Top 10 Tips for New Graduates Entering the Business World

So, it’s the time of your life – you are graduating from college by the thousands and stepping in your steps into the corporate world. For some of the bunch, it’s a piece of cake – you’ve probably already spent time in various roles and internships and are comfortable in your new surroundings. For the remaining, it is a challenge. This is going to be a completely new phase of your life – things will not remain the same. It’s a change in your lifestyle and a change in culture. It requires time and lot of sacrifices to settle in this new road of your life.

You’re definitely not the first one. This phase is common for almost everyone who are now into their daily corporate life spending at their office. I also still remember all too well when I started my first “real job” out of my college. It was completely different for me.

That’s why I am taking the pen now to list down the 10 basic rules for success in your first job – the unspoken rules for success in the business world. Some I learned the hard way, others I learned by observing successful new grads over the years.

1. Be professional – get there early and be mindful of your dress – take a cue from a person a few levels above you.
2. Be positive – It is always easier to work with someone who is positive – complainers and gossipers are never fun.
3. Be open – Regularly communicate with your boss about what your are working on…it gives them peace of mind and builds trust.
4. Stay calm – Try to keep your emotions in check – in most cases you’ll find that this is business, it’s not personal.
5. Find a buddy – Try to find a positive role model at the next level up from you who is willing to take you under their wing and show you the ropes. It’s always good to have someone close to share more sensitive questions or ideas.
6. Learn! – Seek to understand the big picture and how you fit. Ask questions –it demonstrates your engagement in your role. Spend time talking to people outside of your immediate team.
7. Take initiative – Once you finish your tasks, ask to do more. Nothing is worse than being bored at work – so take the initiative and ask to help. And if there is an area you want to learn more about, ask if there are shadowing opportunities so you can learn more.
8. Be social – if there is a happy hour or a softball team – join! This is a great chance for you to meet new people and expand your network. After all, your future career opportunities will likely come from people you have a relationship with.
9. Be nice – always live the golden rule and mind your manners. You never know who your next boss will be so make sure you respect and are kind  to everyone – even the janitor, security guard, and especially the support staff.
10. Be discreet – don’t put anything in an instant message, email, tweet, or on Facebook that you wouldn’t want your boss to read! Remember even CEOs are social these days!

Be Patient – be patient with yourself and patient with your work. The corporate world is complex and not easy to figure out, but as eager as a fresh-out-of-college, ready-to-excel- young professional might be, they may feel frustrated when they don’t get it ALL right away, like they did in their cl