Tip of the week: Ensure a Successful Start to Your Career

Wed, 25 Sep 2013 21:51:35 -0400

Story from: http://www.youtern.com/thesavvyintern/index.php/2013/09/24/5-tips-for-young-professionals-for-a-successful-career-start/

Joining a corporate office for the first time is often intimidating. You may be regarded as the “new kid” for months (or until another new employee is hired).

This is no reason to lose your confidence, however. Your employer hired you because they felt you would add value to the company – and you will!

Succeeding in the corporate world is a game, and you can win with these 5 strategies (and by avoiding some common mistakes):

1. Be Mindful of Your Actions

Always show people your most confident side and never discount your ideas. While always maintaining a collaborative and willing-to-learn attitude, stand up for yourself.

Mistakes to avoid:

Polling before making a decision

Sharing too much personal information

Needing to be liked

Being overly concerned with offending others

2. Keep a Success-oriented Mindset

Being new to a company can be overwhelming, but never lose your confidence in yourself. You are great at what you do, that is why you are there. Take advantage of the possibilities your company can offer.

Mistakes to avoid:

Setting high, unrealistic standards for yourself

Limiting your possibilities

Talking yourself out of a promotion you know you deserve

Abandoning your career goals

3. Brand and Market Yourself As if You Are the Boss

After all, their position is the one you ultimately want to have, right? This goes beyond the over-used “dress for the job you want” advice, however. You must consistently exhibit the drive and professionalism of a higher level than your current position… emphasis on “consistently”.

Mistakes to avoid:

Minimizing your work or position

Waiting to be noticed

Being modest

Staying in your comfort zone

4. Show You’ve Moved from a College Graduate to a Young Professional

Always be mindful of your tone. When speaking among your colleagues and peers, always be confident that what you are saying holds value, and it will.

Mistakes to avoid:

Second guessing yourself

Asking for permission

Apologizing for your beliefs

Failing to pause or reflect before answering questions

5. Control How Your Character and Work Ethic Are Perceived

Your response to actions occurring around the office and feedback received from colleagues shows a lot about your character and work ethic. Although negative feedback is criticism, taking it constructively can only help you grow.

Mistakes to avoid:

Internalizing messages

Tolerating inappropriate behavior

Biding your time instead of taking action

Putting the needs of others before your own

The keys to corporate success mostly revolve around knowing your worth and the value you deliver to your employer. Recognizing this power statement can only bring you great success and happiness.