Co-authors of “Effective Immediately: How to Fit In, Stand Out and Move Up at Your First Real Job”

What’s the one thing a new grad needs to know when they enter the workforce?

Be patient. Newbies tend to become frustrated because they have tremendous desire and ambition, yet in many cases they do not receive high-impact assignments during their first few months. If a new grad can be patient and suppress personal expectations for a while, they can focus on fitting in, forming relationships, and learning the company processes and culture.

What are the most common mistakes that young professionals make?

The following are ones that we see all the time: being so driven as to attempt to get ahead at the expense of others; not being keenly interested in others; relying too heavily on electronic communications; and allowing personal drama to affect their attitude and productivity at work.

How can a new employee “Wow!” his first boss?

There is no cookie-cutter way to do this. But as a starting point, we advise newbies to be adaptable and humble. All new-hires want to be standouts. Ironically, the standing out is much more about fitting in with co-workers and relating effectively with the boss than attempting to dazzle them with work product when your still a rookie. There probably aren’t many bosses out there who wouldn’t say, “Wow!” when a new employee comes in and quickly becomes a great, dependable team player who is respected by coworkers. By the same token, most bosses are going to be equally “Wow’d” by a young professional who demonstrates an ability and willingness to adapt his communication style and work habits to fit the boss’s preferences and needs.

If readers can take away only one thing from the book, what lesson or advice do you want to stick with them?

You have to plan to succeed. The crucial, operative word is “plan.” Let’s face it, there are tons of dreamers and wannabes out there. And there are plenty of people who are willing to work hard. But only a very few people in the world (by our estimate 4% or less) combine the dream, the desire, and the work ethic with a success plan. Set ambitious goals for yourself. Go ahead and aim high. Develop a timetable and deadlines. Believe in yourself and go get it. If you fail or fall short, adjust your plan and get back to work.

How did you learn about College Summit and why did you choose to devote a portion of your profits to this group?

For the past several years the Charleston Area Alliance, an economic development organization in our area, and College Summit have worked in partnership to provide scholarships and laptops to graduating high school seniors here. That’s where we first heard about the great work of College Summit and we wanted to do something to help support your mission. This was our way of saying thank you.

Skip Lineberg and Emily Bennington are the coauthors of Effective Immediately: How to Fit In, Stand Out, and Move Up at Your First Real Job. Skip and Emily also host www.ProfessionalStudio365.com, a website that helps new professionals successfully transition from college to the workforce. Frequent speakers to students and organizations on the topic of career success, Skip and Emily have (either collectively or separately) been featured on ABC News and quoted in publications such as the New York Post, US News and World Report, Yahoo Jobs, Monster.com, The Huffington Post, and the Washington Post Express. A portion of the proceeds from their book benefit College Summit.

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