Work > Tips
While I don't claim to have all the answers, below are a few of the lessons I learned in my first two years on the job. You may also want to check out the Work Archives of the Life After College blog.
Tips for Work Life After College
» Entry Level Realities (Q&A with Michael Ball)» New Job Proverbs (CollegeGrad.com).
» PursueThePassion.com's E-Book: Timeless Advice for the Aspiring Individual
Additional Tips
Don't ever underestimate yourself. Likewise, don't ever let others underestimate you either.
Jump into tasks immediately. Always be able to report their status - what has been done, what needs to be done, and what you need to do to make it happen.
Anticipate work before others have to ask you to do it.
Be proactive - if something is bothering you, fix it. If you can't fix it, or its not worth a try, get over it.
Don't resent going to work. Embrace and learn from it - you'll be doing it your whole life.
Acknowledge people when they have helped you in some way or done something to impress you. Always say thank you.
CYA (Cover Your Ass). Write everything down - who you talk to, what day, what about print email communication for handy reference keep all account numbers in one place.
Always negotiate. Everything is negotiable Compare prices and make salesmen bid and compete.
Always give credit where credit is due; it will help you get it in return.
Know that you'll have bad days. Know that you'll have good days. Learn from the bad and keep them in perspective - how much will this matter to me in two weeks or two months?
You're not above any task or job - especially at the entry level. Use small jobs to show your skill - those are the easiest to 'go the extra mile' on anyway.
Be ready to "hand a folder over" to someone at any time. Keep records organized and easy to follow in case someone else needs to pick up where you left off.
Learn from everyone in the office. How can your skills compliment theirs? How can you make their job easier?
Assume someone is reading your company emails. Keep all personal emails in a separate account.
Always write down words, phrases or abbreviations you don't know that come up during meetings or conversations. If you feel dumb asking about it now, you can always look it up later.
Follow up on everything - even if it means going out of your way to see everything to completion. Be able to report from start to finish.
HUMBLE yourself. Don't get defensive, don't take things personally. Take 'criticism' as advice - it usually is.
Use your email inbox as a to-do list. File emails you're finished with after responding or taking action.