What MBAs should expect when starting a job or internship

As the career counselor for the MBA program, I'm constantly asked "what kinds of things will surprise me when I start work?" Since most of our students lack corporate experience, this question is much more relevant than most would think.

Here are some things to expect:
*Being disoriented the first few weeks--just learning the phone system can be a challenge! Remember to be especially kind to the support staff during this period. They can make your transition a pleasant one.

*Keep in mind that Facebook, email, texting, and using Twitter may be prohibited and that the company will most likely monitor your internet use. Many new hires forget this and get reprimanded on their first day!

*Technology may not be at the level you've become accustomed to in B-school. Also, because of your age, others may simply assume that you know how to fix anything technology-related. It'll come as a shock to them if you don't know how to retrieve information off the hard drive that just crashed.

*Remember to avoid talking about your personal life at work--at least until you're sure where the office gossips are located. Just avoid gossiping anyway; it doesn't do anyone any good!

*Expect to have to make an immediate impact, especially given the state of the economy. Companies used to give new hires up to a year to see results--that time has been tremendously reduced. Be prepared to volunteer for projects immediately, appropriately sell your skills and then be effective when you use them.

*Remember to keep track of all your work by documenting EVERYTHING. Yes, this takes time, but it avoids misunderstandings when you can look at your notes and remember a promise you made in a phone call two weeks ago. This also works to your advantage when you're up for evaluations!

*You're always making an impression on your co-workers whether or not it's the way you dress or how you treat others. Manage your brand--think about the people you respect most and why, and that will give you some ideas about how to approach this aspect of your professional career.

Obviously, there's a lot of things to consider when you start your brand new job or internship. There's an excellent book out there that was published some years ago by the name "Find the Bathrooms First." This book takes you step by step through your first year at work and includes questions to ask, issues to address and how to establish goals for yourself. Check it out!

Good luck with your career!

Angelia