7.01.2010

Ahh, One More Day.

So here I am. Tomorrow is my last day of my first job right out of college. Naturally, I'm reflecting on the past year. Let's reflect and think of some takeaways together, shall we?

Here are some takeaways I'll use in the future:

Dress for the job you want, not the job you have. I know you've heard this before, but it's so true. I always strived to look nice and wear dress pants or nice skirts to work even when my fellow team members would be regularly sporting jeans. Yes, my office is business casual, but when I looked around, the higher ups were the one's looking nice.

I'm definitely not saying run to your local J.Crew, just using this as an example :)

When I would look nice, not only was I more confident, but I was also taken more seriously. I'm young, so that could be working against me.

On another note, I'd like to mention that ensuring your
clothes fit property should be a huge priority. For example, it's an intern's first day here at my company, and from the top up, she's looking great in her button down, but from the bottom down, she's wearing a grey pair of slacks that look similar to this...

except tighter on her bootay.

Now, there was a day when I thought that because the models can work it in their tight "professional" pants, I could too. Negative. Personally, I don't think they come across as professional as a more loose, better-fitting pair.


Those models aren't working in a professional environment. Their goal is to sell the pants, which they do well because it's displayed in a sexy manner. This doesn't mean we should wear it that way, too. Do you get my drift?

I digress.

Next up!

via

Be nice to everyone. Yes, everyone. Although I'm not mean per se to anyone, I'm just constantly in my own world. This could mean I have a spaced out look on my face or potentially a confused look. Either way, try to look pleasant, have your arms uncrossed and be open to conversation. You never know when you may have to team up with this person for a project. First impressions are important.


Say "yes" to almost every project thrown your way. I know this sounds annoying and somewhat scary, but think of it as a challenge and knowledge you'll use later on. Not only does it make you look like a go-getter (which every boss thinks is awesome), but it sets you up nicely for potential success. The more you're willing to help, the more great opportunities will come your way.

That's all for now, and I'm sure I learned more, but those are my key takeaways.

Am I forgetting any? Please share!

Ahhh, Happy Thursday everyone :)

Psst, I'm realy excited to share my fancies tomorrow!


6 comments:

Danielle Moss said...

Great post. The way you present yourself in the office is so important!

Adrienne at La Vita e Bella said...

Great post! I agree with you 100% on all of these points!

Tommy said...

Excellent insights, Freck. I would also add to always be on time or early, and always be polite and helpful. 'Please' and 'thank you' will go a long way.

Rebekah said...

Fantastic post! I'm almost done with my first month of my first job out of college -- can't wait to look back in a year at all I've learned.

Kim said...

as someone who just started a new job as well, I really love this post! Hope you have a great last day and are going on to something bigger and better!

JTS said...

I agree with all of these but that last one. It seems like an excellent plan to say yes to everything in theory, but as I've learned the hard way in the past year when you set that precident it becomes an expectation. Which can in the long run negatively affect your health.

Everything in moderation I guess.