Amina

In hindsight, much of my first day in the for-profit business world was a blur, particularly given the abrupt realization that the majority of my co-workers cared little to nothing about the complexities of 'American racialization' or the 'social construction of gendered identity.'  There I was in my 'stylish yet purposely understated while also depicting maturity beyond my age' skirt suit, opening the door to a basement office as my co-worker politely explained that the room’s prior inhabitant had been a 60 year old hoarder.  Of course by the time the building manager had discovered the piles of paper, old clothes, and stolen food from the building’s café, the man was 10 years into his retirement plan.  She assured me that the room had been diligently steam cleaned and that the smell, for the most part, became unrecognizable after two weeks or so. Seeking just about every ounce of genetically predisposed sympathy a youngest child can get, I griped to my parents, older siblings, grandparents, aunts and uncles—the response was unanimous…get over it.

As trendy as Lena Dunham makes unmanageable rent, a distressed relationship, and unrealistic life expectations look, in all actuality she’s a highly successful female entrepreneur making her way in the big girl world. And while you should always aspire to future goals, not everything in the professional world operates on the predictability of a 'if I do this, this will happen' reward system.

6.19.TW

One of the largest changes I noticed in my transition from college to professional life was a dramatic shift in knowledge versus skill-based value. In school, generally the 'smartest' kid in the class gets the 'A.' Right? Well when education is set as a base requirement for a position, the rules change. Suddenly skill—how well you can complete a certain task— as opposed to knowledge—your capacity for learning how to complete said task—can play a deciding factor in your overall effectiveness, and therefore, value in terms of employment.

What I didn’t understand on that grim office introduction morning, was that while I had gone to all the right schools, had been hired for all of the right internships, and even knew the right people, my skills, in comparison, were dramatically under developed. My resume proved that I had the mental capacity to adapt and grow in a work environment, yet revealed little to no concrete examples of what I had actually produced as a result of my time in the work force. Yes, participating in college programs and even serving a pivotal role in the successful completion of a summer business project is a huge leg up on competition, but at most, the work you are producing as a student hire is in no way comparable to a full time, year round position—the stakes are higher and the demands are greater.

Even now, I spend the majority of my time referring questions to leads in my department (though I know the answers) and pretending to keep busy because I know everyone has better things to do than address why my landline telephone has mysteriously stopped working. So here are three simple steps I’ve found to help you keep sane and put your career on the fast track.

1) Set measurable milestones.

Don’t lose your mind, and inadvertently yourself, by relying on your boss to provide you with adequate recognition. Look for motivation intrinsically by constructing a set of goals for yourself. Set a deadline, devise a way to measure your goal, and, of course, treat yourself to some kind of reward once you have completed the task at hand. For example:

Deadline: June 1st, 2014

Measurable Goal: I will be able to complete/ submit an accounting invoice in less than 1 hour with no mistakes. 

Reward: Mani/Pedi Treatment

You’ll develop your skill set on a daily basis, while also making work a positive place of achievement. Measurable success is always a great thing to have in your back pocket, especially when it’s on your own terms!

2) Form a relationship with a superior in your office

This is perhaps the most important and ultimately rewarding step on your road to developing a skill mindset. All superiors at one time or another have been the low man (or woman) on the totem pole.  In other words, I’m willing to bet that there are many colleagues in your office who can empathize. While it can be easy to form an 'us versus them' mentality with the other interns or entry-level employees in your office, look to make a friend outside of your recent graduate circle, preferably with a bit more experience.  Not only is it nice to have a person you can refer those necessary but just as equally embarrassing questions to, (on my first day, I had to ask the password to our network 5 times before someone wrote it on a post-it note and stuck it to my laptop screen) but they can also provide insight as to what a future in the company might look like (i.e. what to avoid, how to approach difficult conversations, criteria for promotions or salary reevaluations).  At the very least, you’ll make a new friend —a little bit of effort for a whole lotta gain. Ultimately it’s a win-win.

3) Pick up the 'scraps.'

Oh the dreaded part of any job… you know, the part they actually have to pay you to do?  When it comes to entry-level work, I’ve basically imagined myself as a giant funnel collecting, in large part, all the work everybody else doesn’t want.  The best way to pass the baton onto yet another young, eager employee?  Pick up those side projects.  Not only will this expand your skill set, but it also allows you to achieve a holistic view of the company. Believe it or not, but you will be moving on from filing papers and forwarding emails.  At that point, you’ll have to decide whether you would like to remain in the company or search for work elsewhere.  And as is true with any sound decision, the more information the better.  

Okay, so maybe right now it’s hard to envision this job as your dream come true.  But hey, I could think of a few other alternatives that are far worse than being in a job that’s less than perfect. What you should focus on in the meantime are the skills you are developing in your current position that may make you a viable candidate for a position 1-2 years down the road.  So take a break from the self-groveling and dream job longing to appreciate all of the hard work and effort you are putting in on the front end.  If you’re not loving where you are now, I’ll give you the same advice I got…get over it, and make what ever it is you want—happen. 

 

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