I am fortunate to work for a company that is still growing, still hiring, still exploring. That is very appealing to prospective employees, especially recent college graduates. However, being focused on the vision of future career success can quickly sabotage today’s efforts and actually prevent or delay success.
As I meet with new employees during their first month of training, I tell each class,
“Don’t be so focused on your next opportunity that you forget to do your current job well.”
As our business grows and changes, there aren’t a lot of things I can guarantee. That is part of what makes it so exciting. However, one thing I do know for certain is that if they fail to do their current job well, there will not be an opportunity for the next promotion, the next special project, or the transfer to the department that may better match an individual’s career choice.
This applies to many different careers, not just the business office environment.
- In Major League Baseball, a player who is not successful in the minor leagues will have a harder time breaking into the majors.
- In politics, candidates get their feet wet in local or state politics, then they run for a national seat.
- A police chief doesn’t reach that level without first being a successful patrolman and/or detective.
- Doctors must first complete several rotations, internships and residencies; then they can open their own practice.
This is an important lesson for today’s college graduates to keep in mind, too.
- Don’t worry about accepting a position that isn’t the “perfect” job. You are going to change jobs several times over the years. Right now, it’s about getting experience and making connections.
- Spend your time and energy learning all you can from your employer. You never know when that knowledge will help you.
- Be a good employee. Come to work on time, be a team player, accept new challenges willingly, and build good relationships.
More career building tips for college graduates can be found at Get Rich Slowly, Career Key and this article from Saving Advice.com.
For established leaders reading this:
What advice would you offer to new graduates? How would you suggest they learn from the present while looking towards the future?
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Eleanor Biddulph is the Executive Vice President of Client Services
at Progressive Medical, Inc.
She can be reached at [email protected]
Image Source: birdersheaven.com
