This is the time of
year when many students graduate from college. The purpose of school is to
prepare students for the real world. There are many things that you may not
have learned in college, or even through the Fraternity. This post is to
supplement what you've learned. Getting a job is one thing, but keeping it and
excelling at it are another. Here are some tips to help you get ahead:
My doctoral
dissertation focused on success factors of female Fortune 1000 board members. These tips helped them, as well as
other women leaders, get ahead. Follow their footsteps and you could be the
next woman to break through the glass ceiling!
Make a good first impression.
When you first meet
someone, look them in the eye and give them a firm handshake. You don’t want it
to be limp like a fish and you don’t want to make it seem like you’re breaking
their hand either. Introduce yourself with your first and last name. Be sure to
hand out your business card, and get theirs too. Ask to keep in touch through
LinkedIn. You never know what staying in touch this way will bring. I’ve gotten
jobs just by being connected with people through LinkedIn.
Unlearn what you might have
learned.
At a young age,
women are often socialized in a way that is counterproductive to their success.
Some examples of this are being taught to be demure and told that math is for
boys. Both of these things can hinder women from success. Being assertive and
learning math are things that anyone can do and can help anyone to succeed. Of
course, being aggressive is not valued in the workplace, but being assertive is
essential to success.
Dress to get ahead.
What women wear is
important to success. Studies show that dressing seductively in the workplace
keeps women from excelling. If women want to be treated as equal in the
workplace and valued, they need to act accordingly. One good example of proper
dress was actually taught to me as a Delta Gamma in college. If you’re going to
wear a dress, test the appropriateness of its length by putting your hands on
your sides with your hands flat. If the dress goes below your middle finger,
you’re okay, if it’s above, it’s too short. Don’t show
cleavage or a midriff. These are two things that detract from great work. You
want to be known for the excellent work you produce, not how tight your clothes
are!
Communicate well.
The way you speak
is extremely important. Be confident. Lowering the tone of your voice and
speaking up are two things that can help you be seen as more credible. Do not
end sentences with questions, this detracts from the importance of what you are
saying. Also, filler words such as like and um take away from important things
you have to say as well.
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