So you’re fresh out of university and you just landed that your dream job. You’re waltzing into the office like a fresh faced hero, ready to conquer the corporate world. But you should know that the workforce is a jungle on its own and you’ll need to know how best to navigate it. Here’s a survival guide to navigate the corporate world as a newbies:
Learn the Office Language and Be a Part of All the Jokes
Obviously, you’re new and may not know all the inside gists or the latest gossip, so make sure you befriend someone who does and get on board with it. Once you’re fluent in the office language, you’ll know how best to navigate it.
Dress the Part
Even if you end up donning a three piece suit and the highest pair of heels from Yaba market, you may or may not still end up buying Amala for your CEO during break time. But that shouldn’t deter you from dressing nice, and this is how you’ll be addressed. Dressing professionally isn’t just about the clothes, but it’s like your armour in the corporate battlefield. It’s better to be overdressed than underdressed.
Learn How To Make Small Talk
Small talks is one of the number one constant in any office and you should learn how to engage. You might be more willing to go to your desk and avoid the rest of the office, but trust me when I say that you’ll need to engage with others for your life to be a little bit more bearable. Learn to discuss the weather, weekend plans, and recent TV shows. It’s the social glue that keeps the corporate machinery running.
Leave Your Anger at Your Desk When Typing an Email
After someone copies you to a mail one million times in one hour, it’s very easy to get upset by that. But you’ll need to be professional at all times. Whenever you’re drafting an email, make sure you’re in the right frame of mind.
Observe Office Politics From the Sidelines
Just like real life politics, office politics can get very messy very fast, so it would be best if you stayed out of it entirely. Office politics is the real-life Game of Thrones, minus the dragons (usually). Just observe and stay neutral, and never, ever give your opinions on the issues.
Learn to Manage your Time
When you’re at the office, each second is accounted for and you should learn how to manage it properly. Always meet deadlines and invest in a planner so you can easily plan your day.
Build a Professional Network
You’re at the office to network and climb the corporate ladder, so be sure to do just that. Networking isn’t just for LinkedIn, so connect with your colleagues, attend growth meetings and build relationship. You never know when that connection might open doors or save you from a spreadsheet crisis.
Maintain a Good Work Life Balance
When you begin working, it’s very easy to get carried away with that part of your life and forget that you had a life outside the four walls of an office building. Make sure you establish boundaries and prioritise your self care.
So remember newbie, surviving in the corporate world is not easy. But if you follow the tips above, then you’re certainly on a good path.
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