Anticipate that advancement is more likely to be reflected in expanded job functions, rather than upward moves on a corporate pyramid.

Be friends with everyone. Keep in mind that today's enemy may be tomorrow's boss.

Constructive criticism should be welcomed. Accept whatever seems to make sense to you.

Don't bad mouth your colleagues, your employer, or even competitors. People respond best to those who are positive.

Evaluations of job performance can be very helpful. If your organization does not conduct periodic evaluations, ask your supervisors for feedback.

Friends can make any job easier and more pleasant. However, when you are new, avoid too close relationships until you get a clearer sense of the organization and people.

Give some thought to the style and culture which characterize your employer and adjust to them.

Hobbies and other interests outside of work will make you a more interesting person and provide a psychological cushion when things are going bad at work.

Identify one or more people who do the kind of work you'd like and try to shadow their activities.

Join professional organizations in your field. The contacts may help with your job and assist if you seek to change positions.

Keep in touch with co-workers who left to join other organizations. They may help if you wish to change jobs.

Look for tasks where you can acquire new skills or achievements to add to your resume.

Mentors can play an important role in careers. In early years, seek out one or two who may help you advance. In later years, become a mentor to younger workers who may help you execute your responsibilities.

Negotiating is a very important skill in corporate nowadays. Add it to your repertoire.

Observe how the most successful employees operate and try to emulate their skills.

Paperwork is important. Save copies of job-related correspondence, reports of which you are proud, etc. to document your career.

Quitting a job is always difficult. If you change employers, try to leave without alienating those who remain with the organization.

Recessions and cutbacks may be anticipated. Have a few fallback positions or a paying part-time job in mind.

Salary is important but the long-range potential of a job is even more critical.

Teamwork rather than individual activity seems to be the key to success in today's work world.

Unless you clearly stand out in a group, seek projects where your work will be clearly identified and recognized.

Volunteer with community organizations. Employers like staff members who perform community service and you may develop contacts which may help your career.

Work smart, not just hard. Put the most emphasis on your most critical functions.

X-cell yourself. That's the best way to ensure career success. Nothing will help your career more than a reputation for high quality work.

Your boss will play a key role in determining your future prospects. Learn what he or she thinks are the most important parts of your job and emphasize them.

Zero in on your organizations goals and keep them in mind as you make daily on-the-job decisions.