Attached to the copier... Help!

November 12, 2006 10:47 AM

Fresh out of college, with an entry level job in a neat industry. What’s the best way to acquire as much knowledge as possible from folks who are in positions I desire? I don't want to just make copies and deliver the mail forever!

I'm thinking something along the lines of a loose mentorship. I'm not after their jobs or anything, as I realize this would be a long-term endeavor. My most important concern is appearing to be an annoyance, and interrupting the work they need to get done on a day to day basis. It's not that I'm unhappy with my job right now, I just am thinking towards the future. I have a lot to offer (worked my way through college/ committed/ semi-intelligent), and I just want to make good use of my time as a n00b. Industry - publishing/comics.

posted by fillsthepews to Work & Money (15 answers total)

I was in a similar situation. I acquired a job as a receptionist for a law firm and was able to work my way up to paralegal. There is a lot to be learned by just watching and really doing your current job well. I learned so much just by being there and observing, and listening. Because I did my job well, my bosses noticed and they actually made a position for me.

Take advantage of what your current job is. For instance, while you're making copies, instead of just standing there, read what you're copying! That way you get a feel for what's really going on. Also, ask questions where appropriate. They'll pick up on your enthusiasm.

And you never know - maybe your bosses have their eye on you already and are just breaking you in for bigger responsibility.
posted by Sassyfras at 10:59 AM on November 12, 2006

Oh hell yes--always read what you're photocopying. Don't repeat it, of course, depending on the level of confidentiality in what you're doing.

Pay attention. Always pay attention.

I started as an EA six months ago in an industry I knew very little about. Just by being observant and asking intelligent questions, I'm already being given more and more responsibility vis a vis quoting on projects. It takes time, but always keep your eyes and ears open.

Identify the people in the company who are doing the jobs you find most interesting. Talk to them. Ask questions without being bothersome.
posted by dirtynumbangelboy at 11:04 AM on November 12, 2006

Be your own mentor.

Don't ignore the basics.
posted by LeisureGuy at 11:20 AM on November 12, 2006

Become a member of a professional organization affiliated with your industry. When I was in film school, I became involved with Women in Film. It gave me an opportunity to network with people established in the industry and afforded me opportunities to collaborate on projects for the organization with a variety of people (increasing my network while also showing people what sort of a person I am to work with). Every job I've had in the industry since college has come from a connection I've made through Women in Film, I've made lots of great friends, and I continue to be very active with the group. Professional organizations need volunteers to keep things running, and they're in the business of fostering growth and professional development among their members, so even as a newbie to your industry you should be able to find a place where you will be valued for your present skill set and allowed to develop it further. One other thing to note though is that as with anything, you only get out of it what you put into it, so if you find a group you are interested in, step up and volunteer rather than just showing up to the meetings. Going to meetings will passively help you; getting involved will jumpstart you faster than you'd believe!
posted by macadamiaranch at 11:20 AM on November 12, 2006

Here's a pretty good post on finding a mentor.
posted by LeisureGuy at 11:29 AM on November 12, 2006

Do what dirtynumbangelboy says. Gods, how I would love to see more of that in entry-level employees.
posted by desuetude at 1:19 PM on November 12, 2006

er, meant to praise Sassyfras's comment, too.
posted by desuetude at 1:21 PM on November 12, 2006

Response by poster: Thanks everyone. Im sort of shy, and it will be a challenge for me to ask people for help. But, I'm very observant and I can already see that helping. If anyone is in this industry and has any advice, my email's in the profile. Go nuts!
posted by fillsthepews at 1:33 PM on November 12, 2006

Hey, congratulations on getting your foot in the door!

As noted above, observe, observe, observe.

And doesn't hurt to have some *intelligent* questions to ask of those whose shoes you aspire to fill someday.

While you're, ah, observing, no doubt questions will pop into your head. Keep note of them. You'll also probably observe that some folk are more knowledgeable and/or approachable than others. Keep a mental note of who they are.

Some things you'll figure out for yourself. The rest - ask the folk you've picked as being in the know or easy to approach.

When you ask, check that the askee isn't busy first. Asking questions while someone's on deadline, in the middle of a project or about to go to a meeting isn't, you know, death, but it's not a great idea.

If you're kind of shy, you might think about what you say ahead of time. Just something simple like 'Hullo Bob. Are you really busy? Could I ask you something about x topic?'

So. They're not busy. Fire away! Keep it short. Just say something along the lines of 'Hey... I saw x the other day and I was wondering y." Or, "About z, what d'you think is the best way to do that?'

When they answer, thank them nicely and don't take up any more of their time.

Easy peasy! The ice is broken and you've learned something.

Repeat. Repeat. Repeat. At reasonable intervals, with the same and different askees.

And ask in the spirit of being passionate and curious about what you're doing, rather than in the hope of picking up career advancement tips. The first will have decent folk bending over backwards to help you make your mark.
posted by t0astie at 2:08 PM on November 12, 2006

desuetude writes "Do what dirtynumbangelboy says. Gods, how I would love to see more of that in entry-level employees."

This is unusual? I read everything I print, everything I photocopy. I pay attention to every word uttered inside my boss' office. Admittedly, it's a lot more interesting for me--I support two VPs. Being just in the mailroom would be more boring, and I suspect I'd be less likely to pay as much attention. But still.
posted by dirtynumbangelboy at 2:14 PM on November 12, 2006

Apparently it's not as obvious as I would've thought (this is how I got myself more responsibility, too, which I eventually parlayed into promotions.) I often see younger employees exert a lot of energy complaining vaguely about their job without ever actually paying attention to anything other than the most literal interpretation of the task at hand. It's easy to complain about the man making you run the photocopier, but when asked for an opinion (i.e. given an opportunity to show that you have some idea of what's going on) it'd be nice to get something other than a mumbled "dunno." /rant

fillsthepews, even easier than asking people for help is offering to help. When you have extra time and you see someone who could probably use a hand, offer to pitch in. Doesn't need to be someone above you -- helping other entry-level employees gives you insight into other aspects of the company. And makes you a nice person.

Obligatory words on common pitfalls:
* Taking it too personally when an idea or suggestion is not implemented
* Being too naiive about politics (your first loyalty is to the person to whom you report/your department & to the mission of the company. Stay out of rivalries.)
posted by desuetude at 3:42 PM on November 12, 2006

desuetude writes "fillsthepews, even easier than asking people for help is offering to help. When you have extra time and you see someone who could probably use a hand, offer to pitch in."

Oh hell yes. As long as it doesn't impact your performance, help out on everything you can.
posted by dirtynumbangelboy at 4:29 PM on November 12, 2006

Can I third helping out? Show willing and you will be (usually) paid back with goodwill aplenty.
posted by t0astie at 6:02 PM on November 12, 2006

Response by poster: Thanks again. This is all great stuff.
posted by fillsthepews at 7:13 PM on November 12, 2006

Oh!

If you can, always help the receptionist. Receptionists, EAs, and librarians rule the world. We're the gatekeepers. Get in good with us, and we'll move heaven and earth. Piss us off and you are fucked.
posted by dirtynumbangelboy at 7:14 PM on November 12, 2006