Creating Opportunities While in Corporate America
BOC Contributor: KeOne Dixon
Life after college can be profitable, or, it can put a young adult in the state of barren thinking. Remember, profitability does not only have to come from creating your own startup company—but it can also come from creating opportunities right there at your corporate job as well.
For instance, during my years of undergrad I found myself creating opportunities as a student and as a young professional. I was an out-of-state student who often found myself in the Financial Aid or in the Academic Affairs Office looking for out-of-state waivers and for other ways to afford my tuition so that I could stay in school.
One day I remember looking around the Academic Affairs Office, and I spotted large boxes of files in the back area that may have needed to be sorted. I then planned a meeting with the VP of Academic Affairs, and I asked if I could help with sorting files in the back room for my work-study. Just shortly after my young, courageous and unconscious spirit had told the Vice President how I was the solution to sorting out the mess files in the back area of the office—that following week I had been approve to start my work-study hours in the Academic Affairs Office. Oh Yeah!!!
I continued to create other opportunities while working in undergrad, and even in life after college. I have worked as an Administrative Assistant, Teacher, Director of Programs—and in each position I have had the opportunity to be promoted within 1 year, because of my willingness to spot and solve problems, and to create solutions that were and that are beneficial to educational institutions. I take that same drive and courage that I had when I was an undergraduate student looking for work in the Academic Affairs Office—and I CREATE, wherever I am. And so can YOU.
Here are a few tips to keep in mind when creating opportunities in corporate:
Make sure that you are passionate about the company/organization and its people.
Do NOT despise small beginnings so do every job with excellence and with integrity.
Be useful by finding problems to solve within the company.
Come up with a strategic plan that entails the problem, solution, responsibilities, and perhaps even a suggested salary that reflects your value to the company
(Do NOT be afraid to bet on yourself)!
And no matter what the outcome may be, just know that your name will more than likely be at the top of the list for other opportunities in the future.
Lastly, you MUST be ready before you step in the office to have your meeting.
What are some ways you can demonstrate that you’re a BOSS right now? Tweet us at @BOSSOnCampus and let us know.