Many graduations have taken place across the country, but many are still left to be had. I deemed it necessary to recap my May Series: Tips for The Grads. As young professionals are entering the professional world and all that entails, I think it is beneficial to have some basic tools. Depending on your career choice and its demands or lack thereof it can be easy to get sidetracked from your purpose for working there; the reason why you chose to enter the field in the first place. Furthermore, the tips below can be helpful. Just a snapshot of some things I wish I would’ve known. Take what you need. You’re welcome.

Tip 1 Learn the organization hierarchy and chain of command. This is imperative in any organizational structure. Regardless of what “program” or career field you selected. Know the position you are in, your immediate supervisor, and the person directly below you. Good, bad, or otherwise this can essentially affect your day-to-day routine and overall work experience. You may find yourself doing your job, on top of doing another job you don’t even know exist, on top trying to maintain your sanity.

Tip 2 Negotiate your pay and don’t settle. Be honest about the job being presented. Be honest about your experience, education, and attributes. Don’t play small. Enter spaces like God sent you there. Read the room and pay attention. Don’t just walk into an interview asking yourself, “do they want me?”, but rather “do I want them?” “Is this a mutually beneficial situation?” “Is this good for my mental health?” “What are their intentions?” Also, my personal favorite, “Who sent you?”

Tip 3 In leadership and management positions ask can you hire your own staff or bring in your own team? This is imperative! Clean house or hire at least the majority of those directly around you specifically if you are there to make things better. People can be resistant or even allergic to change, organization, detail, structure, and the right thing. Don’t hire nobody, you can’t fire. Some companies, organizations, and structures are in hostage type situations, stuck with awful people on the premises of contracts, and no funds to buy them out sooner. Essentially forced to partake in whatever they are doing.

Tip 4 Stay off network WIFI or email unless it is work related. Simply use your own phone service.

Tip 5 Do your job, mind your business, get paid.  You are there to do a specific job. You’re not there to be anything other than the job you applied for and got. The minute you dive into other things it can get messy.  Know your job description and the expectations. Do not feel pressured to do anything not within your scope. I encourage trusting your gut and follow any spiritual nudges. (but be prepared for what may come with that) I encourage being cordial, but understand boundaries. You’re not obligated to talk about anything extra.

Tip 6 “A listening ear is a running mouth.” Don’t say anything you are not okay with being repeated! Also, walk away from conversations that are low vibrational or have nothing to do with the task at hand. The age old saying, “misery loves company.” No need to be rude, simply excuse yourself for a break or any rational excuse will suffice. Think quick.

Tip 7 Save money and don’t live out of your means! Period! Be resourceful and save for that rainy day, think longevity. Have luxurious, quality things, but don’t be stupid. (Think credit, will, trust, payment options or arrangements and research) Though, we can’t take none of this with us, think generationally.

Tip 8 Remember to build something for yourself. You’re working x number of hours per day or x number of hours per week for someone else. Build something for you, that you can take with you. Think a hands-on skill or trade, have options, and be multifaceted.

Tip 9 Be intentional and have goals both long and short term. Write the vision down and make it clear. Do something daily that helps you get closer to your ultimate goal. Rather people see it or not, it’s for you. Make strides, make progress, and move forward. Be further along than you are now.