Climbing Corporate Ladder

Graduates usually have high expectations about becoming the next millionaires in the finance industry. But I can assure you that fairy tales never come easily in this highly competitive market.

Once you step into the workforce, you should quickly forget your academic and sporting achievements, and even your so-called self esteem. In order to succeed, you must realise that banking is essentially a people-oriented business.

In short, this means you must identify the people who have the greatest power and authority to propel your career. It’s vital to know exactly what your direct boss wants, and not focus on your personal achievements.

So, forgot financial modelling and risk analysis, here are three rules I think every junior banker should follow.

Know your boss
It should be your number one goal to understand your line manager’s working style and personality because this will help to avoid future conflicts. As a senior HR person at my own firm told me recently: “In many cases, subordinates can’t fulfil their supervisors’ expectations as they don’t know what their bosses want.”

Respect the hierarchy
Generation Y employees often incorrectly consider their managers to be their buddies, especially if they are a similar age or went to the same university. But this means trampling over the firm’s hierarchy and it will ultimately backfire.

Never express your emotions in the office
In the face of criticism, youngsters often fail to control their emotions, especially if they haven’t been scolded in public before. Do not fight back against your boss under any circumstances. It is better to acknowledge and correct any problems.

Never talk bad about your boss or company
Never talk bad about your boss or company in formal or informal gathering. Negative news travel faster than lighting. Your boss will be preparing your exit faster than yu can say "Hi". You will not know what strike you.