The Traditional Workplace: A Survival Guide for Millennials
Published by Guest on May 18th, 2007 in Productivity, Work | 8 Commentsby Jacqui Buschor
Jacqui is a frequent visitor at Employee Evolution and always dishes out some great dialogue. We don't always see eye-to-eye on every issue, but I think that's why we like her so much. Check out her guide to surviving the traditional work environment…
Although many companies are putting forth a valiant effort to adjust to the needs of the new millennial workforce, most of us are still stuck in our typical entry-level jobs in a traditional work environment. I am, more or less, a member of the latter, but I'm not the type of person who can stomach prolonged boredom, so I've developed a short list of ways to survive the traditional workplace.
Volunteer for a new project
In every office I've ever worked in, there has always been a list of great ideas that no one has had the time implement. Oftentimes, these projects require creative capital to get them off the ground that will take more time that people further up the chain can spare.
While working at a small-business trade association, I heard people talking about wanting to get our members more involved in meeting directly with their legislators. They had the basics of the idea figured out, but no one had the time to sit down, hammer out the details, and make it happen. So I volunteered. The project gave me something of my own that I could be passionate about, increased lobbying credibility of the organization, and added a nice line to my resume.
Chances are your company has similar projects you could tackle. Keep your ears open for something that interests you and speak up. Not only will the higher-ups be impressed with your initiative, you could end up with a nice resume builder, and possibly even a little extra leverage the next time you negotiate salary.
Lend a hand outside your department
For many of us in entry-level positions, we're required to put in 40 hours, even though the job only takes about 25. The next time you can't stand another moment of mind-numbing web surfing, take a walk around the office and offer your assistance to another department.
I know it sounds simple, but there are several reasons why it's worth your time. First, it gives you a chance to make a new friend, and having friends at work is a vital part of feeling satisfied with your job. Second, you can explore a new area of your field you may not have otherwise considered, opening up new career possibilities. And, most selfishly, it never hurts to have someone you can ask for a favor later.
Find a mentor
This is, by far, the most difficult of my suggestions, but also the most rewarding. There are very few people who truly grasp the fine art of mentoring, and those who do are in high demand, so they likely won't fall into your lap. You'll have to prove that you're worth their time investment, so go in ready to explain your goals and how your new mentor could help you reach them.
Mentors can help build your career on many levels. The most important is that a good mentor will be anxious to get you to the right events and introduce you to the right people. They'll be proud of your work and willing to tell the big players all about it, and you'll inherit part of the network it may have otherwise taken you years to build.
TOP POSTS
RELATED POSTS
TOP CATEGORIES
- Activism (2)
- Blogging (34)
- Books (12)
- Brazen Careerist (10)
- Career Development (105)
- Community (3)
- Employment (42)
- Entrepreneurship (46)
- Friends (1)
- Generation Y (21)
- Humor (36)
- Marketing (4)
- Millennials (6)
- Money (20)
- Noteworthy (39)
- Personal Development (23)
- Politics (3)
- Productivity (41)
- Recruiting (40)
- Site Related (11)
- Social Media (4)
- Technology (10)
- Work (137)
- Work/Life (74)
- View All Categories
Leave your thoughts here. (8 responses)
This article´s comments All Employee Evolution commentsTom O'B
May 18th, 2007 at 10:23 amJacqui:
This is great advice for the ages. Basically all entry level jobs s*ck and it is up to each individual to make something happen. Waiting for great opportunities to be handed to you is NOT the optimal path.
Tom O'B
http://tomob.wordpress.com
Jacqui
May 18th, 2007 at 1:39 pmTom,
Thanks for the comment. I agree completely. Nothing drives me more crazy than listening to people in entry-level jobs complaining about how bored they are because no one "gives them" anything to do.
The opportunities that fall into your lap will almost never be as exciting or profitable as the ones you go out and earn.
Jacqui
Danielle
May 18th, 2007 at 2:20 pmJacqui,
Definitely some good advice. Sadly a lot of it is just kind of common sense that people tend to overlook. I'm always amazed that my bosses are AMAZED that I want more projects and extra work, or to tackle those really gruesome tasks no one has time to get into.
And after you've asked for so many projects, sometimes things really DO fall into your lap — because now your boss may have you top-of-mind. Like recently, the manager of my department asked me to do some research for recruiting material. The topic? What the incoming workforce (ie us) were looking for.
Hope your Friday is flying by.
Danielle
Jacqui
May 18th, 2007 at 4:10 pmDanielle,
I know how you feel. I couldn't believe how shocked each of my bosses have been when I admit to them that I'm bored and need something to do.
Your recruiting project is an exciting one. There's been a lot of discussion in my company on the same subject lately. Hopefully your boss will allow you to stay on the project in its implementation stage. There's so much room for creativity in a project like that and lots of opportunity to make a huge difference for the future of your company.
Best of luck!
Danielle
May 18th, 2007 at 4:58 pmYeah, unfortuneately the scope of the project (because my company is sooo huge) is way beyond me. But my boss presented my research on my behalf and they HR group loved it. Now it's moving the HR's senior management staff so they can decide on one of the two proposed ideas. I was just glad she asked for input, she even said, "We're so far removed from this, I think it would be great for you!"
Let me know if you want to see how I submitted the research to her. I would be more than willing to share.
Rebecca
May 18th, 2007 at 5:20 pmI agree with you, Jacqui. I too find it frustrating when millennials claim there isn't anything to do at their job. It is great advice to be proactive in whatever position you are in. If you want something different to happen, you need to do it instead of waiting on someone else.
During the course of my job, I have initiated and developed many projects beyond my job description- these projects keep me interested in my career and add value to my organization. I also frequently volunteer to help in other areas besides my own. Again, this keeps me from being bored, but it also shows that I am willing to "do anything" from the mundane to the crazy. I luckily have a great boss who recognizes these efforts (although as a millennial, I could use some more feedback from him!), and my responsibility and leadership tasks have increased as a result. All great advice- thanks!
I think a useful series on here would be to elaborate on the mentors- I read this everywhere, but I've not yet taken the jump to get a formal or informal mentor. I'd be curious to hear about other people's experiences.
Dave
May 18th, 2007 at 6:17 pmthis is an awesome post. love the idea about finding a mentor. expect a trackback soon!
The Marketing Student
May 24th, 2007 at 10:12 pmHow To Survive Your New Job: Coworkers
As a co-op student, I've had the pleasure of being the new guy at the office four times in 2 years. Being a good "new guy" is tougher than you think…it's not just about doing great work. if you want people to know you exis…