Beyond Corporate Survival

1
Beyond Corporate Survival

• Job Opportunities Program

2
Agenda

• What to Expect
• Projecting an Appropriate Image
• Interacting With Your New Team
• Business Etiquette
• Time Management
• Playing by the Rules
• Workplace Taboos
• Managing your Manager

3
What to Expect

• Sometimes there is a difference between what you
  think a job (or company) will be like, and what
  it is in reality.
• You need to be ready to adapt to your new
  situation your coworkers will be focused on
  their own jobs, so you must take responsibility
  for yourself.
• There are things you can do to make your
  transition to the real world easier.

4
Projecting an Appropriate Image

• Everything you do and say tells people something
  about you make sure your behavior sends the
  right message
• Ask about what is expected accepted in your new
  office
• Dont give anyone the chance to question your
  abilities before youve had a chance to prove
  yourself

5
Projecting an Appropriate Image

• Pay attention to whats happening around you
• How are people dressed?
• How do they speak to one another?
• How do they personalize their work spaces?
• These clues tell you what will be expected of you.

6
Projecting an Appropriate Image

• There IS a difference between Professional,
  Business Casual, and Casual attire find out
  what you can wear BEFORE your first day
• When in doubt, err on the conservative side (in
  attire, grooming, speech and behavior) once you
  learn the ropes, you can add your personal style
  as appropriate

7
Interacting With Your New Team

• Ask your manager (or whoever is showing you the
  ropes) who you should go to for help, and how to
  contact them
• People have different communication preferences
  some are phone people, some email, and some
  face-to-face
• Dont expect everyone to welcome you right away
  your co-workers are focused on their jobs and may
  not immediately reach out to you

8
Business Etiquette

• Traditional etiquette rules apply to business
  settings
• Always say please and thank you (but dont always
  expect to hear it in return)
• Respect your elders people with more
  experience (regardless of age or title) can teach
  you a lot
• Once again, when in doubt its best to err on the
  conservative side until you know the norms for
  your workplace

9
Time Management

• Punctuality is mandatory
• Set up a daily schedule to-do list to keep
  yourself organized
• But dont forget to be flexible sometimes
  youll have to drop everything for a new project
• Make sure you know your deadlines and stay on
  pace to meet them NO PROCRASTINATING!

10
Workplace Taboos

• Dont bring up sensitive topics in conversation
  (religion, politics, sex, etc.)
• Stay out of office gossip
• Be careful what you say in public places like
  elevators bathrooms you never know who is
  listening

11
Workplace Taboos

• Limit the time you spend on personal business at
  work (phone calls, emails, etc.)
• Be careful how you use email the internet Big
  Brother is always watching
• Its usually not a good idea to date your
  coworkers

12
Workplace Taboos

• If something happens that upsets you, calm down
  before discussing it with your manager or
  coworker.
• Always THINK before acting or speaking. If you
  arent sure whether or not you should do
  something, ask someone you trust for advice.

13
Managing Your Manager

• You and your manager are equally responsible for
  your relationship
• Ask questions about his/her expectations for you
  in advance dont wait until its too late
• Your manager has many demands on his/her time
  dont try to monopolize it

14
Managing Your Manager

• If you have time to do more work, ask for it
• If you are overwhelmed, speak up before you are
  in too far over your head
• Treat your manager with respect, and expect the
  same in return

15
Succeeding in Corporate Life

• Project an appropriate image
• Treat others with respect
• Manage your time well
• Play by the rules
• Avoid workplace taboos
• Manage your manager