Workplace Rules For Fresh, New Graduates

Workplace Rules For Fresh, New Graduates

There have been so many news reports, special editions, etc., on the high unemployment rate and how there just aren’t any jobs available. Being on this end of it (the employer side), I hear an entirely different story; how there are so many jobs available with no qualified workers to take them. So which is it? Are there really no jobs out there, or is there really a low rate of people willing to take them?

 

In an age where entitlement has become less a generational issue and more a cultural issue, it’s important to teach those  just coming out of college expecting a $100,000 base salary job right after graduation, what the workplace is really like. “Today’s workplace doesn’t tolerate slackers.” Says Gen Y career expert Dan Schawbel. In an unstable economy, young people either rise to the top or sink to the bottom. To ensure you stay at the top of your game, follow these simple guidelines:

 

  1. Getting Hired Doesn’t Insure Permanency:  Companies are constantly merging with others, and opportunities are continually presenting themselves. Don’t believe you have a secure job. Nothing about work is secure; do your best at your present job till the very last day, and always have a skill to fall back on.
  2. No Job is Too Big For You-You Are Not Too Big For Any Job: Mcdonald’s the best you can do after graduation? Take it. Any skills, any constant work is work! Yes, it’s frustrating when you don’t get the job you’ve spent 4 years in college for, but guess what? Most people don’t. Take what you can get, and start building your work foundation from there. You never know what skills you’ll end up with if you don’t try.
  3. If You’re Early, You’re on Time; If You’re On Time, You’re Late, and If You’re Late, Go Home: This was one of the first lessons I learned when I took on my first consistent job at the age of 11 (yes, you read that correctly-11).  I’ll never forget the blazing red haired manager at my uncle’s store who first said this to me, and laid the foundation on which I base all of my business on. If you want to keep your job, make a glowing impression, and keep all your bridges intact by just being a few minutes early to work every day.
  4. Work Well With Others: There are four distinct generations in the workforce. Each of these generations has a different view of the workplace, and communicates at a different level. If you learn how to build relationships with each generation, you will inevitably become more successful.
  5. Your Future Is In YOUR Hands: It’s up to you what your reality looks like; where you are on the career ladder, and whether you ever own your own company are become the head of the one you are employed at. No one else is responsible for you. Be accountable, take charge, and in turn, you will be a success!