How My First Job Played A Big Role In My Career Journey

I was 21 going on 22 when I got my first job. It was right after campus. This was a sales job at Business Leads Ltd, where I worked from my boss’ house. I was the only employee then. Here, my duties revolved around telesales, and door to door sales.

I remember a time when I had spoken to this client over the phone and he seemed interested in the offer I was presenting to him. When I got to meet him at his office later on just to finalize on the deal, he changed and chased me out of the office. He did not want anything to do with what I had to say. That was very disappointing for me.

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Soon after, the company got to grow and two more employees were recruited to be part of the team. My boss thus gave me the responsibility of managing these employees, and although the salary was still the same, I took the role and the job so seriously. In the end, I was able to hone supervisory skills that have stuck with me to date.

I later landed another job as a Customer Service Officer in an insurance company. Here, I was earning Ksh35,000. Just like the previous job I had had, I decided to give it my all. I was soon given the responsibility of training those recruited.

My passion was in client management, speaking to the clients and understanding their needs. The skills I acquired at my first job I feel taught me and better placed me in my career path. Because of my skills and knowledge in relating to customers, they generally loved me. There were those who specifically wanted to see me and if I was not around, they would wait just for me. It was a good experience for me.

I got a job later on at a leading recruitment firm in the country where I am currently the General Manager. I believe in growing people, something I got from the previous positions I held at the firms I worked for. Now, I am able to see people’s strengths and tap into them.

Although I am not directly involved in sales, the skills I acquired have stuck with me to date.

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Lessons learned

You can start from anywhere. Do not discount humble beginnings.

There is no wasted experience. Every experience you go through will build you in one way or the other, and help in directing you not only in your career path but life in general.

No job is too menial for you. It is the skills you acquire that will eventually put you at a better place.

Always be consistent and hardworking. An employer wants to know that they can count on you.

And lastly, remember that every step is a learning ground.