Career 101 — Pro Tips

There are some things that I was told before starting a job that not everyone has the privilege of hearing. With that in mind I wanted to compile a list of pro-tips that can be essential to a successful career in ANY job. Some may be job-specific but I’ll try to give you the essentials in a way that can be applicable in all roles.

In-person or Remote

• Avoid yawning in clear view of your peers and manager

• Be attentive at all times when interacting with coworkers.

• Make sure to RSVP to meetings; peers need to know whether you can make it to a meeting or not

• Keep your email inbox clean and dedicate part of your day to read email updates

• In meetings, make sure to ask at least one question or if not applicable try to engage in some way

• Proper work attire (ask your company for the dress code or look it up in the employee handbook)

• Seek out career development workshops, mentors/coaches to continue bettering yourself and your skill set

Understand your benefits and take advantage of them

• Insurances: Medical, Dental, Vision,

• 401(k) if applicable

• etc.

Network with coworkers, ask them about their life, aspirations, history. Also with people beyond your team If someone helps you with something, make it a purpose to send them a small note of appreciation for it. “Hey, thanks for spending the time the other day to help me with X, Y, and/or Z.” It’s a small token of appreciation that can leave a good impression on people

Remote

Make sure you show as “online” on the instant messaging application your company uses

• If you’re not in-person, this “online” status is the best way to be visible. Along with this, make sure to respond in a timely fashion. It doesn’t have to be <1 minute response time but max <15 minutes for immediate peers that work with you each day

In-person

• Spend some time of the day without headphones to show that you are approachable

• Try to walk around the office without headphones or your phone visible. (approachability bonus)

• Try to not drag your feet so you show you are enthusiastic about being at work

Undocumented Specific

HR usually doesn’t share your work authorization information unless needed

In an example, DACA work authorization was only disclosed to someone’s manager when their DACA unfortunately expired before the new card was received

• Make sure that if you have DACA, you submit application per the USCIS recommended timeline (as early as 5 months)

See if your employer sponsors people (H-1B) and see if it applies to you. It could be a pathway to citizenship depending on your case (seek legal counsel) Let other undoc-folks know about work opportunities. For example, if a company is hiring and you know it is DACA-friendly (or not), or they offer stipend jobs, cash jobs, etc. Pay it forward