Tag Archives: corporate politics

5 Ways A Young Professional Can Succeed in the Corporate World

By Lauren Piccini

helping young professionals succeed at wrok

Joining a corporate office for the first time can be intimidating. You are viewed as the “new kid” for months, or at least until another new employee is hired. Don’t let this derail your confidence level; your employer hired you because he or she knew you would add value to the company. Succeeding in the corporate world is a game, and you can win it by using these 5 strategies:

Tip 1.

Be mindful of your actions. Always show people your most confident side and don’t discount your ideas. Stand up for yourself.

  Mistakes to avoid:

  • Polling before making a decision
  • Sharing too much personal information
  • Needing to be liked
  • Being overly concerned with offending others  

Tip 2.

Keep a success-oriented mindset. Being new to a company can be overwhelming, but never lose your confidence in yourself. You are great at what you do, that is why you are there. Take advantage of the possibilities your company can offer.

Mistakes to avoid:

  • Setting high, unrealistic standards for yourself
  • Limiting your possibilities
  • Talking yourself out of a promotion you know you deserve
  • Abandoning your career goals
  • Refusing perks

Tip 3.

Brand and market yourself as if you are the boss. After all, their position is the one you ultimately want to have, right?

  Mistakes to avoid:

  • Minimizing your work or position
  • Waiting to be noticed
  • Being modest about your accomplishments
  • Staying in your comfort zone
  • Giving away your ideas

Tip 4.

When speaking among your colleagues, show them that have transitioned from a college graduate to a young professional by being mindful of your tone. Always be confident that what you are saying holds value, and it will.

  Mistakes to avoid:

  • Second guessing yourself
  • Asking for permission
  • Apologizing for your beliefs
  • Failing to pause or reflect before answering questions

Tip 5.

Your response to actions occurring around the office and feedback received from colleagues shows a lot about your character and work ethic. Although negative feedback is criticism, taking it constructively can only help you grow.

  Mistakes to avoid:

  • Internalizing messages
  • Tolerating inappropriate behavior
  • Biding your time instead of taking action
  • Putting the needs of others before your own

The keys to corporate success mostly revolve around knowing your worth and the value you deliver to your employer. Recognizing this power statement can only bring you great success and happiness. Good luck!

Lauren Piccini is a writer and blogger who helps business owners increase their brand awareness through social media. She is a recent grad with a degree in English from the University of Connecticut whose first work was published within six months of graduation. www.LaurenPiccini.com