The Bigger Picture - Tips for Your 9-5 (Pt. 3)
The Obsession | Edition - 031
This is part three of a three-part series on tips for starting out at your 9-5 job.
85% of jobs are filled through networking. Not job boards. Not applications. People.
As someone who has only worked as a W-2 employee since college, this series covers some things that I believe helped me find early success at my corporate job.
The bigger picture:
Working in corporate America, there is a bigger picture than just your job description when it comes to finding success. Here are three things to be thinking about.
Build relationships, not just a resume.
You never know who you might need help from in the future. So much of a younger analyst role is about building your internal network.
The ability to simply reach out to people for help instead of going through whatever formal channel exists is a game changer for your day to day. But more importantly, you need people who will vouch for you when it's time to move up.
Relationships are the cornerstone for success in any business. Meet other people. Break bread with them. Play the long game. So when it comes time for an interview, you already have support in the room.
Bet on yourself:
No one is going to advocate for you more than you. In a professional manner, it is okay to be honest with people in the company about what you want and where you want to be.
It is okay to say that you want to be great.
This can be a fine balance of being humble while still showcasing that you are willing to work hard. I like to think of it as your personal brand within the company. What do people say about you when you're not in the room?
Learn the business, not just your job:
Understanding how the company makes money makes you more valuable in every conversation.
You would be surprised how many people are not fully aware of how their company actually makes money. And how can you be aligned with the team if you don't understand what's driving the business?
My suggestion is to gather some intel on what the top priorities are for the company and what the biggest pain points are. This allows you to ask better questions to leadership. You're not going to be seen as someone who only cares about themselves. You're going to be seen as a team player.
To close:
In part one, I talked about the daily habits that help you stand out; showing up early and getting advice from the people around you.
In part two, it was about the mindset shift; treating your role like you own the business.
And in this final part, it's the bigger picture; building relationships, betting on yourself, and learning how the company works.
None of these are in your job description. But I believe they're what actually move you forward.
What is one thing about your career that no one told you but you had to learn on your own?
THE WEEKLY 3
1) One Question I Asked Myself
Am I just doing my job, or am I building something bigger while I'm here?
2) One Idea That Shifted Me
Your job description is the minimum. The relationships you build, the way you advocate for yourself, and how well you understand the business are what actually set you apart.
3) One Challenge to Take Into Your Week
Pick one of the three. Reach out to someone new internally, be honest with someone about where you want to go, or spend 20 minutes learning how your company actually makes money. Just one. Start there.
