goal and on all aspects of the execution of a project.

6) A clean reputation:

Employers are looking for employees who are, who they say they are in their CVs. Maintaining a good rapport with all you come in contact with, not indulging in malice or gossip and keeping your own reputation untarnished by the same will go a long way in ensuring that you have a clean bill of health character-wise. Always provide your prospective employers with references that are genuine and can bear testament to your character.

Follow and inculcate these simple tips and you will find that life and your professional career are on the right track in every way.