Top 5 Tips for College Grads Entering the Working World

1) Build a Relationship With Your Boss:

Like it or not, no single individual has a greater impact on your career future than your direct supervisor. So, how do you get on their good side from the start? Managers want to feel that you truly care, and that you are "in it with them" as a team. Bring your boss solutions, not problems. When a problem arises, take initiative to consider what alternatives are available. Don't just throw the problem on their desk and have them figure it out. Always ask your boss for advice on what you or the company could do better. Offer to stay late for projects, even if they might not be your responsibility. Amazingly, many Americans rush out the door at 4:59 without even saying "Goodnight."

2) Display Professionalism and Maturity:

Unfortunately, the immature stereotype of young professionals does present a common barrier to advancement. Often, how you respond to adversity in a situation defines your professional maturity. A young professional views a mistake as a catastrophe, while a mature professional considers it a bump in the road. A young professional is quick blame to others, while a mature professional takes responsibility, and asks how a team can work better together in the future. There will always be differences of opinion on how best to do things in an organization, but they shouldn't escalate to confrontation. Tact, diplomacy, and rational adult conversation should reign.

3) Find a Mentor Within the Company/Industry:

Take advice from someone who has succeeded, and they will help you succeed. Makes sense, doesn't it? Some companies sponsor structured mentor programs, as do many professional organizations. Be sure to investigate these options first. Otherwise, you must rely on a more informal method of finding a mentor. You might believe these people are too busy, or too important to talk to you. However, most people want to share their secrets to success with someone who really wants to listen. They also understand mentoring helps contribute to the future success of the company by helping to develop other young leaders. Besides, they probably had a mentor, too.

4) Undertake a Strategic Development Plan:

It's never too early to start thinking about where your current job will take you. Understand typical advancement paths from your position, and what training and development is needed for advancement. Invest in yourself and learn from colleagues, books, seminars, and professional organizations. Try to identify your niche or area of specialization within a company or industry that will be in demand in the future. Where do you want to be in 2 years, or 5 years? You must take develop your own strategic game plan, and hold yourself accountable.

5) Avoid Dangerous Pitfalls:

A recent study by Harvard University showed that for every firing due to failure to perform, there are two firings due to personality conflicts within a team. There could be temptations to mislead a customer to get one more sale, or hide a mistake from management. Internet and e-mail abuse is still a widespread problem. Further, the threat of sexual harassment is real. Often, the intent of the offender may not necessarily be malicious, but rather they don't realize the difference between what is appropriate in the workplace vs. a "night out at the clubs." It is imperative to understand the rules of the game, and abide by those rules, to avoid irreparable damage to your career from the start.

Andy Masters is a nationally recognized speaker from St. Louis, and is author of the newly released book Life After College: What to Expect and How to Succeed in Your Career. Andy earned an M.A.-Human Resources Development and an M.A.-Marketing from Webster University. Visit http://www.life-after-college.com or e-mail am1@life-after-college.com for more information on the book, seminars, and additional resources.

---

A Peek at Nursing as a Career

We need more people to choose nursing as a career.... Read More

4 Internet Job Search Mistakes to Avoid

The Internet is the most powerful employment tool on earth.... Read More

Women Who Quit Work Abrubtly After Childbirth - Are You the Type?

According to statistics one out of every five pregnant women... Read More

How to Turn Career Mistakes into Career Wins

I recently talked with a client who was paralyzed at... Read More

Feedback: Take It or Leave It ... But Get It

The expense was substantial. An immersion workshop with twelve participants... Read More

Success at Work : People Skills : Networking

Getting along with your co-workers is critical to yourhappiness and... Read More

How You Can Find Freelance Writing Employment

How can you find writing jobs? Do you have proven... Read More

Yesterdays Hero

Wonder Woman makes it looks so easy. She gets up... Read More

12 Steps to Targeting Success in Your Career or Job Search

Is your job search sagging? Are you still looking for... Read More

How Well Do You Manage Your Boss?

Are you in this situation? You and your boss just... Read More

Moving Without A Job: Should You Move to the Location of Your Dreams and THEN Look for a Job?

Moving without a job will challenge your identity -- but... Read More

Whats Stopping You from Getting Your Next, Good Job?

This question comes up often when I'm working with someone... Read More

Stop Whining and Ask For What You Want!

When you want something, the best way to get it... Read More

Your Goals Must Be Within Your Reach

FIRST STEP -- Set short-term, incremental goals.... Read More

What To Do When HR Calls...

Generally, when you present yourself as a prospective candidate for... Read More

How to Work Effectively With Recruiters

"R-E-S-P-E-C-T / find out what it means to me" is... Read More

Finding a Job Under Tough Circumstances

Anyone can find a job. That's right, I said "anyone".... Read More

Job! Money! Career!

Feel somehow your life is stuck in MS-OFFICE ? The... Read More

Resume Formats ... The Hidden Pitfalls

Deciding on a resume format is the first major decision... Read More

The Telecommuting Tightrope

For many of us, telecommuting seems like the ideal situation.... Read More

Im just me - An Overview of an Web er.. Designer, Developer, Consultant and Friend

I am going to give you a breakdown of my... Read More

10 Steps to Getting the Most Out of Job Fairs

Many job seekers tend to overlook job fairs. They can... Read More

Risk-taking - Get Your Feet Wet!

We often use the phrase, "Get Your Feet Wet" when... Read More

Tips For Surviving As A Corporate Refugee

In her book "Are You A Corporate Refugee", Ruth Luban... Read More

Dissatisfied With Work? Perhaps Its You

Just about every month, there's a new research report detailing... Read More