Over Communicate

Just when you thought it was crystal clear, someone will come along and make an assumption. Over communicate! Every opportunity you get, take the time to explain the situation, explain the plan of attack and make sure everyone is on board. The more you stop by and check in the more people feel like you a. know what is going on b. are managing the project c. feel like they are being communicated to.

Even to those who you would rather avoid, they are most likely the ones you need to communicate to the most. Take the time to stop by, make sure they are good with everything that is going on, during status make sure all assignments and deligations are made (three or four times, believe me it does not hurt!) and most importnatly check in on expectations on timing, budget and yes the deliverable. Speak clearly and throughly to get the job done.

File your emails - neatly

You will quickly learn how important it is to keep those emails for future reference, but more importantly keep it orderly! Organize them to your liking. Filing by project, task or date are just a few ways to keep track of the thousands of emails you will receive in a month. Think of them as carbon copies of communication: a contract, a decision, directions or just a reminder, but many will be important and you'll want to find them quickly in a crunch.

Stay cool, calm and collected

Believe me it is easier said than done, but at all times you are better off if you stay cool, calm and collected. The more steam you brew the bigger you'll blow! Stay professional in all circumstances. And even if you are the youngster in the room keep your emotions under control and act like a professional who has been doing this for years. Keeping your cool will not only earn you some major brownie points, but it will also help you gain respect with others.

Student Discount?

One thing is for sure, the student discount goes right out the window when you start your "real world" job. During your senior of college be sure to pick up the latest software, accessories and maybe even a new computer at your school bookstore. The savings on software is ridiculous and after you graduate and they file you that way in the system - your savings are up. So plan accordingly and pick up everything you need prior to walking the stage.

Save the heavy drinking for the weekend!

So once you are settled in to your new job and have a small sense of security you will be daring and go out one Tuesday night for half price margaritas (because they don't have $2 dollar you call it in the city) and have a great time! That is until the next morning. Begin hungover at work is not fun. When you can not function, hurled over your desk and forced to stay sitting in your cubical rather than lying down it is not a pretty situation. Did I forget to mention your acting all day like everything is normal?

So, save the heavy drinking for the weekend. Learn your weekday limit and limit the weekday drinking. Because who knows you may get that next big lead or an important phone call.

Don't pay for a daily cup o' joe

Learn how to drink coffee you can make. If your office provides coffee take advantage of the FREE cup you can enjoy every morning. (You will need a cup every morning) Or take the time to brew at home and enjoy from your fancy travel mug. Spare yourself from expensive coffee that can quickly total to $20 a week ($4 bucks each) to almost $80 a month!

Welcome

Yes, this is my current situation. I never thought my work life could become more complicated until that very Christmas party where I saw the spark begin. I'm sure there are some of you that can relate and I truly acknowledge the disposition you may be in. I have back peddled through projects and strategically copied people on emails to make sure my bases are covered.

But that's not why I'm writing this. This will be about things you need to know when you enter the work force at a 9-5 job and the 15 extra hours you don't log. As a recent college graduate I am amazed at the things that they don't teach you in school and your left to only experience as you go. So for those of you lucky to find this place of joy I do hope it is of relevance, motivation and more importantly, inspiring.

I'd like to make a toast (that's right I can because it's my Blog) Here's to all the future posts and readers, may the adventure begin. Cheers.