4 Career Lessons They Don't Teach in Business School

Years ago when I graduated with a business degree, I fancied myself as fierce and ready for the world!
I had been "briefed" on business structures, marketing strategies, resume styles, balance sheets, and the whole kit and caboodle. I was too hot to trot.

Then reality set in.

Although my college experience and exposure contributed to some degree to my success in the corporate arena, I must admit, in retrospect, that there were some workplace dynamics definitely not covered as we were prepared for life beyond the classroom.

Whether you are a recent graduate or are of the "Mrs. Robinson's" era, take note.

1.    Independent and progressive thinking is not always valued or encouraged. Sure, suggestion boxes and surveys are tools most employers often use to assess employee satisfaction, procedural needs, and strategic direction; still watch your words. Be careful of expressed views that are too “radical” or those that may be perceived as a negative reflection on management. In some cases, “freedom of speech” may actually cost you.

2.    Promotion isn't always solely based upon performance. Don't believe the hype. No doubt, excellence has its rewards. But, I discovered the hard way that sometimes folks who were less qualified but more popular were recognized with preferential treatment and various perks. And you will too. Worker bees that would routinely hangout with staffers for after hour activities were considered members of the “inner circle” and viewed as team players, and comparatively more likable. The situation bears resemblance to the hit show, “American Idol”, where those with less talent advance to higher levels in the competition due to charisma, popularity votes, or what some describe as the “it factor.”

3.    Office politics are a common denominator regardless of chosen industry or sector. They're hard to escape whether you're working for a church, in a school setting, or a non profit organization. Being mindful of this will help to prepare you for potential blows or setbacks.

4.    Book learning is lovely, but it'll only get you so far. For optimal success, today's professional must employ some street savvy, common sense and people skills to move to the head of the class and remain competitive.    

Follow these four tips and the payoff will be that you’re more likely to remain gainfully employed so you can pay off that business degree!   You can always head back to school with this recommended resource for online degree programs.

This is a guest post by Jennifer Brown Banks, a veteran freelance writer and pro blogger. She holds a B.A. in Business Management. Visit her site @ http://penandprosper.blogspot.com/

Comments

[Michael Senchuk]

For the longest time, I've been trying to push the idea of teaching some type of office/business politics course in university. IMHO it's by far the biggest gap that I see with recent graduates. They're excited and enthusiastic, which is great, but they're just completely oblivious to what they should or shouldn't say to those up the totem pole. I've tried to counsel new hires under me, but it's not always easy, or info they want to hear.

[Caitlin]

I know so many young people who expect to step right out of their graduation gowns into their work clothes and find immediate and everlasting success. But even with the best education, there is a gap between school and work that cannot be bridged without actually experiencing the workplace side of things. The best way for young graduates to understand what this gap looks like and how different workplace expectations are from school expectations is to get an internship. Practical experience in my desired field has allowed me to re-evaluate what is most important in my career and has allowed me to get a list of things I need to work on to find more success. I wonder how young people can confidently enter the workforce without an internship, I feel like they've unknowingly missed their key to success.

[Rick Saia, CPRW]

NIce post! It demonstrates the value of internships. College students who work one or two before they graduate not only have the advantage of work experience to go along with their degrees, they also learn at least a little of these four career lessons.

[Nancy]

Hi Jennifer:

I think your four tips are great advice. For me, especially when mentoring people, it's all about learning to "read the room." Your post really underscores the importance of watching, observing, listening and learning before you jump into a new work culture and make the wrong kind of splash.

[Jennifer Brown Banks]

Michael,

I agree with your observations. Thanks for sharing them here.

[Jennifer Brown Banks]

Caitlin,

There really is no substitute for practical experience and realistic expectations. True. I do appreciate your feedback.

[Jennifer Brown Banks]

@ Rick
@Nancy

Thanks for your words of wisdom and your time. I value both.: -)

[work from home]

This is really nice info.Thanks for such a wonderful post.

[Jennifer Brown Banks]

You're very welcome. Thanks for your time and input here.

[acne treatments that work]

I'm beginning to wonder why business schools are even called "business schools," more like "employee schools;" best case scenario, they should be called "business management schools."

There are so many business schools that really don't teach entrepreneurship, so maybe that's why instead of ever being called "entrepreneur schools," they're called "business schools" I suppose.

And I definitely agree that "business schools" don't have enough of a connection between the "real world" and the classroom.

To be honest, quite a few business schools are teaching less and less relevant business topics for how business really works in the real world, especially with the onslaught of the internet which is leaving traditional business and marketing tactics in a cloud of dust.

[Jennifer Brown Banks]

Great points! Thanks for sharing them here.

[Senior VP Jobs]

There is definitely a huge difference between what you learn in school and what you gain from 'on the job experience'.

Thanks for the pointers, they are worth more than gold!

[ab]

I wished I had learned these in school, very helpful.