“What do I need to do now to start preparing for the ‘real world'?"
“The sports industry is so competitive, what advice would you give?”
“What should I major in if I want to work in sports?”
These are just
a few questions that are regularly asked by students or people trying to get
into the sports industry. Harvey Mackay
wrote a book entitled “Dig Your Well Before You Are Thirsty”. It was primarily a networking book but it
also brought up a number of good points in regards to getting a job, getting a
better a job and getting ahead in your job.
Having been at the college level for nearly 20 years, I was often faced
with questions from students about what to do after college when they get into
the “real world”. No matter what age or career you are in, it is good to ask questions before you absolutely need the answers. It is good to have something to drink on hand
when you are thirsty. It is good to have
food in the refrigerator when you are hungry.
It is good to have a parachute packed when you jump out of a plane. Here are a few simple pieces of advice for
being prepared for the “real world.”
(1)
Network…Network…Network -
The business world is full of people getting hired because of their connections
and associations. The more people that
you connect with, the more you will increase your sphere of influence. Take every opportunity to network. If you meet someone, remember their name. Follow-up with an email. Even more memorable, jot them a note. If a person speaks to your class, introduce
yourself to them. You never ever ever
never know who you’ll meet that will one day be someone that can help you out
(or can be assisted by you). There is
also no such thing as an unimportant person.
Do you know the name of the custodian?
Do you know the name of the I.T. guy?
How about the lunch lady? Those
are all pretty important positions. They
may not be glamorous but they can spread the positive word about you. They can also help you out in a pinch. What about the secretary? Everyone wants to know the boss, but who do
you think is the gate keeper for the boss?
Get to know secretaries. They
control a lot of the business world. Dig
your well before you’re thirsty. Build a
strong network.
Click here to download |
(3)
There is no substitute for experience -
Get as much experience as possible.
Volunteer for everything that you can.
Even if you don’t get paid, get experience. It doesn’t even need to be
in your specific field of study. Nearly
every job or task can provide you with knowledge and context that might help
you down the road. I volunteered at a
library for a few months when I was in high school. That actually helped me in my first coaching
job when I was in charge of study hall and we had all of our sessions in the
library. Learn as much as you possibly
can. Do not look at tasks as beneath
you. You’ll gain valuable insights but
also demonstrate your initiative and work ethic. Volunteer to be on committees. Volunteer to do what no one else wants to
do. Volunteer for what everyone wants to
do. Volunteer.
(4)
Exceed expectations - Be
good at whatever you do. In fact, be
better than good. What will set you
apart from everyone else? How will you
add value to the company, the team, your colleagues or your boss? Are you irreplaceable? If you want to get a raise, get a better job
or earn more respect then you need to better or different than those around
you. The earlier you start doing this,
the better habits you’ll develop. Don’t
wait to get that big job and then you’ll start working hard. Don’t wait until you get disgruntled and want
more money or more responsibility.
Establish good habits now. Make
people take notice. Be the best intern. Be early for meetings. Turn assignments in on time. Refuse to offer excuses. Be proactive.
Mediocrity is the norm. What will
you do to exceed expectations and make yourself irreplaceable?
Jamy Bechler is the executive director of U-Leadership and a John Maxwell Certified Leadership Speaker and Coach. Contact him at CoachBechler@CoachBechler.com to find out how you or your team can be more successful. Click here to signup for THE ENCOURAGING NEWSLETTER
Jamy Bechler is the executive director of U-Leadership and a John Maxwell Certified Leadership Speaker and Coach. Contact him at CoachBechler@CoachBechler.com to find out how you or your team can be more successful. Click here to signup for THE ENCOURAGING NEWSLETTER
No comments:
Post a Comment