Professional Development

64 Action items for the newly employed and the ambitious

First year on the job? Try these 64 action items (in particular order) to make a name for yourself in your company and in your community.

Not new to the job? There’s something in this list for everyone; whether it’s your first year on the job or your tenth year on the job.

1. Set goals for the year.
2. Start an A-List.
3. Sit down with your boss to discuss your future.
4. Learn the names of at least 100 in your office (or everyone in your office if you have fewer than 100 people)
5. Ask to give a presentation.
6. Then give the presentation.
7. Participate in or organize a co-worker happy hour.
8. Have only one drink at the happy hour.
9. Become friends with someone in a different department.
10. Buy lunch for a co-worker.
11. Take a risk.
12. Take a vacation.
13. Pick the brain of a senior manager (or two).
14. Find a mentor.
15. Join a professional organization.
16. Give to charity.
17. Volunteer at a charity.
18. Volunteer for company committee.
19. Join a company-sponsored program, club or event.
20. If you don’t have a company-sponsored program, club or event, start one.
21. Read the entire HR handbook from front to back.
22. Review your goals to see if you’re on track.
23. Search for your role within the company.
24. Accomplish something that isn’t in your job description.
25. Start a 401K.
26. Put a portion of your salary directly into savings.
27. Get a financial planner.
28. Spruce up your wardrobe.
29. Do your job really well.
30. Tell your boss how well you’re doing.
31. Thank anyone who helps you with anything.
32. Don’t thank people who don’t actually help you.
33. Admit to your mistakes.
34. Find a hobby for outside the office.
35. Take a day off and do nothing.
36. Update your résumé.
37. Ask how you’re doing.
38. Take initiative.
39. Brainstorm ways you can fix company problems.
40. Pitch an idea.
41. Identify your personality type.
42. Identify your boss’ personality type.
43. Adapt your communication style to others.
44. Learn a new skill.
45. Reach out to senior people within the industry.
46. Subscribe to an industry magazine or newspaper.
47. Reference something you learn in the magazine or newspaper in conversation.
48. Redefine your goals as you grow.
49. Be pleasant to someone who rubs you the wrong way.
50. Stand up for yourself.
51. Defend your work when questioned.
52. Smile when you don’t want to.
53. Make a suggestion on a project you’re not directly involved in.
54. Make an important decision and stick by it.
55. Look for ways to delegate work you don’t like doing or aren’t good at.
56. Read a self-improvement book or subscribe to a self-improvement blog.
57. Ask your boss how you can improve.
58. Start improving.
59. Ask your boss what you have to do to get a raise.
60. Then do it.
61. Ask a lot of questions.
62. Prove your results.
63. Question rules and decisions.
64. Push the limits of your role.

What other suggestions do you have for people who want to make a name for themselves at work?