• Menu
  • Skip to right header navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to secondary navigation
  • Skip to primary sidebar
  • Skip to footer

College Magazine

College Life, Dating, Career & Campus Advice

  • Colleges
    • College Guides
    • College Rankings
    • Campus Life
      • Academics
      • Dating
      • Freshman Year
      • Health
      • Social Change
      • Party
  • Majors
    • All Majors
    • Most Popular Majors
    • Choosing a Major
  • Intern
    • Internship Directory
    • How to Get an Internship
    • How to Write a Resume
    • How to Write a Cover Letter
    • How to Interview
    • How to Network
    • Career 101
    • Find Your Passion Career
  • Money
    • How to Make Money
    • How to Save Money
    • How to Get a Job
    • Credit Cards 101
    • FAFSA
    • Ramen Project
  • Travel
    • Study Abroad
    • College Spring Break
    • How to Travel Cheap
    • Things to Do
  • Shop
    • Writer Course
    • College Magazine Shop
    • Gift Guides
    • College Packing List
  • Find your college or university
  • Colleges
    • College Guides
    • College Rankings
    • Campus Life
      • Academics
      • Dating
      • Freshman Year
      • Health
      • Social Change
      • Party
  • Majors
    • All Majors
    • Most Popular Majors
    • Choosing a Major
  • Intern
    • Internship Directory
    • How to Get an Internship
    • How to Write a Resume
    • How to Write a Cover Letter
    • How to Interview
    • How to Network
    • Career 101
    • Find Your Passion Career
  • Money
    • How to Make Money
    • How to Save Money
    • How to Get a Job
    • Credit Cards 101
    • FAFSA
    • Ramen Project
  • Travel
    • Study Abroad
    • College Spring Break
    • How to Travel Cheap
    • Things to Do
  • Shop
    • Writer Course
    • College Magazine Shop
    • Gift Guides
    • College Packing List
  • Find your college or university
  • About Us
  • Team
  • Write
  • Apply
  • Privacy Policy
  • Sign Up
  • Advertise
  • My Account
  • Cart

You are here: Home / Career / How to Maximize Your Time in Entry Level Jobs to Move Up Quick

How to Maximize Your Time in Entry Level Jobs to Move Up Quick

July 20, 2018 //  by Shannon Duggan

Shares26FacebookTweet

You know how everyone takes his or her coffee at your new dream job, but that won’t help you further your career. Even though an entry-level position requires some tedious work, make your time worth the effort. Entry level jobs go beyond simply making copies and organizing papers. Help distinguish your work ethic through the advice of experts in a variety of fields. Going beyond networking and socializing, other tips from employers, recent graduates and supervisors will help make your time at the bottom worth it.

Keep reading to find out how to maximize your time at entry level jobs.

1. Attend all possible meetings

attend meetings at entry level jobs
giphy.com

While The Office probably ruined your reality of work meetings, you should still attend. Participating in meetings serves as an invaluable way to learn about your company. Not only will you learn about the inner-workings of the business, but also your superiors will notice your eagerness. “At my company, I don’t work in the sales department, but I attend the weekly sales meetings. Showing your interest helps you get a foot in the door. You are demonstrating your potential to grow within the company,” said recent FSU graduate Luca Romano.

2. Early Bird Gets the Worm

morning entry level jobs
giphy.com

Everyone knows the big no-no of the workplace; don’t arrive late to work. But, did you know the importance of arriving early? Sure, those extra few minutes buried under warm sheets seem tempting; don’t let your bed distract you. Being the early bird provides valuable time for forming relationships. “Arrive 15 minutes early. Higher-ups notice. It also gives you an opportunity to connect with higher-ups and colleagues through casual chitchat before the day or the meeting gets underway,” said financial services entrepreneur Virginia Maher.

3. Deliver Your Best

entry level job, the office
giphy.com

While being reliable in college meant showing up for class, a career requires more effort. Yes, showing up for work will help you get that paycheck. But, distinguishing yourself requires demonstrating your reliability to superiors. Essentially, don’t be afraid to work hard. Ask your bosses if they have any extra work. Whether they need help or you want a challenge, present yourself as an employee eager to assist. “Be reliable with delivering good quality work,” said Barry Maher, former owner of a contracting company in NYC. Your bosses will appreciate your dedication. And, the will assign you responsibilities bigger than making copies. Growing from your entry-level job requires consistency. Don’t do stellar work one day and mediocre the next.

4. Keep the Questions Coming

entry level jobs, asking questions, the office
giphy.com

From kindergarten to college, all your teachers touted the importance of asking questions. However, do you ask? Or, do you sit and silently beg for someone else to speak up? If so, most students will probably agree with you. People worry about sounding unintelligent. You think you should know how to work a spreadsheet, but you barely know how to operate the program. Nobody wants to make a bad impression or become the target of judgment. But being afraid to ask questions will actually hurt you in the long-term. Learning requires sharpening your ability to critically analyze situations. “If you don’t understand something, do not hesitate to ask. Otherwise, time is wasted with a redo,” said Maher. Don’t put fear before your career; an entry-level position presents the best opportunity to expand your knowledge.

5. Learn from the best

entry level job, the office
giphy.com

To help yourself grow beyond refilling the coffee machine, you need to take on bigger positions. Even if your company does not have any open positions, let your superiors know about your desire to grow. “Whenever an employee asks to shadow me, I am always impressed. It’s a great feeling knowing I hired a person who desires to learn and flourish with the business. Also, shadowing will make your employer aware of you in a positive way. “Knowing that I have employees who are greatly interested in how to successfully operate a small corporation makes me excited. Enthusiasm for your work is essential,” said chairwoman of Bopo Inc. and small business owner in NYC Sukki Duggan.

6. Put Forth Your Most Honest and Diplomatic Self

entry level job, the office
giphy.com

Read any article about the foundations of a relationship and you will find honesty and respect at the top. The way you treat and act towards your work resembles a type of relationship; nurturing this relationship remains essential for getting ahead. Don’t go into an entry-level position prepared to do the minimum. Recognize your true abilities and inform your superiors you require more responsibility. Or if you feel burdened by your workload, use honesty to truly dictate a proper workload. “Be honest and diplomatic. Most people want to know the truth, but some are easily ruffled by directness,” said Maher. Just how relationships won’t work under pressure or without action, neither will your job. Also, make sure to respect your co-workers. No need to act blunt or indecisive; practice being tactful with your information.

7. Look for Feedback

entry level job, the office
giphy.com

No one likes criticism, but no one can deny its importance. Being informed of your mistakes works as the best teacher for how to advance. “For me, I did not have much experience before getting my entry-level position. Fresh out of college, I wanted to apply what I learned in school. Every month, I ask for an evaluation by my superiors to help me perfect my skills and expand my education,” said Romano. You strengthen your weaknesses, while reinforcing your strengths. Showing your superiors an eagerness to improve will positively serve you in the long run.

8. Embrace Your Individuality

entry level jobs, the office
giphy.com

While confidence means trusting in your abilities as a worker, you should also trust in your abilities as a person. Others are unable to mimic your special characteristics. Use your individuality to highlight your positive qualities. “Impressing your colleagues requires making a distinction. If you are a great storyteller, incorporate that into your work. For such instances, use relevant analogies or stories to get a point across to a co-worker. You will show your deep understanding in a way that is unique to you,” said Maher.

 

Shares26FacebookTweet

Filed Under: Career How to Get a Job Internships

About Shannon Duggan

Shannon Duggan is a junior at Florida State University studying English and Classics. Even though her passion is writing, she is an even bigger fan of bagels. Her love for all types of cream-cheese and bagel toppings resembles her great love for all things writing; she wants to offer her readers the freshest, most flavorful stories on a variety of topics.

You May Also Like

5 Tips for Getting Your Social Media Ready for the Professional World

resume styles

College Magazine’s Guide to Resume Styles for Landing the Job

Community College Professor walks through the halls

Higher Education: Why Teaching Community College Makes the Ideal Career

College Magazine’s Guide to the Engineering Major

Writer

How to Use Your Creative Writing Degree: 10 Tips and Tricks

corporate

7 Insider Tips on How to Climb the Corporate Ladder

career development

How Your College Career Center Can Land You a Job During COVID-19

how to become a software engineer

College Magazine’s Guide to Becoming a Software Engineer

CM Guide Health Science

College Magazine’s Guide to the Health Science Major

Overview of three people at a desk working

Work in the Way? 10 Guilt-Free Reasons To Leave Your Job

10 Office Ethics Commandments That Apply to Daily Life

What Is a Good Credit Score and How Do I Get One of Those?

10 Invaluable Skills You Get from Learning and Working Virtually

future teacher

CM’s Ultimate Guide to the English Education Major

Finance Managers

Become the Next Warren Buffett: CM’s Guide to Portfolio Management

cover letter

The Cover Letter: Your Secret Weapon into the Professional World

peace corps

Top 10 Well-Kept Secrets to Succeeding in the Peace Corps

online portfolio

10 Steps to Building an Impressive Online Portfolio in 2020

woman on the phone

Bridge the Gap: CM’s Guide to the Interpreting Profession

internships

How To Make Your Internship Work For You

professionals working together

CM’s Guide to the Public Relations Major

doctors medical school good majors for medical school

10 Good Majors For Med School that Aren’t Biology

woman working a remote job

Remote Job Offers: 10 Tips to Help You Make Up Your Mind

letter

How to Write a Thank You Note to Land That Dream Job

Previous Post: «plastic surgery in college From A’s to C’s: Plastic Surgery in College
Next Post: How to Go Green on Your Campus how to go green in college»

Primary Sidebar



Trending Posts

climate change protest
335

Top 10 Colleges Where You Can Make A Difference in the Climate Crisis

226

The 10 Best Organizations You Should Donate To in 2021

coffee w heart
11

A Barista’s Guide to Making Delicious Coffee Drinks at Home

6

5 Reasons Why You Should Become a Morning Person in 2021

2

Keeping Up with the Coronavirus: How is it Spread?

Featured Chapter: UCLA

Footer

logo

College Magazine is the national daily guide to campus life. Our articles for college students feature university rankings of U.S. colleges, college guides, academic advice, college prep, career advice, student health and collegiate dating tips.

Written by students for students, by a team of journalists from universities nationwide, we’re on the pulse of the college experience.

  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • Pinterest
  • RSS
  • Twitter

Colleges

  • College Guides
  • College Rankings
  • Campus life
  • Academics
  • Dating
  • Freshmen Year
  • Health
  • Party

Majors

  • All College Majors
  • Most Popular Majors
  • Choosing a Major

Intern

  • Internships Directory
  • How to Write a Resume
  • How to Write a Cover Letter
  • How to Interview
  • How to Get an Internship
  • How to Network

Money

  • How to Make Money
  • How to Save Money
  • How to Get a Job
  • Credit Cards 101
  • College Loans

Travel

  • Study Abroad
  • College Spring Break
  • How to Travel Cheap
  • Things to Do

Shop

  • College Packing List
  • Gift Guides
  • About Us
  • Team
  • Write
  • Apply
  • Privacy Policy
  • Sign Up
  • Advertise
  • My Account
  • Cart

Copyright © 2021 College Magazine · All Rights Reserved · Powered by BizBudding Inc.