Making the most of your first job - Brief Article

Careers and Colleges, Jan, 2001 by Jennifer Bobrow-Burns

Jennifer Bobrow-Burns, formerly an intern at CAREERS & COLLEGES, is now a career placement officer at Columbia University in New York City.

Before the Job

Make sure to be clear on...

* The appropriate dress code

* Your job description and what will be expected of you

* The length and best route for your commute

* Any advance preparation needed before the first day

During the Job

Keep track of...

* Your major duties/responsibilities and how they expand and grow

* Your strengths and weaknesses from which you will learn

* The relationships you build with colleagues and supervisors

* Strategies for success that work for you

After the Job

Leave with an understanding of...

* Your major accomplishments

* The skills you've developed

* A list of contacts for future advice and information

* Positive aspects you'll seek in your next job and negatives you'll avoid

Avoid These Job Blunders

* Dating a coworker

* Surfing the Web for reasons not related to work

* Making personal calls; sending personal e-mails

* Stealing office supplies

* Taking long lunches

* Engaging in office gossip

* Daydreaming during meetings

* Arriving late/leaving early

* Being careless with assignments

* Badmouthing your boss or coworkers