Journal Jucius Maximus's Journal: The Office Part II 1
Today, less that 1 week remains until the end of my work term. The software I developed has gotten some very enthusiastic and positive reasponse from Engineers and managers alike - I did a presentation to the Department Head late last week and it went quite well.
Now, to readers who have been made cynical by long experience with the world of work and programming in particular, please tell me if I learned the right things (as listed below) because, frankly, I'm too young to know.
- Pretty pictures are important. When demonstrating software, having 5% of the GUI done is more meaningful to the manager/non-programmer audience than having 50% of the coding done properly.
- Upper management is uninformed when it comes to computers. They don't know how to recognise policies that cut back on productivity with little or no tangible gain, and frankly they don't want advice or pointers from the people who do know.
- Watch the managers. Managers are managers for a reason. If you are in the lower ranks, you can learn a thing or two from watching how they handle questions in meetings, present information, interact with other people, etc.
- It's better to be a nice person. You're going to have to interact with your co-workers to do your job. It's best to help them out if you know a fix for their problem and make some friends. Some of them know amazing things and are willing to show if you have some initiative. (I found some of the best Dim Sum in Toronto this way!) If the people around you don't like you, then your life will be miserable.
- Appearances matter. Don't go around the office muttering to yourself. Show some pride in your work. Feel free to laugh. Managers and others notice these things and make quiet mental notes about your character. And it's infectious too, and can lead to a better office environment overall.
- Watch your money. You never know when your close family member / friend will ask to temporarily borrow $1000. You know they're trustworthy and will pay you back and you can't easily say no. Don't buy something on impulse and only buy it if you have a good reason and you need that specific item, not the cheaper alternative.
yeah, werd up (Score:2)
I think in a corporation this applies to a more general theme: be visible. If you are the one working the super-high priority problem and you are the one pulling all nighters and you are the one that gets it done, you get noticed.
Sure, that means more death-march style work comes your way! (hey bob, can you fix this by tommorrow?) but you are a corporate slut. If you are not advancing, you are falling back.
This also plays into your other comments regarding getting along with your team, not making enemies, etc.
My theory is that if you put up with a few key wins (that are soul crushing but you can handle it) you can parlay that into a team lead role.
You still develop, but you have a squad to do your dirty work.
I'll let you know once I get my squad.