Originally posted on Medium.
Recently, I met with a group of college graduates visiting the studio. When they walked into my office, it was clear they were impressed by their surroundings: the office, the view, and the title on the door. One brave soul asked: “How did you build your career? How did you start? What does it take to end up in an office like this?” Now, I am not all that impressed with myself. I don’t think I’ve accomplished anything special, and that gorgeous view still intimidates me, but the young man’s questions made me reflect on my journey, and I decided to tell these smart and talented young people my story. As I went on, they got quieter, their eyes got bigger, and they seemed overwhelmed by the gravity of the effort I was describing and the span of time I covered. Noticing their worried faces, I paused and said: “It should go much faster for you guys, you have the advantage of speaking English at the get go!” They did laugh, eventually, and we continued our conversation.
This encounter inspired me to document my career management experience as a strategy. As with all strategies, this one needs a name. How does Career Management Magic sound? Since everything needs an acronym these days, let’s call it CMM.
Onto the strategy!
How you approach your early career could greatly influence your future. What is the correct position and salary? Who is your ideal employer? What if you make the “wrong” choice? These are the questions my college grad guests asked, the same questions I repeatedly hear from young professionals everywhere. I never considered raising these questions myself, but more on that later.
If you are starting out, the only wrong choice you can make is not taking the job because it’s “not perfect.” With that, the first step of the CMM strategy is to take the job in front of you with gratitude. Second, follow the 9 CMM rules and watch the magic happen.
Rule #1: Come in before others do, with a big smile on your face
Rule #2: Leave after everyone else does and keep smiling
Rule #3: Say “yes” to any assignment, and I mean any!
Rule #4: Raise your hand when the boss asks, “who wants to volunteer for extra work?”
Rule #5: Take good notes, ask questions, pay attention to details, and learn, learn, learn
Rule #6: Own your mistakes. You will make mistakes, and that’s ok, but if you find yourself making the same mistake multiple times, go back to #5 and stay with it
Rule #7: Do what you say, say what you do (this is a big deal, builds integrity and trust)
Rule #8: Get to know people, be nice, be polite, be thoughtful
Rule #9: Don’t take yourself too seriously — have some fun, laugh a little
Exercise CMM rules for 2–3 years, and you will get noticed, but if not, begin updating your resume with all the new skills you gained: reliable, creative, critical thinker, problem solver, team player, able to work under pressure, delivers on time, you get the idea.
So, when you receive your first job offer, add the value of the skills you will acquire while working to the salary stated in the offer letter, and your offer should look much more appealing. Remember to factor that in when making your acceptance decision!
CMM strategy could be your tool for life. Use it on your next job and the one after that; use it when you need to boost your enthusiasm in your current job, or when you take on a new role. You may relax rules 1 and 2 with time, but keep the “smile” part.
Now, have no fear and take that job!