Transitioning: Life After CollegeCareer Counseling and Support Services

1640 Neil Avenue, 2nd Floor

Younkin Success Center

(614) 688-3898

ccss.osu.edu

• 1st impressions are important

- Clothing, mannerism, speech

- Behavior, habits, opinions

• What type of image would you like to project?

• How are you working toward your desired image?

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Professional Image

• Do you know the policy?

• Do’s & Don’ts of “Casual Friday”

• Depends on the atmosphere

• Depends on the context of client contact

• Don’t push the envelope… let others take the lead

• Avoid religious or political symbols

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Dressing for Success

• Plan well

• Neutrals

• Classics

• Quality over Quantity

• Avoid items that need to be dry cleaned

- Expensive to maintain

• Use accessories to add variety

- Keep to a minimum

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Tips for Dressing for Success

• Organizational skills are important

- Be creative

• One touch rule; minimizes clutter

• Disinfect/clean workspace monthly

• Pictures

• Other essentials for office life…

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Professional Workspace

• Leave it like you found it

• Replace what you use

• Don’t hoard office supplies

• If you break it… fix it or report it

• Inform others if you will be using the printer or copier for extended amounts of time

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Respect for Others

• Understand your own style

• Continue to learn new words

- Note unknown words and research later

- Ask for details if the word/acronym is unique to work responsibilities

• Avoid use of slang

• Listen, listen, listen

- Hearing, understanding, judging

• Ask for clarification and give feedback

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Professional Communication

• E-mail etiquette

• Always use a professional style

• Limit emotional content

• Avoid abbreviations and symbols

• Include a signature and contact information

• Avoid using company time for personal gain

• Know company policy

• Beware!! Some companies monitor

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Internet Use

• Show respect

• Give your best

• Be honest

• Keep lines of communication open

• Maintain boundaries

• Be positive

• Manage your emotions

• Be open to feedback

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The “BOSS”

Micro Manager• Tight control, detail oriented; good for structure

Hands-Off• Allows employees to think and act independently; record your progress on projects

Absentee• Little leadership & guidance; learn to rely on coworkers

Under Qualified• Use the situation to your advantage. More opportunity for growth; identify other

sources of information

Over Achiever• Workaholic, challenges employees, opportunity for growth experiences

Insecure• Work on establishing trust; seek approval prior to implementing projects

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Styles of Leadership

• Choose your battles wisely• Don’t sit and stew• Request a meeting

• State the facts

• Keep records• Use self-control• Look for support• Know your rights• Go to the top or HR

• Weigh your options

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Conflict with the supervisor…

• Be responsible, dependable, and trustworthy

• Your behavior affects others

• Express your appreciation

• Be positive, modest, and respectful

• Play fair

• Avoid non-productive conflict

• Know company policy on office romances

- Best advice… keep it professional

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Co-workers

• Chatty Cathy• kills your productivity

• The slacker• tries to pass work off to you and may take credit for your work

• The gossiper• Keep your guard up…what you tell may be his/her next best story

• Mr. Toxic• negative attitude may be contagious

• The Brown Noser• may see you as competition and attempt to sabotage your efforts to

connect with the boss or other managers

• http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mnqoWoZvGSQ

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Difficult Co-Workers

• Try to find a way to add fun and variety to your work routine

• Seek leadership opportunities

• Take ownership of your work

• Focus on your goals and the “Big” picture

• Seek Feedback

• Maintain a positive attitude

• Reflect on your accomplishments

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Motivation

Keep your ear to the ground

• Be aware of recent resignations, firings, lay offs, or signs of financial distress within the company.

• Note what is being said about your company in the media (i.e. stock exchange).

• Listen to feedback from others; inquire, adjust or start researching other potential employers.

• Periodically update your resume… just in case.

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Unemployment

• Request an exit interview – Learn from the situation

• Try to leave on good terms

• Ask for a letter of recommendation (Perhaps from someone other than the boss who fired you)

• Know company policy regarding severance package, and left over sick, vacation or personal time

• Adjust your budget until you regain employment

• Consider the process of finding a job as your current job: reconnect with your network to identify leads

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Departure

• Networking is still vital

• Identify mentors within and outside of your work environment

• Affiliate yourself with a professional organization

• Continue to learn about your profession.

• Overall, treat others how you would like to be treated.

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Last Tips

I long to accomplish a great and noble tasks, but it is my chief duty to accomplish humble tasks as though they were great and noble. The world is moved along, not

only by the mighty shoves of its heroes, but also by the aggregate of the tiny pushes of

each honest worker.

- Helen Keller

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Last Thought…