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Get to know social and new media, get intimate with it but don't make it your only skill set.
As a new grad I recommend creating the brand of "YOU" by using the very knowledge and tools you learned in school and especially what you learned during your internship.
Don't just say you know how, show you know how!
-------------------------------- Monique Terrell, Sr. Manager of Social Media
@moniqueterrell
Listen more than you speak. People around you are a wealth of knowledge; be a sponge and soak up as much as you can. Also, carry a notebook and take lots of notes at work. You'll never be able to remember everything you're told.
While social media is critical in today's world, don't underestimate the power of a well written news release. In addition, never neglect the strength of networking. Computers are great, but there are plenty of instances where face-to-face communication is better.
If you don't get an entry level position right away, don't be above taking an Internship - unpaid even. The climate is tough out there. It will definately pay off in the long run. And if pay is what's concerning you, get a part-time job while you're interning. A year or so in you'll be a lot better off than if you spent that time working full time in an unrelated field or unemployed.
Get out of the habit of using abbreviations (LOL, u, ur) you use in social media, texting, etc. Never (never!) use them in your professional communications -- even e-mail. If you want to be respected as a professional communicator, you have to communicate clearly -- always.
All good advice above. For the Class of 2010, it is very important to understand: it is impolite to text or check your phone while in a business meeting, even an informal one like when you're talking to someone in a hallway. Treat your phone like your underwear, check it in private. And when you write, by all means please proof your work and make sure names are spelled right and titles are correct.
I think networking is so important as a stepping stone to any career. You just never know who you are going to meet and/or how "connected" they are. I also think grads should set lofty goals, but be willing to work their way to them. An intern who once worked with me only applied to executive management-type positions and got ticked when she didn't get interviews, never mind that she had NO experience!
Mentoring is also important. Find someone who is respected (within or out of the organization) and model his/her way, even if that person works in a different field. There are good reasons why that person is successful and respected. Those qualities can transfer into any profession.
When you are starting out, be willing to take on any task. Be on the lookout for things that are falling through the cracks and take the initiative to do something about it. Don't wait to be told what to do; be proactive!
Oh, and always check the roof of your car before you drive away. I've lost more cups of coffee that way ...
Learning from Institute and practical performance at work place are two sides of the coin. One need to balance the both and work with positive attitude and keep yr mind free to learn from the guidance and mistakes . Work hard to accomplish yr goals .
