Make your summer job a success!

Mary Crane, the author of Networking for Students and New Professionals, has just released her “10 Keys to Summer Success”—here’s a summary of her practical, straightforward advice for distinguishing yourself from the rest of the pack:



1. Make sure your supervisor always looks good. 
This means: no surprises. Keep your supervisor informed of the status of projects, as well as potential office drama, and turn in projects that are client-ready.
2. Dress with respect. 
If you’re unsure of your office’s dress code, go conservative. No matter your gender, others should see very little of your chest and none of your belly or lower back (yes, plumber’s crack can affect anyone!)
3. Act professionally.
The littlest things matter. Before you walk into an office building, remove your ear buds. Acknowledge other people you know in the building lobby. As you walk to or from your workstation or office, greet others you meet along the way. First thing in the morning, check in with your supervisor. Do another check-in at the end of your workday. Be punctual to all meetings, and keep your phone put away.
4. Complete projects on time.
Find ways to work with others and to complete projects on time. Keep your manager informed if there is some delay, but do all you can to avoid the delays altogether!
5. Interact professionally with clients and customers.
Whenever a client or customer is present, give that person 100 percent of your attention--end all personal conversations, phone calls, emailing, texting, and the like. Use the social titles of “Mr.” or “Ms.” in writing or face-to-face, unless you’re requested to use a first name.
6. Work as a team player. 
Unlike school, work situations frequently involve teamwork. As such, your success will be measured by how well the entire group performs. Understand your role, and be prepared to assist other team members when your help is needed.
7. Good team members communicate & make themselves available.
When in doubt, more sharing beats less. Avoid becoming known as the one team member who failed to share a critical piece of data. Recognize others for their hard work. Say positive things about the team publicly. Give constructive feedback privately.
8. Work effectively with support staff.
These staff members can make or break you. Give them lots of reasons to want to help you succeed. Always speak and work with support staff in a polite and respectful manner.
9. Handle differences professionally.
Managing differences without involving a supervisor demonstrates that you are a professional who can manage all of the exigencies of the day-to-day workplace. Use this three-step process: 1.) acknowledge the disagreement; 2) seek a shared understanding of the underlying facts and assumptions; and 3) jointly develop a plan for moving forward.
10. Develop an attitude of gratitude!
Show appreciation for opportunities to work on projects, and be gracious when accepting thanks. BUT eliminate the phrase “no problem” from your lexicon—it devalues your work! Instead say, “You bet. I really enjoyed this project,” or, “It was my pleasure. If there’s anything else I can do for you, please don’t hesitate to shout.” Every week this summer, find one person who has made a positive difference in your life at work, and go out of your way to thank that person.

Doing these things will make you remembered positively as an employee, which can lead to a later job or a great reference down the road. To read more, see Mary Crane’s “10 Keys to Summer Success.”

Have a great summer! And keep in mind that LCS counselors are available all summer for counseling appointments or check-ins.