Learning about website analytics is just one part of what I’ve learned over the years. Another part was learning about the working world. This career corner post is all about how to start off in the workforce.

Every woman needs a classic pair of business heels. This piece of advice is more opinion than anything else, but a pair of closed-toe pumps help say “I’m ready to get down to business” instead of “I’m ready to go out” or even worse “I’m not really ready at all, I just rolled out of bed.” Along those same lines, if you’re just starting out in your career, there’s a greater chance you won’t be taken as seriously. Minimize the opportunities for someone to doubt you by dressing professionally.

Confidence is half the battle. The Dunning Kruger theory states that those who know very little about a subject are often overconfident because they don’t understand the complexities that exist on the topic. Those who have a greater understanding of a topic are often less confident because they appreciate how complex the subject matter really is. If you find a particular task incredibly daunting, don’t shy away, because someone far more stupid than you is already up for the challenge.

Observe first. Learn the culture and the unwritten rules of the office first before you start taking initiatives to change any current processes and procedures. Your ideas will be much better received if you know your audience and respect how everyone operates.

Communicate. Communication is a key process of “managing up.” If someone assigns you a task, let them know the progress, when you expect to be done, and when you complete the job. This will help alleviate any micromanaging.

Looking for more career advice? Check out the other career corner posts, including how to advance your career, how to be a better employee, and how to be a better manager.