Summer is here and that means recent college grads everywhere are entering the job search, internships or workforce for the first time. I recall this period on my life feeling a bit like culture shock since I was totally unprepared for what lay ahead. I struggled for months in the job search and early career management which is probably why I’m so passionate about helping career newbies in my line of work. There was a ton of learning along the way and looking back, there are 6 pieces of advice I wish someone would have given me as I left college for the real world.
1. Try an Internship
Internships are a great way to network inside a company and lay the foundation for future opportunities especially if your goal is to eventually be hired with your internship company. The downside is that of working for free but the upside is that of an immediate entry point or foot in the door AND exposure to the hiring decision makers. If you’re struggling in the job search, and months are passing without any luck, you may want to try this route.
2. Work Your Butt Off
First impressions are everything so you’ll want to start by proving yourself as qualified and competent. Don’t slack off or be caught surfing the web. Do your job to the best of your abilities so that you’re exceeding expectations and keeping your manager happy. Raise your hand to take on more work at every opportunity as long as your quality of work is strong. This will send the message that you are serious about what you do. It will also help you start developing a wide range of skills and valuable experiences to speak to on your resume.
3. Network Network Network
When you’re not working hard, make a point to start building relationships with everyone around you: your manager, peers, and team. Don’t eat lunch or take coffee breaks alone. Think of these little breaks as opportunities to establish the personal connections from which to build your future relationships.
4. Make Your Boss Look Good
Whether you start with a paid job or internship, it’s important to prove yourself to everyone around you. Companies will look internally first when it comes to promoting or hiring and a referral from your boss will go a long way towards helping you be considered. The easiest way to stand out: getting the job done and making your boss’s life easier. Every time you make your boss look good consider it a gold star in your favor and one step closer to the golden ticket.
5. Ask Questions
Even though you want to make a strong first impression, don’t be afraid to ask questions. Managers respect people who aren’t afraid to ask as this will help to build your skill and allow the team to perform more efficiently. Your manager is there to help you succeed but managers aren’t mind readers so do ask if you’re feeling lost. If you’re not comfortable asking your boss, find someone on your team who seems willing to help and ask them instead.
6. Get On Linkedin & Be Active
As you start to build your network, carry it over to Linkedin so you can start accumulating and managing your network in the virtual space. This will help you stay organized and connected throughout your career. Go ahead and start connecting to the people with whom you work and stay in touch. You’d be surprised how even your first professional relationships will come back to help you in your future.
Was any of this helpful? Any advice I missed? Leave a comment to share your experience. For more college grad and early career advice, check out these posts and videos:
2 Strategies for the College Grad Job Search
Youtube Video: Career Advice for College Grads on the First Day of Work
Youtube Video: Why Every Career Move Counts On Your Resume
How to Turn Your Volunteer Work Into a Paying Job
Why You Need to Be on Linkedin
10 Ways to Leverage Linkedin® for a Career Change
Can’t stress the networking part enough! I might add that finding mentors is absolutely one of the best way to fast forward your career.
Thanks for the comment Jake! Finding mentors is a great piece of advice to add to the list.