How to survive entry level
Originally published in jobpostings magazine.
My friend once summed up the agency newbie experience in one sentence: “long hours, shit pay, no social life… but an amazing job.” It’s pretty true, entry level is where you pay your dues, but you want to use this time to learn, quickly. An old VP used to refer to a team of interns we hired for a project as “the marketing bozos.” Yikes! This is NOT a group you want to fall into. You should work hard and stand out, and aim to go from New Guy to Managing Partner’s Right Hand.
Follow these tips and you’ll soon find yourself championing key projects and working with a team of allies.
1. Healthy paranoia is totally legit.
On a recent project, I noticed a detail that I suspected might be inconsistent in different communications. I looked into it, and although it was only a minor tweak, I took steps to make sure that we created a standard to follow for all future projects, not just the ones immediately affected. If you’re unsure about something, look into it more. If you’ve done all you can but it’s still unclear, talk to a member of your team. If it turns out to be nothing, great. If not, then you’ve nipped a potential issue in the bud, and people will take notice of your effort.
2. Would you stake your life on it?
This is a question you should always be asking yourself when you prepare to submit a piece of work. Critical self review is often the only thing you can to to guard your professional reputation. Every time you do anything, even as small as sending an email, always ask yourself if the information therein is completely correct. Is it really? Would you stake your life on it? If not, go back and check it. Do what you need to do to submit perfect work every time.
3. Manage up.
Always remember that the only reason you were hired is because your superiors needed your help. I send out a status report at the end of every single work day, including a to-do list for each of my directors to know what my upcoming priorities are, and what I need from them in order to get these tasks done.
4. …but be covert about it!
I’ve been lucky to have had great management at the agencies I’ve worked at, but I know a lot of people who have dealt with less-than-competent superiors. Never, I repeat, NEVER communicate with your higher-ups in a way that might show them you feel this way. Always use a kind and helpful tone.
5. Assert your autonomy with humility.
DON’T ever fool yourself into thinking that you can charge in like a bull and suggest that you’re the hero the company needs. DO take steps to show your team that you’re capable of taking on responsibilities. DO set up a time with your team leader to discuss a process that just isn’t working. DO suggest implementing new solutions backed by well-researched plans. Individual initiative will make you stand out and will prevent your managers from feeling the need to breathe down your neck.
6. Keep calm and carry on.
We’ve all had one of those days that are downright ugly. I’m talking endless to-do list of all high-priority jobs, more stress than a room full of students about to write an exam, and it’s probably already the end of the day and you haven’t had a bite to eat. To top this off, you’ve been walking around with a giant ink stain on your sleeve since 10am, someone a few desks over keeps clicking their pen, and someone else brought their dog into the office and it just bit you. You want to seem like you’ve got everything under control, but right now you’re a ticking time bomb. STOP. Close your eyes. Take a deep breath. Remember that funny thing your friend said last week that made you laugh until your sides ached. Now open your eyes, stay cool, put on a smile and power through like the champ you are.
7. Don’t leave credit up for grabs.
It’s not a competition (at least is shouldn’t be), but it’s important to make your accomplishments known. There are some great ways to do this.
(I) Frame it as a compliment to someone else: “When I brought up my solution to the development issue, Tommy was really great about getting me in touch with the IT team.”
(II) Be the first to bring it up with a superior: “Hi Linda, I was just talking to the team about a great idea I had for the new product launch and I’d like to know your thoughts on it.”
(III) Own your successes, even if someone else tries to take it: Jill says, “We’re happy to report that we’ve resolved the budgeting issue and are doing well moving into the next phase of the project.” YOU add, “It’s great news for the whole team! I worked closely with accounting to find out how the estimate was built and to ensure that we use the same standards moving forward. We’re all very excited about Phase 2 and can’t wait to dive in.”
8. Keep an eye out for haircuts.
I’m serious. Take notice of a person’s new cut or style and compliment it. You’ll not only be in that person’s good books, you’ll be on the front page.
9. Avoid feeling like the coffee runner.
Interns sometimes get sent out to get coffee, that’s just how it works. But if you want to be treated less like a coffee-runner and more like one of the team, hop out for an afternoon coffee and call the office to ask in anyone wants a latte while you’re there. You won’t feel ordered around because the coffee was your suggestion, and people will appreciate your thoughtfulness.
10. “It’s already done and on your desk.”
This is music to any manager’s ears, and one of the fastest ways to make yourself indispensable to the company. If you want your managers to see you as an asset rather than a burden, say this and say it often. Even if your work needs some serious tweaking, it’ll be greatly outshone by your initiative and proactivity.
