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Campus to Career: Success on the Job
Safeguarding
Your Search | Your Public Self | Still
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Pre-Employment Testing | Success on the Job | Business
Protocol
Entering the workforce is one of the most exciting transitions in your life. No matter where you are or what your position, one thing is certain - you will be getting paid to experience new things and to meet new people (while using those skills built at UNC-Chapel Hill, of course). In order to help you make this adjustment go smoothly, we have compiled a list of tips for success in your new environment.
Adjusting
You will not be asked to save the world in your first few days
or months. Take the time to learn about the organization and to get comfortable.
You will most likely receive an assortment of tasks. Some you will enjoy
and others you may dislike. Do all your projects to the best of your
abilities and meeting all deadlines. Remember, your work is always a
reflection of you. As you begin to demonstrate your reliability, supervisors
will assign you more projects of interest and importance.
Demonstrate Dependability
Don’t worry, the initial nervousness will wear off shortly! Your
biggest adjustment in any new adventure, especially a job, may be the
expectations you have set. Your new position may be different than what
you expected. This is neither a good nor bad scenario, probably just
different. Approach your job with an open mind and try to understand
the overall process. New employees tend to doubt themselves and their
intelligence. Hint: Remember that you were selected from hundreds of
other applicants. The employer knows that you can do the work. Otherwise,
you would not be there! On the other hand, be realistic about “paying
your dues.” As bright and ambitious as you are, you will usually
start at the bottom rung, sometimes doing mundane work. Be patient.
No Grades
In college, papers, projects, and tests were returned
to you promptly by the faculty member and assigned a grade. You always
knew your “performance
rating.” At work, things will be different. You complete a project
and may be told nothing, “thank you,” or “good work.” You
may be told primarily how that project needs to be improved or what else
needs to be done before it is considered complete. Discuss with your
supervisor how your performance will be evaluated. If you get little
feedback, you may try asking for it. Usually you can assume that “no
news is good news”.
Take Control of Your Career
Always remember to manage the task at hand.
Don’t focus on moving
ahead before you master what you are doing now. If you really want to
advance, perform beyond your job description. Complete your projects
and demonstrate a willingness to help others. Teamwork is rewarded.
- Arrive early and stay late—demonstrates more commitment
- Communicate with your supervisor—know her/his preferences and provide updates regarding your assignments
- Accept all new responsibilities
- Dress for success
Fitting In
Learn the office politics by watching and listening
to your colleagues. Is there any office terminology to learn? How does
everyone else dress?
Respect all workers at every level in the hierarchy. Know the chain of
command. Avoid emotionally charged subjects and gossip. Most of all,
join in the conversation, but don’t get caught up in office gossip
and rumor-mongering. Pay attention to and learn from those with specific
knowledge that you wish to gain.
Document Success
Maintain a record of all your accomplishments, including
your performance evaluations. Keep a portfolio that contains information
about your major
projects. It makes you feel good to see how you are making a difference
and this material will be important if you apply for higher-level positions
or if you are in the job market at a future time.
Workplace Fashions
Gone are the days of rolling out of bed, putting on
shorts, and heading to class. In a professional environment, you appearance
DOES matter.
Since work cultures vary widely, there is no one standard of dress. You
cannot go wrong by using this philosophy: dress for your next position
or promotion.
- Promotable people dress as though they have the position already
- Observe those around you and dress to fit in
- Ask what the expected attire is on day one
Good luck!
Questions, comments? Email us
at ucs@unc.edu
919-962-6507
Campus Recruiting & Job Listings
Networking: It's Easier than You Think
Diversity in the Career Search: Resources for Specific Populations
