Your resume

Keeping your resume up-to-date is an important thing to do, even if you are not currently looking for a new job. Large companies like to retain their new hires, but if you find you do not like where you work, you will be able to quickly send out your resume if it has been updated. You can add training you have taken both on and off the job, volunteering you have done, and responsibilities you were given. If you stay at your first job at least 3-5 years, you will be able to add meaningful projects and responsibilties to your resume. I do know a few people that started at one company out of college and quit less than 2 years later to work at a new company. That seemed to work out for them, but everyone is different. Do what is right for you, and be sure to look at all of your options before making a major career decision.

Team Building

Team building is an important activity to do with your coworkers. Whether it is talking during lunch, going out after work, or being part of a planned activity, it is nice to get to know the people that you work with. You don't necessarily have to be buddies with them outside of work, but sometimes it helps to know their situation so that you have a better understanding of who they are. I participated in a retreat with my coworkers at my last job, and it helped me get to know them as people with real issues and life experiences.

Team Dynamics

Working on teams for school projects really helped me to work with teams at my company. All the same rules apply: be respectful of others, stay focused, and communicate. You may not like someone's personality, but you should try to look past that to accomplish the task. Emails and instant messages can be misinterpreted easily since you do not know the person's tone, so it is best to talk to people face to face or on the phone. When you have an opinion on something related to the project, be confident and voice your thoughts. Many of the people I work with have been at my company for ten years or more, so it can be intimidating to speak up, but that is the best way to get noticed. Even if you make a mistake, that is how you will learn.

Work attire

In terms of work attire, I have seen a whole range of outfits in my line of work. Everything from shorts and flip flops to a suit and tie, it seems that everyone has their own style. I personally like to dress business casual: grey or brown pants with a nice top. I usually like to wear a short sleeve top because it is warm in my area, and I have a button up sweater or jacket over that. Fridays I wear jeans because most everyone wears them, and it is a nice change. Personally, I would not wear flip flops or things too casual. You want to show that you put some effort into what you wear, and that you are confident.

I do not like to overdress, but to fit in with everyone. Looking professional is important, and you may have to attend a last minute meeting or talk with a higher up. Invest in a few, well-put together outfits that are versatile, and you will not have problems choosing what to wear.

I know in the past, women had to wear skirts or dresses, and if they wore pants it had to be part of a matching pant suit. Those days are gone (thankfully), and there are many ways for those beginning a career to make a good impression by what they are wearing.