Black Collegian Career Center

College seniors who graduate this spring represent the first generation of students to cross the threshold into the new millennium. In many respects, they have an awesome responsibility to blaze the trail for subsequent generations of collegians that will make a contribution to society in the 21^st century.

Transitioning from college to the full-time workforce is challenging in any era. However, given the intense focus on what will occur during the onset of the new millennium, today’s graduates will undoubtedly experience heightened expectations to succeed in their chosen fields in extraordinary ways.

It is, after all, the dawning of a new day in history. Achievements in the 21^st century will likely far surpass anything that our nation and world have seen heretofore. Thus, graduates should ask themselves a key question: “Am I fully prepared to take my place in society and use my education to make an outstanding contribution to humankind?”

We need not be overly philosophical. On the practical side, let’s consider some ways by which college students can make a smooth transition from campus life to the “real world” of full-time employment and adult responsibilities. It all begins with having the right attitude.

A New Attitude and Role

Most graduates have fond memories of their college days as a rather carefree time devoid of major responsibilities. For many, showing up for class and holding down a part-time job were the most demanding aspects of campus life. The rest of the time was devoted to sports, socializing, and other important personal/interpersonal pursuits.

There is nothing wrong with these other facets of college life, as long as they don’t promote an unhealthy attitude that is carried into the workforce following commencement. As a backdrop for discussing aspects of a proper workplace attitude, let’s consider several hypothetical profiles of campus characters whose actions and dispositions are inappropriate for contemporary corporate America.

The Campus Crusader This is the student who espouses all the politically correct causes. With exceptional leadership skills and a charismatic personality, he is able to rally fellow students to demonstrate for, or against, whatever impassioned ideas and issues are currently en vogue. Classroom studies take second place to political action. The Campus Crusader is not content unless he is in the middle of stirring up something that raises the ire of administrators and generates sufficient publicity on campus and in the general media.

The Glory Jock This term refers to the student-athlete, who exhibits exceptional prowess on the ball court or playing field. Yet his athletic ability is overshadowed by his immense ego and its insatiable need for admiration. In common parlance, this individual perpetuates the “cult of the athlete.” Those who idolize him for his athleticism reinforce his belief that he is better than anyone else. It’s not surprising that faculty and administrators treat him differently and “cut him some slack” whenever he needs it. Such favoritism, of course, alienates students who don’t bask in his narcissistic glory.

The Party Dude It’s obvious why he is so popular on campus. He always likes to have fun! The need to socialize animates his entire personality. He can think of a reason to party more easily than he can recite the alphabet. True to his moniker, the Party Dude develops a reputation for throwing wild parties that spreads to other campuses. He is known far and wide, not for his intellectual astuteness or classroom achievements, but for his ability to energize campus social life.

Admittedly, the campus characters described above have some admirable traits. There is nothing wrong with being an innate leader, a spectacular athlete, or a popular socializer. In the workplace, however, such personality traits need to be subdued. Exemplifying a different attitude goes hand-in-hand with taking on a new role in the corporate world.

Companies hire aspiring graduates who are willing to do two things: buy into the corporate “mission and vision;" and make a significant contribution to help the organization accomplish its stated goals. That is the crux of the matter and the reference point for displaying the right attitude that leads to promotion instead of termination.

Leadership skills and organizational ability have their place in the corporate arena. In fact, these are essential traits for good managers. For this reason, the student who could rally the masses on campus is advised to channel such energy and enthusiasm for the good of the company that has invested in his future.

Instead of playing the role of Campus Crusader, he should see himself as one who can use his innovative ideas and leadership ability to advance the concerns of the company. As organizations compete for a dominant position in the new millennium, they increasingly need young leaders who can communicate fresh ideas that motivate others to subscribe to the corporate vision and make it happen.

Similarly, athletic ability is a positive attribute that has carryover benefits in the corporate world. Athletes are generally admired for their ability to stay focused under pressure, endure personal pain and stress, and not stop short of winning. Successful athletes are good team players. They know how to motivate others in the competition for team victory. Furthermore, outstanding athletes display a drive to excel on the court or playing field which inspires teammates to try harder to exceed their “personal best.”

Companies large and small thrive on hiring new employees with a competitive spirit and winning attitude. Their presence in the workplace adds a noticeable level of focused energy to accomplish important goals. Leading by example is, in fact, a key attribute of effective management.

The problem concerns attitude. Receiving glory on the sports field can set up false expectations in the corporate workplace. Being recognized for a job well done is a reasonable expectation. But hoping to be idolized by adoring “fans” in the business setting is entirely inappropriate. Similarly, expecting the boss to “cut some slack” for work performance that’s below par is unthinkable.

The fact of the matter is that companies spotlight individual achievers whose success makes the organization look good. Graduates should not minimize the importance of this advice when they enter the workforce. It can make the difference in how long they stay on a given job and how quickly they are promoted.

Back to the character depictions. The Party Dude also exhibits traits that are beneficial to most corporations. His friendly, outgoing personality enables him to fit in comfortably with any crowd. He is admired for being sociable, easy to get along with, and adept at bringing people together.

These traits are particularly beneficial in work settings that involve a great deal of public contact and/or team interaction. This guy is a natural catalyst for promoting the kind of esprit de corps that makes the workplace enjoyable.

What he needs to clearly understand is his new role. Most assuredly, the boss is not paying him to socialize and have a good time with co-workers and friends during off-hours. That’s his personal business, of course; but it should not interfere with work. Making it through the week just to “party hearty” on the weekend will sooner or later take its toll on this brother’s physical health and mental alertness.

Like all new employees, our socializer should realize that companies hire new graduates based on future promise more so than past performance. Hiring managers bring them on board because they recognize certain potential for achievement, and thus are willing to invest in their future. In so doing, companies expect something in return. At a minimum, they expect new employees to offer a healthy body and keen mind, along with a positive attitude and eagerness to perform their job duties to the best of their ability.

No matter what the job title is, new employees have a main role to play. It’s “Junior Professional, Who Deserves a Chance to Succeed.” The employer can only give you the opportunity to succeed. Your academic preparation, work ethic, and actual job performance determine your level of success.

A New Image

But something else must be said. Along with a new attitude and role, think about the appropriate image that you wish to convey. Again, let’s begin with some stereotypical images that show up on many college campuses. Are these characters someone you easily recognize?

Ms. Fashion Plate. There’s nothing wrong with looking good, but this sister is truly obsessed with her physical appearance. Her world seems to revolve around how stylishly she dresses and how good she looks. The apparent motive is to draw as much attention as she can from the opposite sex. While she “profiles” to catch every dude’s eye, she is oblivious to the fact that she inadvertently engenders envy or resentment among her female cohorts. Plus, if she spent less time in front of a mirror, she would probably earn better grades in the classroom!

Mr. Afrocentric. Everyone can spot him a mile away. His fascination with clothing and accessories representing the Motherland is obvious to all who interface with him. The variety of kente cloth that adorns every outfit he wears is legendary. Without a doubt, he is the living embodiment of the Black Power movement that swept over colleges several decades ago. If these weren’t such conservative times, our guy would certainly be sporting the biggest Afro on campus. What can we say but, “Power to the people!"

Mr. & Ms. Hip-Hop. We can’t leave out the brothers and sisters whose contemporaneous social and political views are expressed in other striking styles. One style in particular that has captured the imagination of the current college generation is the hip-hop look. Spawned by the rap movement of the 80s, the current hip-hop look has had a distinctive impact on the music, hairstyles, dress and language of many African-American young adults. Perhaps Mr. & Ms. Hip-Hop secretly aspire to become another Lauryn Hill or “Master P.” There’s nothing wrong with that, if they intend on entering the music field.

These tongue-in-cheek observations are not intended to be disparaging. The point to emphasize is that a certain look that’s cool on campus may be totally unsuitable for the corporate workplace. Any graduate wanting to succeed in corporate America must expect to “play the game” and look the part.

During a job interview, image is everything. It is this writer’s opinion that it only takes 10 seconds for an interviewer to determine whether or not a job candidate looks the part. As he quickly scans the person from head to foot, he makes a mental note: “That looks like the kind of new employee we like to hire.” Or otherwise.

If the initial impression is that the candidate looks the part, the interviewer will be more inclined to give the person his full attention and listen carefully to what he says. On the other hand, if the interviewer judges the candidate’s image to be inappropriate, he will be less likely to give serious consideration to how he attempts to sell himself during the conversation.

What is the appropriate image that employers favor? Simply put, it is a conservative business appearance that reflects good taste and grooming. But it goes beyond the selection of proper business attire. An impressive image includes the way a person carries himself and interacts with others.

Think of it this way. When a lady enters a room, her appearance and demeanor convey a distinctive “presence” that everyone takes note of. She stands out in the crowd because of her uniqueness and individuality, as expressed in her dress, hair style, walk, manner of speaking, and so on.

The same is true of graduates, male and female, when they interview on-site and actually start a new job. Everyone is watching closely. They don’t expect to see clones of anyone else in the company. But they are observing carefully to determine to what extent the new hires “fit in” with the established workforce and the customers or clients whom they serve.

Image and attitude go hand in hand, as personified in our campus characters. Ms. Fashion Plate spent a lot of money on her wardrobe, exotic hair-dos, and overall unique “look.” However, her concern to profile for the boys conveys an attitude that would not go over well in the corporate world. Her co-workers and supervisor would spot it from day one. It would be surprising if she lasted on the job longer than three months.

Mr. Afrocentric rightfully took pride in his ethnic heritage. But corporate America is looking for new employees that blend in comfortably, not stand out like a sore thumb. Even wearing a blue pinstripe suit, our dear brother is advised to project an image and attitude that speaks of predictable conformity. Anything else would be detrimental to his career success.

The Hip-Hop duo might do well working for a minority recording or entertainment company. But if they aspire to succeed in corporate America, they need a new image and attitude. This is not to imply that they sacrifice their individuality or racial self-identity. But they do need to deport themselves as aspiring junior professionals, who want to make the company look good, not just call attention to themselves as they make a fashion statement.

A final point about image. Your image on the job is also a reflection of whom you associate with among your peers. In every company, there is usually a group of employees that have a reputation for being hard working, dedicated and self-motivated. Then there’s the group that is known for doing the least amount of work possible, making excuses for mediocre performance, and generally biding their time while they collect one paycheck after another.

As they say, “birds of a feather flock together.” So be careful who you associate with; their reputation will rub off on you in unsuspecting ways.

A New Perspective

The guidelines regarding a new attitude, role and image apply to any type or size company that a recent graduate might join. Nevertheless, every organization has its unique corporate culture and program for professional development.

In order to fit in properly, it’s advisable for new employees to mentor with seasoned professionals who are successful and well respected in the company. Take note of how they dress, interact with their peers, conduct themselves socially, and carry out their business responsibilities. Learn how they advanced in the company and what mental or attitudinal “adjustments” they had to make to promote their own career success. As they explain the corporate culture, you’ll learn about the peculiar “rituals” or “rites” that involve younger employees who make their ascent up the corporate totem pole. Expect to play the game accordingly.

Another important aspect of transitioning into the workforce is to connect with other professionals in the community. The easiest way to do this is to join a few civic, professional, educational and / or religious organizations that welcome the membership and input of fresh college graduates.

Such involvement will help you to find a comfortable niche in your new community. It will also provide fresh perspectives on how to fine-tune your communication and interpersonal skills as you deal with people of all ages, races and socio-economic backgrounds.

Finally, think of transitioning into the workforce in these terms. No longer are you a starry-eyed, ambitious college student unsure of his or her place in society. You are a budding professional with tremendous potential to make a unique difference in the world as we enter the new millennium. You deserve the chance to succeed, so make the most of it. What a challenge!

Calvin E. Bruce is a contributing writer from Atlanta and regular contributor to THE BLACK COLLEGIAN Magazine.