The stuff no one tells you About Your First Job

"Don't be afraid to take a job that isn't your first choice. Every job is an opportunity to learn, gain skills and meet people who want to help you along your path. Opportunity can't find you when you're sitting at home on Facebook."

"Ask what the daily attire is in the office...you don't want to show up over/under dressed, though under dressed is much worse!"

"Office politics and relationships are complicated- even in positive work environments- and it's unlikely someone will tell you how to navigate the environment. Find someone outside of your job you trust to ask questions."

"Don't get comfortable too fast. Work hard to get noticed. Even once you are noticed, change may be, and probably will be, slow in coming."

"Pay your dues. Stay later than others or volunteer for a task you don't love (like making coffee). Other folks you work with likely did the same thing at some point."

"The unwritten expectations of a supervisor and/or department can be just as important as the formal ones - and to find out what they are, you have to pay attention and ask questions."

"There is usually a formal/hierarchical structure in place. Observe it. Don't barge into an office unless someone has made it clear they have an open door policy."

"Learn how to properly use a copier. It has many functions that make life easier."

"Know which occasions call for smileys or lols and which don't. Hint: Work occasions almost never call for them. Learn proper grammar."

"Your feelings will get hurt at some point. Learn to view things as a bad day and not a bad job."

"Learn about 401Ks, retirement and taxes before you start the job. You will have to make decisions on these topics almost immediately and you don't want to ask if you can call your parents."

"Have a conversation with your boss about Ccing and Bccing. Different occasions call for different people to be included in an email. It is vital to learn email etiquette. Google it."

"The idea of finding your passion is a myth. Don't dismiss opportunities because you aren't passionate about them. You have to start somewhere and not feeling in love with your job is okay!"

"Commit to your job for at least two years. Employers look negatively at job hopping. Seek ways of gaining new responsibilities if you are getting the itch to leave."

"Engagement goes up when you have a friend at work. Make a buddy!"

"There's nothing sweeter than that first paycheck. Save your money. Someday you will look back and wish you had."

"Enjoy the journey. You have a long road ahead!"

Webster Career planninG & Development center

• Fall/spring walk-in hours: 568 Garden Avenue (parking garage)
• Phone: 314-968-6982
• Website: Webster.edu/career-services
• Email: careercn@webster.edu
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