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Recommended reading: Bulletproof Your Job

Heather Huhman: How would recent graduates benefit from the advice you provide in “Bulletproof Your Job”?

 

Stephen Viscusi: Recent graduates who are just entering the job force need to understand that they have to begin bulletproofing their jobs right out of the gate. There’s no honeymoon period, no get out of jail free card on mistakes you make, even if it’s your first real job. You need to begin cultivating good chemistry with your boss on your first day of work and continue improving on that every day after. You need to be conscious of your presentation, avoid being a high maintenance employee and go out of your way to make yourself especially useful to your boss. Think of your first job as your most important asset – come to think of it, when you’re just starting out, it’s your only asset – and that your number-one priority is to work smart to get your boss and colleagues on your side.

 

HH: How can students currently in internships use the advice you provide in “Bulletproof Your Job” to turn their internship into a full-time, entry-level position?

 

SV: Being an intern is a great opportunity to show a prospective employer what a valuable, permanent member of the team you would be. So, treat your internship as if it’s the job you already have and that you’re trying to bulletproof. Learn how to relate well to your boss, cultivate allies throughout the company and find as many ways as possible to show your adaptability, capability and flexibility. And, whatever you do, don’t develop bad workplace habits like complaining or avoiding responsibility or gossiping...these are all “fire me” flares. As an intern, you enjoy a luxury that ordinary job applicants don’t – you have the chance to show over time what a high-quality, high-contribution employee you would be. So, take advantage of that!