by Secrets are defined as “hidden knowledge.” After reflecting upon my work experience, I have realized there were secrets to successfully acclimating from the college environment to the employment realm, which were unknown to me.
Numerous instances occurred early on in my professional life where I learned through trial and error — while the professionals around me may have possessed that “hidden knowledge.” Of course, these secrets of workplace adaptation were not intentionally withheld from me — they were simply pointers not found in a textbook, and perhaps my mentors assumed I would eventually “catch on.”
Below are a few “secret” professional concepts that I wish someone had shared with me early in my career: Invest in good shoes.
This is the best advice I can provide to a new professional! It is worth saving your money or thrifting to purchase quality, comfortable shoes that are appropriate for your professional role — even if at first you wear the same pair every day! Keep in mind that if your feet are hurting, you will not be performing at your best, and others not only notice, they will be impacted by your demeanor. Band-aids, blisters and limping are the main ingredients in the recipe for a bad day!
Embrace the “newbie” role.
Admit to yourself that there will be a learning curve — stay positive and view everything as a learning opportunity. Even as the “newbie,” you have VALUE as a team member, as you have all the latest information and techniques, plus your enthusiasm and ideas are fresh! Don’t hide from your mistakes. Instead, own them. Your co-workers will respect you more. After all, errors demonstrate that you are putting forth the effort to perform — similar to College Algebra homework!
Seek to join and help develop a “work family.”
In interviews, monitor your connectivity to the people who are on the committee. While respect is a given element, it is easier to work for and with people you also like! Once hired, find a great mentor and network to learn from others’ experiences. Strive to discover how you can promote trust and an attitude of gratitude with those around you. Keep in mind there is no “I” in TEAM!
Portray yourself TODAY as being IN the role you WANT someday.
Always display yourself as a person who goes above and beyond in performance as well as professional image and demeanor. If you seek advancement in the long term, start refining your speech, actions and online presence to the level of a high-quality professional from day one. After all, the co-worker you meet at the beginning of your career may be your boss or professional reference in the future. First impressions are lasting impressions!
Remember that Rome wasn’t built in a day! It took a while to gain the education to begin your new job, so also keep in mind it will take a while to learn how to best PERFORM that job! Be patient with yourself and view your first job as the starting point in the journey of your career. Setting feasible short-term and long-term goals for growth while celebrating progress promotes health, happiness, and a better work/life balance. As Dolly Parton said: “Never get so busy making a living that you forget to make a life.”
Starting a new career can be intimidating — that is NOT a secret. However, new graduates may need to reignite their confidence as they take their next steps. The truth is they have already achieved success — they just need to KEEP implementing within themselves the concepts that brought about that success!
Walking across the stage at Tyler Junior College is the evidence that states they ARE CAPABLE AND READY, and now the long-awaited time to make that knowledge KNOWN to others has arrived — share the secret! Feather’s Up!
