How to Survive & Thrive in the Corporate Jungle: E’s Top 10 Tricks

Power suits. Mahogany-table boardrooms. Large rooms with a seemingly infinite number of cubicles.

This is the corporate jungle. And these are some tips to help you navigate it.

10. Get a Mentor

Find someone who has been in your shoes before, who can provide you with invaluable advice and insight. It’s always good to have a shoulder to cry on.

9. Keep your smelly foods at home

I’m sure your grandmother makes the best curry chicken in the world, but I don’t need to smell it (or you) for the entire afternoon. When you bring lunch, try to bring people-friendly foods… unless you like sitting alone.

8. Get a Life – Outside Work

Join a gym. Learn to paint. Having a life besides work will help you feel more fulfilled.

7. Get Involved

Attend firm events – 5 à 7’s, holiday parties, training sessions. These are great opportunities to network within your firm and get to know people on a personal level.

6. Block Access to your Facebook

You’ve heard the rumors. Bosses, recruitment personnel, and co-workers WILL look you up on Facebook. Make sure inappropriate photos are hidden. One guy I worked with had a picture of him naked in a bed with his dog. It was creepy and weird. As his profile was open, the ENTIRE office saw it. He got fired.

5. Eye Contact

Just remember to blink. You don’t want to be known as “the starer”.

4. Stay Informed

Check out CNN.com every now and then. Read BusinessWeek magazine. You’ll seem smart. People will like you.

3. Don’t Gossip

No one wants to be the topic of conversation around the coffee machine. Resist the temptation.

2. Be Nice to Service Staff

The mailroom clerks, secretaries, and IT maintenance staff are critical to you performing your job. I can’t even tell you how many companies I’ve been to where the guy working in the mailroom is the CEO’s nephew. These are the people who can make or break you. Be friendly and courteous.

1. Work Hard

DUH.