Six tips for graduates about to enter the workforce

June signifies the official beginning of summer and a new era of high school and college graduates.  Evidence of ‘Graduation fever’ is in the air with graduates on parade with faces full of pride and accomplishment, the arms of proud parents piled with flowers and balloons, and the Bermuda tradition of the beeping-bike-parade.  

Having reached such a milestone is unquestionably a huge reason to celebrate, because reality can set in very quickly in the ‘real world’.   

And so brings me to the topic of the column today: what wisdom can I impart on those young women graduates about to enter the business world? Here are my 6 Rules for Women in Business to live by as I have learned over the years through many varied experiences.

1. First Impressions are everything. This piece of advice goes a little beyond the critical advice for a firm handshake, eye contact and professional appearance; this is about not trying to prove you are “one of the guys.” As a woman it is likely that you may find yourself as the minority in the workplace, but, we bring a lot to the table. Be proud of that.  

2. Networking, and the Value of Relationships. I could argue that this is conceivably one of the most understated aspects of doing business. The ability to make connections within your industry is a necessity for furthering your career, and as such, you should put yourself out-there at industry events, conferences, lunches, etc., and be working that room to meet people like it’s your business, because it is your business. After you make those first connections, work hard to maintain them — keep in touch for the odd coffee or phone call to keep your name in front of them. The best success you can have for changing companies or receiving promotions will inevitably come from a recommendation and / or a testimony from a respected industry individual. These people could hold the key to your future. 

3. Sacrifice is Critical.  Setting your life priorities is essential. The balance that you strike between work, family, and friends is your choice, but if you want to climb that corporate ladder, especially at the beginning of your career, work should take precedence. You want to arrive early and leave late and never turn down an opportunity to relocate.  

4. Don’t Take it Personally. Being emotive and sensitive tend to be part of the woman’s makeup, however they have no place in the office.   

Endeavour not to take constructive criticisms at work as a personal attack.  Throughout your career you can learn from those around you, and how you choose to accept those lessons will help to shape your success.

5. Respect Confidentiality. You want to have the reputation that you are a person who respects professional and personal confidentiality. In the workplace you may be purposefully or accidentally exposed to confidential information, and how you treat that information will determine how much people trust you in the future.  

You never want to be the one to take company secrets into the public; this could have ramifications beyond your comprehension and is something to take very seriously.

6. Don’t be ‘that girl’ at the Office Christmas Party.  The Christmas party is not your opportunity to show off your drinking skills.  This is your time to show that you can relax and enjoy yourself, but within the context of a professional setting.  Naturally people love a good story, and you do not want to be the focus of discussion for years to come within the industry.  

Maya Angelou said: “I love to see a young girl go out and grab the world by the lapels”, I also love to see keen, hungry women graduates about to enter the business world. It reminds me of my first aspirations to be a woman in business, and hopefully with some of the advice given above, they too can find success. 

Jenni Rowntree Estis is senior vice president at Guy Carpenter and Company, LLC.