11 Burning Questions with Andy Teach
Stephanie R. Guzman, News Editor, The Los Angeles Loyolan

Published: Thursday, April 16, 2009
Author of “From Graduation to Corporation: The Practical Guide to Climbing the Corporate Ladder One Rung at a Time,” Andy Teach discusses the new corporate America.

This issue, News Editor Stephanie R. Guzman asks Andy Teach about job networking, the problems of shorthand communication and how to handle yourself in the work place. Mr. Teach will be speaking at the Senior and Alumni Career Conference on Saturday April 18, 2009. The event will take place in St. Roberts Auditorium from 9:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.

1. Describe your book a little bit.
It’s based on my own personal experiences. I’m from an entertainment and advertising background, but the book contains general career advice such as tips on networking and resumes and cover letters. The target audience is anyone in college or five years out of college.

2. Describe a social networking site students should be using.
A great networking site is LinkedIn. It’s very professional and once you connect with one person you can find others to connect with.

3. What would you say to students who are worried their major won’t help them get hired?
Much of what you know about the job you learn on the job. It’s more about the disciplines you’re learning in school: meeting deadlines, working with other people, allocating your time.

4. Besides Web sites, what are some other ways to network?
You have to think outside the box. It may sound strange, but when you go to your doctor or dentist or hygienist, they have patients from so many fields. Ask them to put you in touch with a patient who is in a field you’re interested in. Just call them and ask if it’s possible to speak with them face-to-face.

5. What are some dangers of social networking sites such as Facebook or Twitter?
Just make the assumption that anyone from now on who may look to hire you or work with you will have access to your Web site. Especially photos. This means deleting suggestive photos, being fully clothed, no alcohol or drugs. It just gives them an idea of what the person is like.

6. Based on some of your personal experiences, what should young professionals know?
The things they don’t teach you in school. One of the bigger mistakes some younger people from Generation Y make is they want to start changing things right away. But the Baby Boomers like the rules and guidelines already in place for a reason. Gain credibility and then you can start suggesting changes. Do not do that right away.

7. How should one approach constructive criticism?
Some members of Generation Y don’t take constructive criticism well. They take it personally and get defensive. This generation was brought up with a lot of praise. Ask yourself [when receiving constructive criticism] “Are they right?” If they are, tell your supervisor “Yes, I will improve in this area” or if you disagree, say why.

8. What are some other changes you see between the Baby Boomer generation and Generation Y?
Some Generation Y’ers have an entitlement focus. There tends to be more job-hopping and a lack of loyalty. Generation X emphasized a balance between work and life. But all older generations care about is results. That is what your career is going to be judged on.

9. What are some of the changes you see in corporate America?
It’s possible that e-mailing in shorthand with the OMG’s and LOL’s can become the norm in the future. Also, some people are more productive in a less corporate atmosphere. Some atmospheres include beanbags and wearing jeans, which may work for that specific company.

10. Are there downsides to shorthand communication?
It may be more efficient if everyone’s on the same page. My fear is everyone is going to start talking in 140 characters or less, like Twitter. A lot of people feel more comfortable e-mailing or texting, but there is no substitute for face-to-face contact.

11. Can you give some advice to those that are graduating soon?
Your first job isn’t going to be your dream job. If there’s a company you really want to work for, just get in the door at the company. You might even start out as an assistant, but I know former assistants that became presidents of their division. Most important thing is don’t look for a job, look for a career. If you don’t enjoy what you’re doing, you’re not going to be happy.