Black Collegian Career Center

Now you are about to embark on a unique adventure: you have a new organization to learn, a new job to master, new supervisor to report to, and new team members, colleagues, and management to contend with. How do you master this new career landscape is an environment totally different from that of your college experience?

Because your first position is a launching pad from which you will embark on a series of career moves up the rungs of your personal career, you want to do all that you can to ensure success at this entry stage. Your career will span decades and entail a number of exciting career changes. To help you succeed, we will focus on advice for adjusting to your new job and on tips for mastering it quickly and efficiently.

To make this information "real," we interviewed three African Americans beginning their careers and three veterans. They provide keen insights into how you can make the transition from college to the world of work. From strategies, both for succeeding in today's changing workplace and for ensuring that your job performance is outstanding, they offer useful information for building successful careers. Let's start with Robert L. Williams.

Robert L. Williams, 23, landed his job as a Design Engineer with ASC Services Company, L.L.C., in downtown Chicago last June after receiving a BS in Engineering Management from Purdue in May. Robert attended a National Society of Black Engineers (NSBE) job fair held at Purdue and met one of the firm's founding members, a VP of Client Relations and Community Affairs. As a result of this meeting, he interned with the company the summer before his senior year. His performance as an intern was so good that he was invited to interview with ASC for a full-time position in its Design and Construction department, where he currently works.

As a design engineer, Robert Williams designs heating, ventilation, air conditioning, and cooling systems for various Ameritech buildings. His work involves designing HVAC systems based on industry standards, client specifications, and various building and construction codes. Robert has project management responsibilities including establishing a budget, outlining a schedule, communicating with contractors, and ensuring that various obstacles are handled so that projects get completed on time. From his technical position, Robert offers insight into adjusting to your new position:

"I would start off by explaining that the everyday transition that one makes when leaving the collegiate world for the corporate world differs totally from that made for entering the collegiate world. First, I found that college teaches collegians a certain 'way' to think. As an engineering student, I was taught to analyze situations, troubleshoot problems, and efficiently use my resources. These are the skills that you should bring to the workplace, not necessarily textbook knowledge. So sharpen these skills.

"Second, I learned daily and weekly organization and planning. These allow you to meet project deadlines, attend meetings, train, and take on more responsibilities. Good planning skills will allow you to prioritize assignments. It is essential to being a good manager. Once mastered, organization and planning will better enable you to handle the third and most important aspect of entering the workplace successfully: flexibility or adaptability.

"Being flexible or adaptable will allow a young professional to learn by doing a variety of assignments, some that don't relate to your job title. Your adaptability will determine whether you take on greater responsibilities, whether you can teach others what you've learned, and whether others can depend on you during 'crunch time' or when something is needed immediately. Employees who are looked upon as flexible are given more assignments that lead to greater opportunities to 'shine.'

Robert's list of suggestions for your first week at a new job:

1. Get acquainted with the company hierarchy. Have someone get you an organization chart.

2. Make sure that you have the equipment you need to perform your job (computer, pens, file folders, calculator, resource material, etc.) or at least know where you can get it.

3. Learn how your operation fits in with the grand scheme of things. This knowledge will determine where you get your assignments from and whom you give the completed assignments to.

4. You are not expected to know everything, so ASK PLENTY OF QUESTIONS!!!

5. Keep a copy of and date for whatever material you are given so that you have a record of when you received something and what you gave someone.

Veronica L. Young, 25, also used a summer internship to snag her job as an Associate with the law firm of Mayer, Brown & Platt, Chicago. Veronica joined the firm in October of 1995 after completing her JD from Northwestern University School of Law in May of 1995. She received a BS in Economics in May of 1992 from the University of Illinois at Champaign-Urbana and decided to attend law school. Her long-term career goal is to become "a very good trial lawyer and maybe to leave private practice at some point and work for the government," a reversal of the traditional pattern of many lawyers.

Veronica offers the following advice for those adjusting to a new job:

"The adjustment from a student to one of a full-time employee can be difficult. The most difficult thing is realizing that your employer and supervisor expect you to be at work every day and that you have lost the flexibility of creating your own schedule. I think it is important to accept this fact early because the easiest way to lose a job is through frequent tardiness and absences.

"I suggest getting to know your new colleagues early. It is best to figure out in the beginning what kind of relationship you will have with people so that you can learn the culture in which you will be working. Get to know the support staff where you work. These employees typically know most about how the company or firm operates.

"Last, make sure that you have activities outside of work. Work can be stressful, so you must have an activity that allows you to take your mind off work. If you think that you don't have a life outside of work, resentment can set in, which can lead to a lack of productivity at work. To achieve peak efficiency in your job, I'd recommend that the most important thing is to determine the point in the day you are most effective. This determination will take some time. Very few people can be productive every minute of the day, so you must figure out when you have the most energy and maximize the amount of work you get done during that time.

"It is very important to realize that efficiency comes after training and experience. Don't get frustrated when you make mistakes in the beginning. These are normal. If you think that you are continually making the same mistakes and not becoming efficient, then you must inform your supervisor that you may need additional training."

Ingrid R. Larkin, 23, calls her position as an Intern Graphic Artist with Johnson Publishing Company, Inc., Chicago, "the job of my dreams!" With a bachelor of arts degree in Art with emphasis in Design from Tougaloo College, Tougaloo, MS, earned in August 1994, and an Advertising Design Diploma from The Art Institute of Atlanta, which she received in June of 1996, Ingrid owes her position to the placement office at her 'sister' school--The Illinois Institute of Art in Chicago. The school's Director of Employment Assistance, Madeleine Slutsky, used her contacts to call one of the company's owners on Ingrid's behalf. This call led to a meeting with the company's systems administrator and Ingrid's current position:

"I always wanted to work for Johnson Publishing. I narrowed my search to a design firm or a publishing company. As an Intern Graphic Artist I perform layout for Jet Magazine and some for EM (Ebony Man). I also work on miscellaneous projects like Fashion Fair and Promotions. In adjusting to your new job and getting off to a successful start, the most important things to remember are what I call the 3 As: Be Alert, Aggressive, and Attentive.

"Being alert shows that you are sharp and always ready for any task that you are asked to perform. Being aggressive shows that you are eager to work and to learn about every aspect of your job and of the company. Attentiveness is critical because in the first days on the job you learn by paying close attention to your supervisor and those surrounding you. Close attention leaves a good impression.

"For example, when I started my first day at work I was so nervous I didn't know what to expect. School had prepared me, but I took a legal pad and pen and began to write notes about everything my supervisor said. She remarked that she had never had anyone do that before. By taking notes I was acknowledging the importance of what she had to say. The notes eliminated unnecessary questions, but allowed for important questions. When it came time for me to do a layout for Jet, I had to ask questions for clarification only; otherwise, I referred to my notes for everything.

"To achieve peak efficiency, I think that a good diet and proper rest are important. If you stay out late or party all night, you'll be sluggish in the morning. With proper rest and good nutrition, you'll be energetic and alert. Looking the part for the job is very important: wear a suit or dress. Business casual is allowed in the art department to help our creativity, but I still think it's important to look nice and not too slouchy.

"My bottom line comment is keep a positive attitude when you are job searching. I often got frustrated, and frustration is very stressful."

Laysha Ward, 28, is Manager of Community Relations for Marshall Field's, Chicago, a division of Dayton Hudson Corporation that includes Marshall Field's, Dayton's, Hudsons, Target, and Mervyn's. With a degree in Broadcast Journalism from Indiana University, Bloomington, IN, received in May 1991, she is currently working on a Master's degree in Social Administration at the University of Chicago.

Ward has earned a series of promotions since she joined Fields five and a half years ago where she started as a Sales Leader/Assistant Manager. Her responsibilities include handling corporate contributions, developing and marketing community initiatives, employee volunteerism, and United Way campaign activities for Illinois, Wisconsin, and Ohio for Fields' stores directly. The corporation contributes 5 percent of its pre-tax profits to support non-profit organizations. She also works with community relations, public relations, marketing, advertising, and special events staff throughout the corporation to enhance the company's position in its store communities.

Her advice to Black Collegians transitioning from college to the working world is as follows:

"Before you even look for a job, I'd suggest that you assess the skills required to do what you think you want to do. Get an internship of some sort -- try to do it in your field of interest. By doing so, you'll get a sense of the political environment of the workplace. Learn how to maneuver the landscape -- to feel and be successful. You need to understand how to foster relationships, what's important to your supervisors and how to make their goals as important as yours. To transition to a higher level, you need to learn this information. Learn how to mesh your desires with those of your company, how to be a part of the team, and what's important for moving forward and upward.

"With regard to interpersonal and interpersonal skills and self-issues, I think you should be comfortable with being Black in a majority cultural environment. You don't have to feel as if you're compromising yourself if you adjust to work within the culture of your organization. Know that it will take time for an organization to adjust to minorities in the workplace. My advice is to be patient and work intelligently within the culture of the organization to affect change.

"As a new hire, from your supervisor's standpoint, I'd advise that you make yourself extremely visible. Go the extra mile. Be early, not on time. Don't rush out of the office at 5:00 p.m. Stay till things are complete. Subtly 'toot your own horn,' but make sure your toot isn't boastful. Make sure that the things you've volunteered for, like committees and task forces, are known. These activities allow you to network with employees at all levels in the company. Activities like United Way, employee volunteer/appreciation programs, or department task forces allow you to have input and stretch your abilities.

"Also, remember developmental opportunities within and outside of the company. Find an opportunity with a non-profit to refine your skills. You can build and enhance various skills there, and when you are more comfortable bring those refined skills to your company. You and the non-profit will gain something from this experience. With regard to today's changing workplace and technology, stay abreast of the basics and know the key buzzwords of your industry. Network with those who know.

"I attribute my success to being adaptable, flexible, reading the direction of the company, feeling as though I'm a part of that direction, and figuring out the best way to highlight my skills. Being able to ensure that supervisor's know your strengths is also important. I've had many sizable mentors within and without the company. Try to find someone to bring you along.

"Three and a half years ago, when I started in our community relations department, my ultimate job or career goal was what I'm doing now. It just came along a little earlier than I expected. Consequently, I'm redefining my goals in the corporate contributions or in the philanthropic field. I'm also interested in government/public policy. I'm open to various opportunities and challenges as they present themselves.

"For African Americans, I think that we graduate and have wonderful degrees and are well qualified, but it's whom you know sometimes that lands you the job you want. Remember to pursue your dreams and keep hopeful even if you have to take an interim job until you land the one you want."

Sonya Y. Jackson, 34, has served as Community Relations/Public Relations Manager for Sears, Roebuck and Co., Hoffinan Estates, IL, since January of 1995. With a degree in Sociology from the University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA, received in 1984, she served as Assistant Director of the Sara Lee Foundation, Chicago for four years before this position. Her current responsibilities include volunteerism, national program development, and reviewing applications and proposals for corporate contributions. Sonya's advice on getting off to a successful start in your career and moving up focuses on the importance of connections, flexibility, and love for what you do:

"Too often people will get into a job and rest on their laurels. To have a successful experience, view every opportunity as one for growth and for getting to the next level. Once you've been in the workplace for a while, take an inventory of what you've done. Over the course of your career, you're probably going to be doing a lot of different things as you move to where you want to be. I call this 'getting your ticket punched.' Get your ticket punched at each stop along the way, recognizing that where you are now is helping you to get to the next level.

"In my last job I didn't think that I was growing professionally--that there were enough upward opportunities available. I decided to see what was out there. Connections are important because of the 'hidden job market.' You need to network and build your community so that your stream of people to call upon is very broad. I put out feelers and networked by letting people know I was interested in an opportunity. I was in the right place at the right time and by keeping my eyes and options open, I landed my job at Sears.

"For those of you entering the workplace, I'd recommend that you learn as much as you can about the industry you're in and take the initiative to do special projects and assignments. Work with other departments. It's important to develop relationships with people who are on other levels and in other areas so you get to understand the business. It's easy to get blind-sided by all the work on your desk. Keep your eye on the big picture Ñ what's really important is your contribution Ñ that you're really adding value and are recognized as a key contributor.

"To succeed in today's workplace you need to be flexible. Sometimes as African Americans we get comfortable in our jobs and oft times our reaction to a job is gratitude for being there. Think about your skills and what you're contributing, and recognize that you deserve to be there. Along with this recognition goes the fact that you are marketable and that your career can be what you make it. Ask questions if your career is being impacted by organizational changes, but realize that while change is uncomfortable you should maintain a sense of openness and ask questions if you need to.

"Make sure that you build your community internally and externally. By this I mean make connections, connections, connections! One of my mentors had a favorite phrase, 'You make a life by what you give.' I'm driven by this perception. Howsoever you can connect to others, do so. Network for the best resources and cultivate your contacts. Don't pull up the ladder behind you once you succeed; help someone else along. Don't just call your contacts when there's a crisis. Nurture and support the relationship when things are going well so that it's easier to get the support you need when things aren't the way you would like them to be.

"I've been in public relations/contributions and I'm interested in expanding in this area. During my total career I've been fortunate at landing opportunities. My career just happened and I ended up on this path. I believe it goes back to what I said about flexibility. I've always been in jobs I've loved to do. I've always felt I had a career, not just a job. I've sought out and landed opportunities that I love. Why would you want to be somewhere you don't want to be? I always say that if doing something is not fun anymore, it's time to leave it."

Rene M. Daye, 28, of Chicago credits THE BLACK COLLEGIAN for part of her success in making an effective transition from college to the world of work. Rene's story is important because it highlights the importance of setting goals and taking initiative. In May of 1997 she will join Amoco Corporation's Corporate Office in Chicago as a Human Resources Associate, an entry level professional position. With a BS, BA degree with a concentration in Management of Organizational Behavior from the University of Missouri-St. Louis in August of 1992, she will complete an MSIR degree with a concentration in Human Resources Management, from Loyola University, Chicago next May. Her advice:

"Before starting graduate school, I researched companies offering the best opportunities for careers in Human Resources. Several sources, including THE BLACK COLLEGIAN Magazine, cited Amoco as a company with a commitment to diversity and one of the top companies for HR opportunities. When I started graduate school, I attended a career development program sponsored by Loyola. One of the workshop facilitators was from Amoco. I gave her my resume and received a phone call a few weeks later. I was interviewed over the phone and asked if I would be interested in some temporary project work. The assignment lasted longer than I expected. I applied for an internship and began it in June of this year. The rest is history.

"It's important for me to note that when I decided to return to grad school, I did so because I knew it would be hard to find a position with just an undergrad degree. I knew I wanted to go to school in an urban area and maximize my opportunities for an internship because I knew I'd need to work while going to school. Chicago popped up as one of my areas of interest. Coming into the field with little experience, I knew I needed information on how to land a professional position.

When I started grad school, I understood that I needed to be more active on campus, do more networking, and not be shy when meeting people in my field. I became active on campus -- I'm a founding member of Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM) chapter on campus. I became visible, got to know people, worked hard, and attended conferences sponsored by professional organizations in my field. I tried to do things that would enhance my networking skills, provide opportunities for career development, put me in contact with other professionals, and help me pick up a mentor or two along the way.

"To make a successful transition, I have decided to do the best possible job that I can do at Amoco where I work part-time 20-35 hours per week. I assist with recruitment efforts for the Petroleum Products Marketing Sector. My responsibilities include searching for candidates through job fairs, college campuses, and networking. I interview candidates, request reference background checks, and refer candidates to hiring managers. I've been involved in project work, including assessing interns' satisfaction with summer work experience, assessing company-wide usage of reference checks in the pre-employment process, researching vendors offering reference check services, analyzing surveys on business groups' satisfaction with HR services, and assisting in the development of proposals for new intern programs. When my position becomes full-time, my duties will be expanded to include coordination of computerized applicant tracking processes."

The transition from college to the world of work is an exciting time. From the basics of getting off to a good start, honing one's skills, learning the corporate culture to being adaptable, flexible and progressive, you've received tips from those building their own career success pyramids. The pyramid begins when you climb the career ladder in your company or elsewhere, if you change companies. I hope that the profiles and tips we've presented help you to succeed as you make the inevitable transitions that go with career development. Good luck!