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For many
new graduates, moving from school into the workplace is a huge culture shock.
They are going from an environment where everyone has been the same age and
generational outlook to a suddenly diverse social environment with people of
all ages and backgrounds present. Learning the ropes of a new job,
mastering the social ladder of a workplace, and in general, trying to figure
out business etiquette can be pretty frustrating to new workers.
Here are
some survival tips for new grads in the workplace on navigating their
bold new venture in the work world:
1.Be Patient
Today’s
graduates are used to the fast pace of technology and in a way, this has built
up a low tolerance for being willing to wait. Especially for job promotions or
advancement. “Yeah, yeah, I get it. Now, let’s move on,” seems to be the
mantra.
But
unfortunately, the big wheels of business don’t move that quickly and sometimes
the opportunity simply isn’t there yet. Take a deep breath. It will happen, but
not necessarily on YOUR timelines. It’s all in the timing… great things come to
those that wait!
2. Don’t Forget ToThank Those That Help You
Manners do
matter, and those that have made the effort to help you remember who has
thanked them or not. This can have far-reaching impacts on your career – those
that become your biggest supporters can open doors you can’t even imagine…both
now and in the future.
3. Realize Your
Career Will Be A Series Of Choices, Not “A” Choice.
I read
somewhere the average high school student is going to have 23 jobs in their
lifetime. So, if statistics don’t lie, you definitely won’t be putting all your
eggs in one basket. Don’t like the work that you are doing and it isn’t
rewarding enough? Then look for the skills that are transferable out of that
job and roll them into something you DO enjoy doing.
4. Tread Lightly And
Carefully
Until you
have an accurate read on each person in your office, keep your cards close to
your chest. Gossip never has a place in the workplace, but it does happen, and
that person you confided in could just as easily turn around and stab you in
the back… torpedoing your career. Keep your own counsel.
5. Education Doesn’t
End With Your Graduation
Not too
many career centers or colleges/universities prepare students for the
staggering fact that their education isn’t ending… in fact, it is just
starting. Beyond your formal schooling, there’s a whole new universe of
learning called “professional development” – this is the stuff that will give
you the job-specific skills to be successful.
This
process does not end until you retire. And if you ignore this area, you will
have a much more difficult time with career advancement because employers are
hiring subject matter experts. How can you build your knowledge?
6.Network
In school,
this was called making friends. And you’ll be doing that same thing, but in a
business context. Some of my best friends were met while we were working
together, some are closer friends now than others, but the point is that
networking really is building a connection with people with whom you have some
kind of shared interest or goal.
When you
have that “spiderweb” of people in your network, you’ll find that job and life
opportunities flow much easier your way because these are the people who can and
want to help you.
7. Realize your office mates aren't your parents
The work
world doesn’t operate that way… you either sink or swim. You are judged by your
actions and you should always do the right thing and never expect someone to be
there to catch you when you fall. That’s called life, and over the course of
your career, you are going to make mistakes and have to learn from them. That’s
called experience.
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