Lift Off

On the Tuesday after Labor Day I participated in my first new associates orientation of 2006. That same day, The Wall Street Journal ran an article “How Not to Flunk the New Job” by Angela Morris (09/07/06, page D7). If you haven’t read it already, grab this article now and share it with everyone you know who is launching a new career.

What’s the most useful advice Ms. Morris offers? She makes three recommendations that every new professional should permanently imbed in their brains:

Over communicate. Ask lots of questions. Help others know about your accomplishments. If you’re in trouble and about to go under water, let others know.

Keep a journal. Track your own professional progress, noting accomplishments and areas where you can improve.  Such a journal can be invaluable at review time. It’s also a great place to record and keep ideas for projects.

Build your network. It’s never too early to start building your professional network. Look for people who can provide you advice and support as you advance in your career.  Begin building relationships with peers in client organizations. As you advance in your career, so will your peers. Eventually, those peers may become important sources of business referrals.

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Best communication practices during a pandemic

This year’s summer hires you will have fewer opportunities than their predecessors had to interact in person with employers and recruiters. Because of social distancing requirements, you’ll need to maximize every Zoom meeting to which you are invited as well as phone calls and emails. Don’t allow an unforced error to keep you from landing a job offer this fall.

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