It’s not just a job. It’s a career. Invest in your future. Invest in yourself.

By Eric Baldwin

When I went to college, I didn't realize that I would have done much better in the beginning stages of my career had I been taught more about the realities and politics in the professional work environment. Most students are sheltered while in college and are not given enough career guidance to deal with the complexities of an ever-changing society. As a result, work can become a frightening and stressful place - filled with unknown pitfalls. I hope to share some of my personal experiences and career tips to help guide students by writing this article.

Like many students, I held an assortment of part time jobs during my college years: Bus boy, camp counselor, retail assistant and front desk clerk were a few of the hats I wore to finance my education. I was able to do well during that time of my life but when I got my first "real" job after graduation, I found out that there was a whole new set of rules to understand if I wanted to survive the workplace well. Through the "school of hard knocks" and getting great advice from time to time, I was able to put it all together. I'd like to share some ideas with you to help make your career path a little easier to deal with.

Here are some important techniques and suggestions for you to consider:

• Be a team player. Most jobs will require that you work with others in some capacity. Don’t try to fly solo to impress your boss. Good managers recognize the individual efforts that play a part in the success of any team project. Practice office yoga. Many of you will have multiple supervisors, demanding deadlines and a variety of tasks to accomplish where you may have little training. You may be asked to travel or even relocate. Flexibility will be demanded of you. Find out if there are aspects of the job on which you cannot compromise before you accept it. For example, do not take a job in which you may be expected to relocate if you really don't want to move.
• Manage your time effectively. Successful students are very good at managing their time in school, but it can be different in a work setting.
• Undertake the most important projects when you are the most energetic and mentally sharp. Usually this is the first part of the day. Save the mundane tasks for after lunch.
• Keep your workspace organized. Use the F.A.T. principle with everything that crosses your desk. In other words, either File it, Act on it, or Throw it away.
• Delegate appropriate tasks to a team or others.
• Build a personal rewards structure to keep yourself motivated.
• Practice healthy habits. A good diet, rest, and exercise counteract the negative effects of stress.
• Be a diplomat. Build strong relationships with your co-workers. Most work environments aren’t as casual as the university social environment, so observe and take cues from co-workers. Avoid office gossip, maintain confidences and follow through on promises.
• Investigate. Even if you go through a formal training program, there are always things you can learn on your own. Learn the big picture. Understand how the organization relates to its clients, suppliers, and other stakeholders.
• Be a lifelong learner. I know - you thought you were done when you swung the tassel on your mortarboard. The truth is you will be expected to continue learning for the rest of your life. There will be mandatory training, but look for other opportunities your employer may provide. These will often put you on the fast track for promotions.
• Understand that you are the face of the organization. How you dress and conduct yourself are often the only impressions clients and external stakeholders will have of your organization. Consider the attire worn by others in the workplace and be sensitive to special events that call for a change in dress.
• Opportunities for the new members to get involved. There are certain tasks that new employees may be expected to handle that seem mundane. You may feel like you are off to a slow start when performing these tasks, but everyone pays their dues. Your attitude is being evaluated during these tasks, so use it as an opportunity to shine. If you feel like you've grown and are ready to enhance your position, ask that you be given new responsibilities in addition to the ones you have.

It’s not just a job. It’s a career. Invest in your future. Invest in yourself. Take advantage of opportunities that could enhance your life. Identify mentors and learn from them. Strengthen new and current skills. If you implement just some of these suggestions, you will be on your way to making things better for yourself. Good luck!