Surviving Corporate Life: A New Resource for You

I had a rough start to my corporate life. The learning curve alone made me feel like an imposter, hiding among the worthy. To top it off, startup life wasn't very kind to me with that "high-paced environment" (a euphemism, perhaps?) but I survived nonetheless. In my second job, I kept looking back, thinking, "Gosh, there was so much college didn't prepare me for. Certainly, there is some way I can save others some of the hassle I endured." This was the birthplace of "Alli From Corporate : Your Workplace Big Sister".

The initial 30 days in any new job are pivotal. They set the tone for your future in the company. Recognizing this, I’ve designed an hour-long video course called "Your First Job", aimed at equipping you with the essentials for a successful start. Let's delve into a few of the key areas the course covers, which, I believe, are the lessons crucial for thriving in the corporate world but often overlooked in academic settings. I'm curious to know if you also had to learn some of these the hard way.

1. Onboarding: More Than Just Forms

Onboarding is your first real peek into the company's world. It's not just about paperwork; it's about absorbing the ethos, understanding the workflow, and getting a feel of the 'unspoken' rules that govern your new workplace. Instead of jumping in and trying to contribute to the culture IMMEDIATELY upon arrival, I suggest observing and absorbing first so you can get a lay of the land.

2. Effective Business Communication: The Art of Clarity and Respect

Mastering business communication goes beyond just drafting an email. It’s about clarity, brevity, and ensuring your messages build relationships rather than just convey information. It’s an art that blends respect with assertiveness. Over the past 10 years in the corporate world, my email communication has become much more brief and to the point. I used to drag on and on until I realized, nobody wanted to read a long boring email. Get. To. The. Point.

3. The Business of Relationships: Rapport, and More

Understanding business isn't just about knowing your role. It's about comprehending the broader picture with the people around you – from the importance of work relationships throughout your day, to the art of building rapport that transcends mere networking.

4. Making People Feel Heard and Seen: Empathy in Action

Active listening and empathy are the bedrock of effective communication. It’s about making others feel valued and understood, a critical skill for collaboration and team building. If I could rub a magic lamp and instill one quality in every person on earth, it would be empathy.

5. Finding a Mentor: Navigating the Mentorship Maze

A mentor is more than a guide; they are your gateway to industry insights, career advice, and sometimes, a sounding board for your ideas. Knowing how to find the right mentor and nurturing that relationship is key. If you have enjoyed being mentored in the past, I hope you get a chance to pay it forward someday and mentor someone else. This is the circle of mentorship :)

6. Meeting Etiquette: Mastering the Boardroom

Meetings are the stages where careers can shine or falter. Understanding the nuances of meeting etiquette – from when to speak to how to present your ideas – can significantly impact how you’re perceived. I recommend observing as much as you can in the first few weeks of your new role so you can understand your new company's meeting culture.

7. Business Ethics: Navigating Grey Areas

In the complex corporate world, understanding and adhering to business ethics is essential. It’s about making decisions that are not just profitable, but also right and fair. Your company will often train you on business ethics and I have found it to be slightly different at each company, which is interesting in itself.

8. Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion: More Than Just Buzzwords

Embracing DEI is crucial for creating an inclusive workplace where diverse perspectives are valued. It’s about understanding, respecting, and advocating for these principles in your daily work life. Recent data shows us that corporations that embrace DEI have better sales numbers, better employee retention, and stronger feelings of engagement.

9. Quality Over Speed: Finding the Balance

In a fast-paced corporate environment, balancing quality and speed is vital. It’s about delivering excellent work without compromising on efficiency – a skill that defines true professionalism. I've heard someone say "go slow to go fast", meaning, slow down and double-check your work so you don't have to go back and fix mistakes later on.

10. Receiving Feedback: The Growth Catalyst

Feedback, though sometimes hard to digest, is essential for growth. Learning to receive it constructively and using it to refine your skills and approach is a hallmark of a resilient professional. A friend of mine always says, "Feedback is a gift, an opportunity to grow.

It feels good to put a course like this out into the world. If I can help folks avoid pitfalls I once struggled to navigate, mission accomplished! These are more than just course modules; they are essential skills that shape a successful professional journey. I'm curious to hear your thoughts – what essential workplace skills do you think are often missed in college education? Comment below.

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Allison is giving a TedX talk on Dec 3 in Hartford Connecticut on How to Motivate Gen Z in the Modern Workforce, tune in live!

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