Your first job is setting the context for all next ones.

So you should be carefull and that is why we go to school for. It is like playing football and the ball is out. And it is your turn to get the ball back in. So you are not waiting until you have arrived there at the line, watching where your team mates are and thinking, "where is the best place I will throw this ball." No, once knowing that it is your turn, you are already observing the positions of the players and when you have arrived at the side you throw the ball right where it should go.

There is a big difference between school and study and the real world outside. Some have the entrepreneurial spirit when they are still young and they present themselves at the market.

Others start by a first job, and a second, a third... But, wait a minute, before you know it you are in the middle of a course you cannot longer escape from. You build up expertise and people hire you to do the trick again.

So your first job sets the tone and direction for all others. Do you accept the first offer presenting itself or do you take more time to find one that fits you better?

Finding a job that suits you is like outlining a business strategy. You have to take into account the market, your (internal) competences, trends, etc. But most of all, the first step in implementing this strategy is dominating the rest.

Take your time and implement the best strategy that suits you.

2005 Hans Bool