You’ve worked hard… to get into college, to get out of college and to find the right job. Now, your boss just asked you to make 30 copies of a presentation he’s giving at 1:00. Next, your co-worker asked you to cover the phone so he can go to the dentist. Then, the project you’ve lobbied so hard for was given to someone else. WHAT DO YOU DO??

• Take a deep breath and count slowly to 10.
• Smile and complete the task at hand to the best of your ability.
• Remember your career goals. Keep your long term goals is mind to avoid resentment. Connect what you are doing now with where you want it to lead. Revisiting your career goals periodically will help you stay on track in the short term.

Your first (or even second) job may not be as glamorous as you dreamed it would be. Entry level professionals are often asked to do the mundane tasks. You can get resentful or you can use it as an opportunity. It’s an opportunity to prove that you can and will do whatever is asked, to develop the reputation as the dependable one. Once you establish that work ethic, chances are the “good stuff” will come your way.