I learned a lot of things in college about my looming professional life. Dress nicely, own a pencil skirt, don’t wear open-toed shoes, have a firm handshake, stop drinking so much on Thursdays, dye your hair every once in a while, write ‘thank you’ letters, have a unique and buttoned-up resume. BLAH. It’s all there, swimming around in our heads.
Now that I’ve been in the professional world for THREE WHOLE YEARS (holy lord), I have some more specific advice.
From one twenty-something to another, let’s get professional.
Rule #232: At work, never act based on emotion.
Sometimes, it’s easy to have one of your ideas turned down. Or maybe, you don’t get to work on the project you were dying to touch, go to that photo shoot, travel downtown for a fun agency meeting. Whatever it may be, thank the appropriate person for the opportunity, make a personal understanding within yourself and walk away. You’ll appear immature if you make a tuft out of it. I’ve been known to be emotional and passionate – that’s fine but lock it up on the job. Nobody wants to see your deer-in-headlights-face at the end of a long, strenuous meeting.
Rule #233: If you’re 15 minutes early, you’re on time. If you’re on time, you’re late. If you’re late, try not to get fired.
This sounds dramatic, but it’s sadly true. Always be timely, and by timely I mean early. On top of being super convenient for your colleagues, it shows you care. When you don’t care, nobody is going to care about you. **drops mic**
Rule #234: Be willing to do things that “aren’t your job.”
This is a big pill to swallow, but you have to be willing to do extra EVEN if you’re no longer an intern. Having a real job doesn’t make your farts smell like daffodils. Instead of complaining about the extra work, put effort into it. Your employers will singsong their praises and never give you a bad review. But if these extra things are the ONLY things you’re doing and your career isn’t becoming better because of it, leave. You should be learning too.
Rule #235: Find a ‘work mentor.’
I found my first work mentor the minute I walked into the door at my current job. Whenever I was having trouble, they were happy to point me in the right direction and improve my work ethic. Don’t swirl in your desk chair and hope you’ll figure things out. That’s not how life works! Find help, ask questions and gain knowledge. Your work mentor will become an invaluable resource.
Rule #236: Don’t tell people your problems, tell them your proposals.
Instead of waltzing through the office yelling, “I have a problem!” (ok, maybe you don’t do this, but you feel me), tell your boss you “have a proposal.” Offering potential solutions instead of complaining about a dilemma you have, will bring forward a lot more opportunity. And, you’ll appear mature and practical.
Rule #237: Do the work happy hour.
I know it seems awful sometimes; awkwardly walking into a dive bar with a bunch of people you share cube space and have horrible conversations about weather in the community kitchen. Sometimes, you gotta get over that. Building relationships in the office are key, even if they may seem superficial and obstinate at first. Order a $3 beer, relax and bond with your work friends. You’ll look like a team player and hey, maybe you’ll meet someone you genuinely enjoy. Or hate. That’s fun to talk about to your girlfriends later too.
Rule #238: Thank the people that helped you get where you are today. A lot.
Go beyond what you see fit thanking colleagues in your professional endeavors. Don’t buy them a puppy, but definitely get them a card or take them out to lunch. People remember gratitude and they will remember you for it.
Make Sure You Put the "Care" in Career [Twenty-Something Rules]
