Ike Eichenbrenner ⋅ Broad Run, VA Boeing ⋅ 13 years experience

"Bloom where you are planted." (If you are always trying to figure out where your next job should be, you probably aren't doing everything you can to be successful in your current position.)

Ike Eichenbrenner ⋅ Broad Run, VA Boeing ⋅ 13 years experience

Let race horsees run. (Delegate to your employees and let them amaze you with their results.)

Chris Curry ⋅ Los Angeles, CA U.S. Army, Captain ⋅ 8 years served

Do not be overly deferential to those with positions of authority or status over you if at all possible; they won't respect you and the people around you watching won't either.

cindi bethel carmona ⋅ Boise, ID Hewlett Packard ⋅ 10 years experience

"Never burn your bridges because you never know who will be your next boss someday"

I've been with my current company for almost 20 years now and that this has happened to me.

I was so glad I was careful! Good luck

Bobbie Nottingham ⋅ San Jose, CA Hewlett Packard ⋅ 16 years experience

Be willing to do anything, from sweep the floor, to take on a project you don't know how you are going to complete! Also, be nice to everyone, from the janitor to the CEO, and treat them both the same. Try to anticipate the needs of the organization, instead of just doing your day to day job. Make time to think longer term, and try to go there.

John Kenison ⋅ Antelope, CA Hewlett Packard ⋅ 20 years experience

When going to an interview, assume that you will be offered the job and take the time to decide if you can be succesful and happy with the job.

In your current job, embrace ambiguity. Take advantage of loosly defined roles, determine how the organization delivers value, and find ways to create programs, processes, teams to enhance value of the group you work in.

Rick Hanson ⋅ Quincy, MA U.S. Air Force, Senior Airman ⋅ 4 years served

"No matter where you work, you are not an employee! You are in business with only one employer: Yourself. You are in competition with millions of similar businesses worldwide. Noboby owes you a career. You own your own business asa sole proprietor. And, the key to survival and business success is to learn to add more VALUE everyday" - Andy Grove Intel CEO

Dan Braughton ⋅ Blue Ridge, TX PepsiCo ⋅ 20 years experience

It's ALL about the people. When you retire or leave the company ... you'll never remember the work, you'll remember the people. Hopefully they'll remember you as a personal friend.

Mihoko Ward ⋅ Menlo Park, CA Merrill Lynch ⋅ 10 years experience

"Your network is your networth"- I did not know this when I was graduating from college. I recommend a book "Never eat alone" by Keith Ferrazzi. This book has taught me practical "how to" steps on building the solid network.

John Kalusa ⋅ Alpharetta, GA Scientific Games ⋅ 10 years experience

Focus on giving everything you do 100% of your ability and passion and never quit.

Paula P. ⋅ Gaithersburg, MD IBM ⋅ 12 years experience

1. Embrace challeges and learn from your experiences.
2. Be the translator or bridge between towers of knowledge - technical to sales, development to marketing, etc.
3. Be a network connector; know who to refer others to so you help others succeed.

Jim Preuss ⋅ Oakton, VA First County Mortgage ⋅ 40 years experience

Samuel;

Read quotes from motivational and accomplished individuals. They're often great providers of ideas and clarity. Some that have always helped me:

Don't argue with an idiot, from a distance, you can't tell who is who
Things you can justify individually, you can't necessarily justify collectively
You can't build your reputation today on what you are going to do tomorrow
Leaders play offense, followers play defense
You control events and activities, time marches on regardless of what you do with it
Learn to execute--many know what they should do, most never execute and do it

Ken Sheppard ⋅ Hillsborough, NJ Johnson & Johnson ⋅ 25 years experience

Here are a few, not in any particular order:

(1) Have an "ultimate mission" in life. What are you trying to accomplish in the world in your lifetime? If your job is connected to your ultimate mission, you will be engaged, energized, and vibrant. It won't matter how much money you make.

(2) Be the best at whatever you are doing.

(3) Leave it better than you found it.

(4) Never miss an opportunity to shut up.

Frank Bailor ⋅ Middletown, DE DuPont ⋅ 30 years experience

work hard, have fun

Loretta Carter ⋅ Sugar Land, TX HCA ⋅ 9 years experience

Hi Samuel,

That is a great question. The best advice I got came at a leadership retreat. Our CEO asked us what our goal was for five years out. What do you want to be doing in five years? Where do you want to be? What job do you want to have? Look at everything and figure out the plan you want to take or it will never happen. You will just keep doing what you are doing and dealing with whatever comes along. What really hit the nail on the head was when he said “Not having a five year plan is like going to the airport and not knowing the destination of the plane.” You will never take the right plane to get where you want to go unless you know the destination. It really made me re-think everything.

Thank you for your service and dedication to our country.

Loretta

William Orr ⋅ Greenwood, IN Edward Jones Investments ⋅ 4 years experience

"Bloom where you are planted, but seek fertile soil."

Kristy Hudson ⋅ Pontiac, MI Hewlett Packard ⋅ 10 years experience

The best career advice I have ever received was from my Father, a 9th grade dropout and auto worker. I was at a fork in the road of my career with one role paying significantly more. He said it doesn't really matter how much the job you're doing pays. You will always find something to spend money on, no matter how much you make. If you can get up and go to work every day, enjoy what you're doing and the people you work with, than that is really all that matters. He was absolutely right.

The best career advice I received from a professional (and some people have touched on already) was to make your boss succeed at their goals and objectives. Step up and take on any task that comes your way, and do it well.

Lin Stin ⋅ Herndon, VA ⋅ 1 years experience

I've been told to never put limitations on myself and to not allow others to place limits on me. I've also been told to stay flexible, don't get used to staying in one place or career because things always change. Always be open and ready for a new opportunity. Don't sit and wait for opportunities to come to you, you have to chase them on your own.

James Roberts ⋅ Marietta, GA Hewlett Packard ⋅ 20 years experience

Learn something new everyday
Always be prepared
Be a rock solid communicator
Those who embrace change are the champions of tomorrow - Lincoln

Kevin McIntyre ⋅ Loveland, CO Ricoh Production Print Solutions ⋅ 30 years experience

I love that there is so much exceptional advice! Here's mine:

Seek to understand before being understood. People respond well to those that show a genuine interest in what they think.

and

Take time to sharpen the saw (from Stephen Covey). In other words, if you keep plowing through without also trying to grow in the process, then you will eventually become ineffective (dull saw).

Steve Davis ⋅ Plano, TX Hewlett Packard ⋅ 22 years experience

During an interview, ask the interviewer "If you select me for this job, what can I do to help you get your next pay raise?" You could also ask "... what can I do to make this organization more successful? or ... what can I do to help this organization meet its' most important milestone/goal?

These types of questions show that you have THEIR best interests in mind and that you're not just thinking about yourself.

Christopher Elwood ⋅ Ocoee, FL Cardel ⋅ 20 years experience

You need to be happy with your choices, your career, and your path. Don't pursue an endeavor based solely on what you perceive to be the desires of prospective employers. If you're happy with what you're doing rarely will you ever be left wanting..

Ray Clanton ⋅ Bakersfield, CA Oxy ⋅ 25 years experience

If the grass looks greener on the other side of the hill, maybe your side needs more water.

Heather Beaston ⋅ Shippensburg, PA Hewlett Packard ⋅ 6 years experience

Always try to see your boss' vision and where they are headed

Don Cox ⋅ Westminster, CO IBM ⋅ 35 years experience

Be aware that in today's digital world, what you capture in electronic format is or may be "forever". Don't hit the send button without carefully considering what it may mean to you and your career. Bottom line - follow the golden rule - do unto others...

Derek Swanson ⋅ Washington, DC Strategic Services International ⋅ 3 years experience

If you only do three things to improve professionally, make sure they are:
1. Network
2. Network
3. Network

Christopher Ahlberg ⋅ Holtsville, NY Recorded Future, Inc. ⋅ 15 years experience

a) work hard
b) work hard
c) do everything you can to end up in a job that you love (everything follows then...) but in meantime be ready to work in the salt mine. just set and stay on your path.
d) bring solutions, not problems, to your boss (but that doesn't mean you hold back on bad news!)
e) work hard

Rob Blackburn ⋅ Knoxville, TN Hewlett Packard ⋅ 20 years experience

Chris and Edward are spot on. Only thing I would add for professional advice is take care of you boss and business, take care of anyone who works for you, and support those who work with you, and everything else takes care of itself.

Edward Camarota ⋅ Chadds Ford, PA ⋅ 31 years experience

Sam, I've tried to teach my children to follow their passion, don't let roadblocks get in the way of their goals, and treat everyone as an equal. Lesson 2 is to create a balance in your life - think about four compass points of work, home, fun and your faith or belief system - they all need to be in balance to have a great life.

Mark Mooney ⋅ Mattapoisett, MA Liberty Mutual ⋅ 27 years experience

First is always have a good attitude, no matter what task is given to you. Second is to take steps that prepare you or certify you for the next position in your growth.

David Bonner ⋅ Riverside, CA U.S. Marine Corps, Staff Sergeant ⋅ 10 years served

Your career matters most to you. No one is going to make you successful. You have to take charge, build your network and your net worth. Be the person that successful leaders desire to have on their team.

Russ Johnson ⋅ Akron, OH Akron Children's Hospital ⋅ 27 years experience

You learn from your mistakes, not your successes. Don't be afraid to make mistakes as most employers understand it is a part of growing.

Joe Gargiulo ⋅ Kings Park, NY Liberty Mutual ⋅ 28 years experience

A very wise businessman once told me "live your life today like nobody else wants to live so that someday you can live your life like nobody else can". That left a lasting impression on me. When I was younger I worked my butt off. I put in all sorts of crazy hours while my peers were seeking the path of least resistance (going to the beach, hanging out in bars, only signing up for easy tasks) I chose to work crazy hours at a sales position that was tougher than almost every job out there. Now in our late 40's, my peers have to work twice as hard as me to earn 1/10th of my income while I can buy all the toys (boats, jet skis, atv's, nice vehicles, waterfront home, etc...) and take awesome vacations. The point is, you should pay your dues whole you are younger so that someday you can enjoy a better life than those who don't. 50% of the people in this world are terribly lazy... 45% of the people in this world are average... and only 5% are motivated go-getters. Be a five percenter!

June R Massoud ⋅ Burlington, VT School Boards/Teaching, Tutoring Business and Technical Business ⋅ 25 years experience

Keep on learning, even when you're out of school and manage your life well. Pace yourself and know how to handle conflict in a mature way, because there's lots of that going on. Fifty percent of your job is what you know and the other fifty percent is how you get along with people. Best, June

Mick Welsh ⋅ Phoenix, AZ Diocese of Phoenix Communications Dept. ⋅ 20 years experience

Advanced education is fine, but in my world (graphic design) whats more important is:
1. How well do you know the software?
2. How fast can you work?
3. How much natural talent do you possess?
I only have an A.A. Degree -but I'm the sole Graphics man at the Diocese of Phoenix and we have a readership of 250,000 with the Catholic Sun newspaper. Its my skill that got me here, not an advance education. This was the best advice I was ever given.

J Leo ⋅ Fairfax, VA U.S. Navy, Lieutenant ⋅ 23 years served

Wow... I'm quite humbled by all the great recommendations. Thank you, to all the Advisers. My two cents...

"Be debt free (no car payment, credit cards, and etc), have a 3-6 months of expenses saved, and have term life and disability insurance in place (10-15x of annual income) to protect your loved ones."

This will let YOU choose a new career and prosper, otherwise, your DEBTS may make the choice for you.

Alan J. Zell ⋅ Portland, OR Attitudes for Selling ⋅ 29 years experience

Samuel The best advice I've had, that I can remember, is that good sounding adages such as "be an owner, not a renter" are offered by someone who has a misconception about the realities of business.

So, I suggest you take a different look to the adage this way:
As an employee you are a full time vendor or your products/skills/knowledge to the business you work for . . .as a business owner, you are a part-time employee of those you want to hire you/your business. For the former you know where the check is coming from . . with the latter you never know until a customer(s) want whatever product/services your business has to offer,.

There's another aspect to this. As an employee, your expenses are what it takes for food, shelter, transportation, etc. As a business owner you are, essentially, an employee of your business hence your business has to pay you a salary but only after ALL business expenses have been subracted from what your customers/clients pay your (not you) business.

On the average, the cost of running a business is about 50% and that does NOT count the costs associated with the products one sells or the the the time (in $) of the services one does for clients.

If you have an idea you want to start a particular kind of business you can get good solid FREE business advice from www.SCORE.org. SCORE has over 400 chapters/offices in the US staffed by experienced business people. They understand the problems of both starting and running businesses.

John H. Rogers ⋅ Collierville, TN AT&T ⋅ 27 years experience

Our CEO has this on the wall in his office: "If you are frustrated by change, you're going to find irrelevancy even more frustrating!"

Change is here to stay --- embrace it; rejoice in it; celebrate it; reward those who can master it; look for leaders who can inspire others to embrace change; better yet: BE that leader (regardless of your position) who embraces change in a positive manner, and inspires others to master it themselves.

Kevin Bock ⋅ Carlsbad, CA Piksel ⋅ 30 years experience

1. Remember that the CEO may sign your paycheck, but the client provides the cash. Always take care of your client(s)!
2). Treat your company's money as you would your own (travel, expenses, purchases, etc.) - don't waste it.

Dennis Sajdak ⋅ Tempe, AZ Healthcare consultant ⋅ 30 years experience

My dad told me to "do what's right and you'll never go wrong". These words have served me well in establishing credibility and success.

Alex Wilson ⋅ Stewartstown, PA Collabsion, Inc (self employed) ⋅ 25 years experience

I have received numerous gems over the years. Here are a few of them...

1. Accept and embrace change, but not just for the sake of change. Don't get rooted in doing things the same old way just because we always did it this way. Look for ways to improve.

2. Think outside the box. Sort of ties in with the one above. To take it further, know where the box is and how far you might be able to go without upsetting anyone.

3. Learn the art of brevity in writing and speech. Learn how to get to the point quickly without offending or missing important information.

4. When you think you are irreplaceable, you will be replaced. Share your knowledge with others, be part of a team. Make sure your boss is always on the loop, but do it by sending a summary. See #4 above for more detail.

5. Always remember your roots and where you came from. As you move up, others will be filling your position most likely. They will make or break you. Treat them with dignity and respect and value their opinions.

6. It takes many years to build trust. One stupid moment can tear that all down.

7. Your reputation is important. Don't do anything to tarnish it and above all, always be honest.

8. Know when to quit. Quitting is not bad. Sometimes it does not make sense to continue down a failing path. Cut your losses and move on. Learn from the experience.

9. Any mistake you make that you can look back on and learn something from has been redeemed to a lesson in life. Very valuable.

10. Take time for yourself and others. Don't forget to relax and have fun.

Jane Greenwald ⋅ Short Hills, NJ Gilbert Tweed International ⋅ 30 years experience

Just start somewhere. It does not have to be where you want to wind up. You never know where things lead.

Tom Arnaiz, CISA, CISSP ⋅ Richmond, VA IBM ⋅ 12 years experience

The best advice that I received from my mentor was two fold:
- Discipline is defined as doing the things you have to do and not the things you want
- Do not take "No" as a final answer, ask "under what circumstances can we come to an agreement?"

The best lessons I learned from my favorite Management professor:
- Try to be the best at what you do, and success will surely follow
- Always think of how to "give back," because its some of the best networking you will do with like minded people. (she was right - some of my best networking and friendships have been started at volunteer events).

Robert Brockman ⋅ San Diego, CA San Diego State University now Self Empl ⋅ 52 years experience

Advice I created for myself from what I noticed about a school Supt for whom I otherwise had very little regard except this one principle he seemed to have:

When told "no" about something you really believe in, hear it only as..... "not now".

Jason Kugel ⋅ Yulee, FL U.S. Navy, Chief Petty Officer ⋅ 21 years served

If you're the smartest person in the room, you're in the wrong room.

Never approach the boss with a problem if you don't already have a solution to propose.

Also- Don't _____ where you eat.

Finally- If you find yourself explaining to someone why what they just found you doing isn't what they think it is, it is already too late.

Bill Carpentier ⋅ El Dorado Hills, CA GlaxoSmithKline ⋅ 33 years experience

Aggressively pursue what you believe will make you happy. If it makes you happy, you'll seek to get better and better at it. When you get good at whatever it is, the money will follow along with recognition and rewards. If you have to do something for 20, 25, 30+ years, it's critical that you find what you truly enjoy.
Never chase the money. Earning good money doing something you hate for a career, is NOT the way to go.

Michael McIrvin ⋅ Mcpherson, KS Pain Relief Center ⋅ 23 years experience

Always take in more money than you pay out.

Andrew Sperfslage ⋅ Decatur, GA Coca-Cola ⋅ 10 years experience

Sam:

1) Work Hard
2) Network
3) Never ever give up
4) Become a life-long learner

All the best,
Andy

Phil C. ⋅ Fort Worth, TX ⋅ 3 years experience

"You manage things, you lead people."

- Adm. Grace Hopper (USN)

Michael Bosworth ⋅ Yucca Valley, CA U.S. Marine Corps, Sergeant ⋅ 6 years served

Do yourself a favor and do something you love!

Mike Johnston ⋅ Kingwood, TX Baker Hughes ⋅ 9 years experience

There is something to be said about the benefit of going the extra mile. You are teaching yourself to strive always for better and greater achievement in all that you do.
ABC...Always Be Closing. you never know who you are talking to or who is listening.

Jackee Mohl ⋅ Seattle, WA Boeing ⋅ 6 years experience

If you can align what you are passionate about with a need for the company, you have found your "zone" where you can succeed both personally and professionally.

Amanda Casey ⋅ Matthews, NC Verizon ⋅ 13 years experience

Always make one last call!!

Anna monaco ⋅ Huntington Beach, CA Boeing ⋅ 16 years experience

The best advice I have ever received is to add value to everything you touch - always seek a way to enhance every task, project or inquiry you receive. I have followed this advice and have greatly benefited from taking a closer look at something to see how I can make it better. Even the smallest efforts can make a difference.

Rafael Martinez ⋅ Hammond, IN Whirlpool ⋅ 22 years experience

Three great pieces of advice .. first two are mine and last one from my Navy service ..

1 Be positive and affirming at all times - look for the silver lining in anything you get involved in.

This helps you stay aware of what others might be thinking. They may know something you don't.

2 Be assertive but be humble as you press what you feel you must.

In boot camp, I was told to stick to my guns if I believe I am 100% right. I have learned not only the value of doing so, but how your attitude counts big time when you come to bat.

3 The old dictum of paying attention to detail. The devil truly is in the details

Read and listen VERY intentionally. Make sure you know what you are hearing and reading is what is being said and meant after you think you know what the score is.

All of these relate to communication skills and are vital to ensuring you are truly aware of what's going on as you interact with employers, managers, HR specialists .. and actually, anyone else in life.

Kevin Trosine ⋅ Oviedo, FL Verizon ⋅ 30 years experience

One of my previous managers was very supportive in regards to our training programs and pursuit of certifications. I’ll always remember this quote, which he shared with our entire technical team “You should always be training yourself for your next job.” His point is very relevant in today’s world where things change so rapidly. Continuing to develop our skills and increase our knowledge, is the only job security we’ll ever have.

Benjamin Ellison ⋅ Powell, OH ⋅ 2 years experience

Best advice I got was the following two things:
1.)Know your worth but don’t let it get in the way of your success
2.)When interviewing, don’t be nervous. Just remember you are interviewing the company just as much as they are interviewing you.

Good Luck,
Benjamin Ellison

Joseph Yslas ⋅ Aurora, CO AECOM ⋅ 7 years experience

Samuel,

"If you are not continually learning than you are continually falling behind."

You have to continue to learn your trade/craft to stay up with the ever changing technology. Either learn by job experience or learn through continued education, you must continue to learn.

Joseph Yslas
Ret. Marine Corps

Brad Gregory ⋅ Minneapolis, MN General Mills ⋅ 20 years experience

Always be prepared to give answers; not options. The best at their jobs are confident in what they know/don't know, explore all the angles and don't afraid to speak up.

Richard Buck ⋅ Patterson, NY EY ⋅ 25 years experience

The best is networking and be yourself. Be willing to always learn. But even more important be will be mentor and teach.

Semper Fi
_____________________
Richard Buck
(914) 391-3375 (mobile)
76warrior85@gmail.com
www.linkedin.com/in/ribuck/

John Stevens ⋅ Middletown, MD ⋅ 20 years experience

Find your passion.

Aaron Thomas ⋅ Eden Prairie, MN ⋅ 9 years experience

"Ask for what you need for your own development"

Andrew Karp ⋅ Sonoma, CA Sierra Data Science ⋅ 20 years experience

1) don't surprise your boss. If there's bad news, share it sooner rather than later
2) don't spend company money without permission
3) always let someone know where/how to find you if you are out of the office
4) don't order too many business cards. You don't get promoted until you give them all away

Andrew

Shayla Manzanares ⋅ Colorado Springs, CO Hewlett Packard ⋅ 15 years experience

Hi Samuel,
Thank you for posting this question. Reading through the posts there are a lot of great quotes.
A few more to add:
“Treat others as you want to be treated”
“Appreciate the value everyone has to offer”
“Dress for the job you want. Not the job you’re currently in” – impressions are important

Thank you,
Shayla

Suzanne Coffman ⋅ Pasadena, CA Music Rightz ⋅ 20 years experience

Be very nice to people in lower support positions. Sooner or later, everybody moves up and those people may be the ones that are ultimately your equals or superiors.

Strive to be the very best at what you do - becoming an "expert", a "go-to" for a certain skill set is much better than simply being "average" at many things.

Logan Sankaran ⋅ Plano, TX Hewlett Packard ⋅ 25 years experience

Hi Sam,

You are doing the right thing in enrolling to advance your education. I achieved everything that I ever wanted to achieve, got 5 degrees in Aerospace Engineering including a Ph.D and have a successful career. My motto in everytthing I do is 3 H, I call 3 pillars for success:
Honesty
Hardwork
Humanity
Best of Lucks.
Logan

Robert Becker ⋅ Cumming, GA Hewlett Packard ⋅ 27 years experience

Come up with a list of five things about your career job that are non-negotiable. Unless times are rough (which they certainly can be), only pursue those careers that meet these requirements if you want to be happy.

Kristine Kinzle ⋅ Scottsdale, AZ General Electric ⋅ 20 years experience

To bring value to your organization, don't stop with the job at hand. Look at the assignment and think beyond -- what else will it impact? Who else is affected? Who else should be informed, and who should be pulled in? Thoughtfully go above and beyond, not in a showy way but with the genuine desire to add the most value possible, and people will be impressed by your actions, not your words.

Ben Ritter ⋅ Saint Johns, FL Unison Industries ⋅ 15 years experience

Good morning and thank you for your service. From the perspective of career management the best advice received as a professional is short and sweet, “make it happen.” It does not matter if you are looking for your first job, climbing the corporate ladder, or starting your own business… you hold the keys to your future.
Obviously basic requirements for the position or career choice must be attained as a prerequisite for entry. Anything is possible when you believe in yourself, and have the determination to overcome obstacles.

Scott Lackey ⋅ New York, NY Jugular ⋅ 25 years experience

Hi Sam:

Here's a great collection of "Best Advice" from many of America's leading CEOs. Lots of good ideas here.

22 Executives Share The Best Advice They Ever Received

Read more: http://www.businessinsider.com/executives-share-the-best-advice-they-ever-got-2012-3?op=1#ixzz2II4lqeRi

Lynnice Wolf ⋅ Fairfield, CA Hewlett Packard ⋅ 4 years experience

Best advice someone gave me when I was trying to move my career from sales to marketing. Be GREAT at what you are given. Don't be discouraged if opportunities don't readily become available to you. You'll find that most of your peers will become anxious if they too are looking for the same opportunities as you and will most likely leave before a great opportunity presents itself. Things always have a way of working themselves out when you give your current position 100%.

Andy Lewis ⋅ Denver, CO Hewlett Packard ⋅ 20 years experience

Bring value to your organization. Ensure that you and your team are positioned and committed to improving the competitiveness of your organization. Specifics of your role don't matter as much as being THE BEST at what you do and ensuring that what you do puts your organization to WIN in the marketplace.

Patrick Feeney ⋅ Methuen, MA UPS ⋅ 7 years experience

The best piece of advice I have received was to "live outside your comfort zone" when it comes to your career. Take on new challenges in work areas unfamiliar to you and outside your comfort zone (i.e. moving from finance to sales). You will become extremely valuable to your organization when you truly understand each aspect of the business and how your decision not only effects your department, but how the decision effects others. Also, the experience gives you greater credibility in the workplace having first hand experience in various functions of the business.

Tiffany Rodgers ⋅ Charlotte, NC General Electric ⋅ 4 years experience

Hi Samuel,

First off, thank you for your service. I would say the best pieces of career advice I have received thus far have been the following:

1) Know what you want to do, and enjoy your job! This is, I feel, one of the most important pieces of advise you can take. It does not matter how much you make or how many fringe benefits you may receive, if you do not wake up every morning and actually look forward to going into work, all of those other perks really do not mean that much.

2) Always be yourself and be confident in what you have to offer. I feel you should always know and be aware of what you can bring to the table. Potential employers actively seek out employees who know what they want and how they intend on achieving their goals.

3) Always be aware of your perception. This is vital no matter which type of industry employs you. As an employee, you are always being watched whether it be by your peers or by leadership. It is so important to frequently evaluate others' perceptions of you. Ask yourself this, "When my name comes up in conversation, what do members of my organization say/think about me?" It is important to be aware of the way you carry yourself at work, your attitude and actions in various situations, and how you handle stress. Whether you see it or not, someone is noticing.

4) And last, but certainly not least, be open to change! Anyone who reads the front page of a newspaper or catches the evening news can attest to the ever-growing trend that is change. It is happening every day and there is no end in sight. It is your job to not just adapt to change, but to embrace it and even seek it out. Change means innovation and growth. Within my organization, we pride ourselves in the saying, "You cannot spell Change without GE," and it is the truth. If your personal life allows it, try not to limit yourself from opportunities such as relocating or taking on a role outside of your comfort zone. Not only does this open up new doors on your career path, but it makes you a more diverse and beneficial job candidate.

I hope this was helpful and good luck in all that you do!
Tiffany

Kris Weakland ⋅ Loveland, CO Hewlett Packard ⋅ 34 years experience

What a GREAT question!!! The best advice I've ever received is "think global".

Bob Abrams ⋅ Buffalo Grove, IL Hewlett Packard ⋅ 20 years experience

Just about anyone you talk to will have a unique perspective on providing career advice. Most of the people that have advised me since I was a little boy were really off the mark because they did not understand me. After failing numerous times in my early careers, I finally found a vocation that fit me. The lesson that I learned is that it is more important in life to strive to add value, than to achieve success. You need to do some real soul searching, and come up with some career paths that fit you, not vice versa. Remember: if you truly enjoy your job, you may never have to work a day in your life!

Parker Benton ⋅ Valencia, CA Hewlett Packard ⋅ 22 years experience

What gets measured gets done!
Are we Fishing or Cutting Bait?
Take care of your Boss and your Employees and they will take care of you!
Be one person!
When analyzing a problem never forget to consider yourself as part of the problem.
I have always had mentors and remember each person that taught me each one of these in action.
Bonus: Man goes in store and cusses out store for high costs. Owner offers to take of 10%. Man continues cussing about costs. Owner takes away discount and says pay full price since its legal and you are obviously not going to be happy even with the discount....yes this really happened in front of me.....lots of lessons here!
V/r
Parker

Margot Sechler ⋅ Houston, TX Hewlett Packard ⋅ 22 years experience

It is all about relationships - so build good, solid relationships network, take care of the people you work with, do what you commit to and love what you do since we spend so much time at work, but always know that there are always bad days so keep work in perspective. We work so we can have the live we live, provide for our families, and our work should never be our life. The most difficult thing to do is work/life balance and this is key for happiness.

Michael Harper ⋅ Mcdonough, GA Hewlett Packard ⋅ 15 years experience

Pursue a field based on your passion, and not the paycheck size. When you love what you do, the money will come because you will naturally grow to be good at it!

Gary Terrell ⋅ Albany, OR Hewlett Packard ⋅ 25 years experience

Don't be afraid to take risks! Those who do not take risks will be employed but they will be underemployed. Those who take calculated risks get ahead.

Mark Nylund ⋅ Fort Collins, CO Hewlett Packard ⋅ 30 years experience

Always attack any problem as if you were the customer. The golden rule always applies.
Treat other as you want to be treated.

Don't let others drive your feelings, you are responsible to yourself. At the end of the day, you need to love yourself.

Patricia Sanderlin ⋅ Hempstead, TX HP ⋅ 20 years experience

What I was told several years ago when I started at my current company:

1. Have Desire
2. Have Faith
3. Create the Environment
4. Have the right Association

Andy Rosengard ⋅ San Antonio, TX ⋅ 20 years experience

If asked where you are with a project or task, never say, "I am working on it." Be accurate, honest and concise.

Andy Rosengard ⋅ San Antonio, TX ⋅ 20 years experience

If asked where you are with a project or task, never say, "I am working on it." Be accurate, honest and concise.

Kermit Burley ⋅ Bethlehem, PA Hewlett Packard ⋅ 33 years experience

You are totally responsible for your own career. Discover work you love to do and you will never really work a day in your life.

Mary H. ⋅ Waltham, MA Hewlett Packard Enterprise ⋅ 20 years experience

A boss once shared one he was given, "Learn what pisses off your boss and don't do that."
It sounds like it is just a wiseguy comment, or maybe even too intuitive, but how many people have you known that think they know better than the boss? You can develop an undertone thinking that way, so I think something as simple as this statement goes a long way.

Drew Mitchell ⋅ Carmel, IN Hewlett Packard ⋅ 8 years experience

Sam,
At my first job, one of the best managers I ever had taught me to "under promise and over deliver." When asked to complete a project, give a realistic time frame for completion, but also one that you can easily meet if you are pulled in another direction or higher priority project.
My next recommendation is to network, network, and network. I landed my last two positions by networking at events and staying in touch with the people I met on LinkedIn. I even received a job offer through LinkedIn.

If you need any help with your résumé or LinkedIn profile, please feel free to contact me.

Best Regards, Drew Mitchell

Bruce Berberich ⋅ Schenectady, NY General Electric ⋅ 32 years experience

Years ago, as I started my employment I was given and took to heart a few key principles that I follow to this day:
1) Be honest, but not hurtful
2) Do the job as an owner would
3) Spend money for the company as if it is your own
4) Share your knowledge freely
5) Never stop learning
6) Whenever possible, be passionate about your work, it will show in your results.

Good luck all.

Scott Lackey ⋅ New York, NY Jugular ⋅ 25 years experience

Hi Samuel:

Do what you love.

Good luck,
Scott Lackey

Mardon Navalta ⋅ Dallas, TX Farmers Insurance Group ⋅ 10 years experience

1) A manifesto for life going forward is to find something you want bad enough, that you will not fear difficult moments like failure but embrace them with open arms knowing the best comes from them.
2) Emotional Intelligence must be mastered to become a great leader
3) Relationship management is the key to influential leadership

Paul McKeon ⋅ Chicago, IL Aon ⋅ 33 years experience

Stay engaged with your clients and prospects this assures that you first in line for the next opportunity.

Accursio Marciante ⋅ Union, NJ Standard Chartered Bank ⋅ 11 years experience

Raise your hand. Dont' be embarassed to ask questions nor when your plate is too full and your work load is drowning you. There is no such thing as a stupid questions - especially as a new hire we don't want to look dumb but being the new kid on the block gives you carte blanche to ask away.

Jeffrey Grunewald ⋅ Silver Spring, MD ⋅ 30 years experience

1) Aceept challenges, but know when and how to ask for help.
2) Know how others are measured (not necessarily paid). This will direct how you work with and can help them.
3) Work to maintain your strengths, not only strengthen your weaknesses.
4) Don't rely only on technology, use your brains too.

stephen Becker ⋅ Gainesville, GA Siemens ⋅ 15 years experience

stephen becker message to sam.....Understanding what a recruiter is looking for Expereince, training, College , Prior Military deployments. "Think outside the box" read what color is your Parachute -Book. Use www.Indeed.com and www.Careerbuilder.com to Custom -Tailor your Resume to look better than the rest [25 yrs Air Force] 15 yrs at Siemens

Bruce Hurwitz ⋅ New York, NY Hurwitz Strategic Staffing ⋅ 9 years experience

Sam,

It does not matter what career interests you. The most important skill you will need is command of English - written and oral. If you make effective presentations, you'll go far. If not, you'll stagnate.

Randy Katz ⋅ Dallas, TX American Airlines ⋅ 22 years experience

Hire and surrond yourself with people smarter than yourself

Lynette Jones ⋅ Gardena, CA ⋅ 3 years experience

Always do a spell check that is the best advice I have ever received.