In the fall of 2004, I published a book called They Don't Teach Corporate in College, which was based upon my experiences as an overachieving twenty-something slogging her way through the business world.  Around this time of year, I always get asked for a few tips for surviving your first job out of college.  For those of you about to make the leap, good luck, and I hope you find these helpful:

• DON’T HAVE A SENSE OF ENTITLEMENT.  DO be a can-do, enthusiastic employee who expects to work hard for your salary and perks.  Demonstrate that you are willing to learn from any assignment, even if it’s just setting up a meeting, and that you can juggle multiple tasks without breaking a sweat. Be humble – you may be smart, but your colleagues have valuable experience that should be respected.

• DON’T FREAK IF YOU HAVE THE BOSS FROM HELL.  DO establish a profitable relationship with her, even if she’s an egomaniac or psychologically disturbed.  Determine her priorities, find out what she wants from you, and think of ways to surpass her expectations. Don’t take unjust criticism personally. Sit down with her and address the conflict directly, asking her how you can improve the relationship. 

• DON’T RUN WITH THE WRONG CROWD.  DO get to know a little about a lot of people instead of the other way around.  In your first days at a company, it’s hard to read the office politics, and you want to avoid being aligned with a particular group.  Understand the difference between work friends and real friends, and don’t trust people blindly.

• DON’T USE THE MEGAPHONE RIGHT AWAY.  DO lay low in your first few weeks, and take the time to study your new company, including how people present themselves and how they work together. You might be eager to show the company what you’re made of, but the most successful employees are able to effectively assimilate into their company’s culture without making waves.

• DON’T EXPECT PEOPLE TO KNOW WHAT YOU’RE CONTRIBUTING.  DO think of yourself as a publicist promoting “you.”  Instead of hiding out in your cube and churning out work, subtly showcase your achievements by sending thank you e-mails when you’ve finished a project.  Get to know the players in your department, and keep those people informed about what you’re working on.