White Papers

Nancy Marshall’s Advice to College Students for getting ahead in your career

I was recently asked to speak to a group of college students about my own career. I created this list of tips for how to get ahead, whether it’s in Marketing, Accounting, Finance, or the Mail Room!

1. Learn to read, write and spell. It will serve you well in any job.

2. Follow the media. Read the news. Read magazines outside your area of expertise. Be familiar with what’s going on the world.

3. Network, network, network. Some people say it’s not what you know but who you know. I believe that isn’t totally true and that it’s important to know A LOT, but it’s also important to be connected.

4. Be willing to work hard. If you want to get ahead, be willing to make sacrifices. Anticipate the needs of your boss.

5. LISTEN. So few people know how to do this. Many people in business like to hear themselves talk. If you listen to them, they will think you are a genius. Repeat back to them what they just said and they’ll think you’re a rocket scientist.

6. Show up. Be willing to help out on a project on Saturday morning if necessary. Be on time for meetings. Be involved in the business.

7. Think Strategically, not tactically. Big picture. Think of return on investment when asking to spend money or resources.

8. Get involved with the numbers. It’s all about numbers. Even if you’re in marketing, you need to understand everything the bookkeeper does.

9. Set goals for yourself and work to achieve them.

10. Have fun. Be passionate about your job and it will lead to a successful career.

...more of Nancy's Tips