As the Class of 2007 ventures forth from the Grounds, what do they need to know about life in the world of work? What do you know now that you wish you had known (or paid attention to) when you graduated? Post your advice and help a new alum.
A space for alumni to ask about and discuss career issues
As the Class of 2007 ventures forth from the Grounds, what do they need to know about life in the world of work? What do you know now that you wish you had known (or paid attention to) when you graduated? Post your advice and help a new alum.
Make sure that your cell phone voice message is clear and professional. Recruiters will be returning calls and trying to set up interviews. You want to make the best first impression possible.
Two thoughts:
1. It’s nearly impossible to get independently, financially wealthy by relying solely on a salary. As your salary goes up, so does your nut. Leveraging your work by owning stock options or equity in a company(often an early stage, start-up venture) creates the true ‘freedom’ that so many people wrongly think they’ll achieve by going up the corporate ladder and bringing home the big paycheck.
2.If you have the entreprenurial bug and want to launch a start-up, it’s far, far easier to do when you’re younger and with fewer responsibilities(like family, mortgages, etc.). Sure, there’s a lot of risk involved, but it’s generally much easier to take the leap.
There are a couple of things that I would recommend new graduates keep in mind as they enter the working world.
First, regardless of how smart or energetic you are you will not be able to succeed in business (in life?) without treating the people at work - fellow workers at all levels as well as customers and suppliers - with respect and, if possible, kindness. I have been in positions where customer service people could have stabbed me in the back or could have helped me, and by having pre-established good relationships with them they always helped me (and vice versa). Accept responsibility for your mistakes and try not to point fingers at others.
As UVa grads you have lived with the Honor Code for four years - make it a permanent part of your value system. I work for a company owned by Warren Buffett, and he told us that if you are ever in a position where you have to choose between your reputation and money, always choose your reputation. Almost all businesses expect honesty, integrity and good ethics from their employees - if you find yourself working for a company that does not respect these things then you might want to find someone else to work for.
Network - right from the start of your career start to develop networks of people within your company and industry. The intent is not to use people, but instead to have people who are comfortable coming to you for advice or help, or just like working with you, and that you can go to for the same things. Don’t wait until you need the network - have it in place so it is there when you need it.
Finally, realize that life is not always fair. A person may not like you for some reason and may make you life difficult. There are times you will not be able to get this turned around, so learn to deal with it or, if the person is truly hurting your career and is in a position of power the you might want to consider finding somewhere else in your company to work or find another company. Others less capable than you may get promoted or praised when you think you deserved it - just know that this happens and is not some conspiracy against you.
Good luck.
Charlie Granger, Com ‘78, Darden ‘86
In addition to your major field of study, make sure you have at least one skill or area of knowledge to help you stand out from the crowd. Back in the 70’s, typing helped me edge out others for jobs involving key-boarding. Today, everyone works on computers, so key-boarding is no big deal. Today, it might be HTML coding or foreign-currency conversion familiarity. Or it could be something relating to a hobby — knowing a lot about auto mechanics or sports or animals or forensic pathology. Of course, these will only be advantages if they somehow relate to your target employer!
Congratulations to all new graduates!
When job-seeking, there is one thing that we were all taught as young children, but is easy to forget in the chaos of interviewing - simple please and thank-you skills are unbelievably important in developing a relationship - with your future employer or for anyone who may provide advice or leads now and down the road…
“Thank You” letters are not simply a formality. They let a potential employer know that you understand how to conduct business in the professional world. Additionally, you get a chance to put a few more good words in for yourself… and close the interview again or ask for the job offer one more time. When there is competition for the job, the “thank you” letter can be the winning edge you need.
There are a number of great examples on the web (www.portergroup.com) or other resources can help you with the basic template, but spend a few extra minutes to address your specific interview or skill set to really impress!
Molly Brunjes
COMM ‘03
thats really awsome. thank you.
im impressed by the accuracy of your writing. keep up that good work.