By: Susan Finco, President, Leonard & Finco Public Relations
While
attending a number of graduations in the past few weeks, I’ve been thinking
about the exciting world of possibilities for the grads I know. Of course, most
grads are just trying to find a job before they start thinking about setting
the world on fire. The work world can
seem a bit overwhelming; especially in the early going. But, there are some simple tips for success
that can help with that transition. Some
of them are things I wish I knew, or paid more attention to, at that stage of
life.
Network. You don’t know where your next promotion, job
or career will come from. By networking, you’ll be surprised at the personal
and professional friends you’ll make. They won’t all look like you, talk like you or
act like you; but they will care about you. Conversely, you are going to meet
and work with some people you really don’t like. Learn how to manage those more difficult
situations and you’ll gain valuable skills that will help you succeed.
Talk with your boss. No, this is not brown-nosing. How do you know what makes your boss tick and
what’s important to them if you don’t talk with them? How will they know about
your successes and your challenges? Early in my career I thought if I just did my job, my boss would know I
what a good job I was doing. Now I realize
they weren’t mind readers!
Understand the business side of the
business you’re in. No matter what
the business, the bottom line is important. Understand what drives the bottom line of the business you’re in and how
your work fits into the picture. Not only will this give you a better sense of
purpose, but it will ultimately make you more successful.
Finally, two
words sum up what might be the most important advice: show up. Show up mentally
each and every day and show up on time for work and for meetings with
colleagues and clients alike. It’s easy to be distracted by your social life, a
boyfriend or girlfriend, or that new apartment you’re hoping to move into next
weekend. By paying attention to the work
at hand while you’re actually working, you’ll learn a lot about your
environment, co-workers, clients and career.
As for being on time, it’s a simple way to show respect for the work you
do as well as other people’s time. And
don’t bolt out the door at the end of the day. You don’t have to stay an hour after everyone else, but don’t hit the
eject button at 5 p.m. on the dot.
While making
the jump from college to career is exciting and frightening all the same time,
it can be a fun and very worthwhile journey. So jump in and enjoy the ride!
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