I became involved in my community and found my first job by combining education, training and doing volunteer work. I am a successful career woman and entrepreneur who is a Latina with a disability. When people ask me how I got to where I am today, I use the following words grouped by letter to summarize my professional path:

3 Ps - punctuality, perseverance, passion
3 Cs - communication, collaboration, commitment
6 Es - effective, efficient, enabler, empowered, essential, energized

Many people are surprised that these relatively simple concepts, which everyone purports to know and follow, can have a profound effect on an individuals’ career. Several of the words seem obvious, but in their plainness, people forget to be cognizant of them.

Be punctual, because when you are running late, you convey that you do not care about the job. You also may experience stress in trying to catch up on work if you fall behind because you are tardy.

In any job there are going to be times when you feel like giving up. This may happen if you are not able to understand instruction or complete a task right away. It is times like this that you must persevere. Your supervisor will admire your determination to figure out a way around the problem. If you try different ways of getting around a roadblock, you will usually find a way.

Passion for your work is not a skill you can learn or hone. It emerges from within. Nevertheless, it affects your work. Being passionate about your work motivates you to do your job well. Therefore, selecting a field that you have an interest in will greatly increase your chances at being successful and fulfilled in your job.

Regular communication is very important. Always find out what your supervisor expects from you. Communicate with that individual often to find out what he or she thinks about your performance. Clear communication with your supervisor will help make you feel more comfortable in your job.

Collaborating with co-workers or superiors in completing tasks when appropriate is a great way to learn from others. It allows the people you work with to learn your personal strengths and also exposes you to others’ skills.

Moving from one place of employment to another or dabbling in more than one professional field is common in today’s working world. Still, employers appreciate personal and professional commitment to their company or organization and to your own professional goals while in your job. Your time is very valuable, so make sure to spend your time in your company well. It is an investment in your career.

If you keep these principles in mind while at work you are likely on your way to becoming a successful professional. It will lead to you personal fulfillment and to be more appreciated in your company.

Career advancement also has a lot to do with personal relationships. If the boss doesn’t know who you are, she is not likely to suggest you for a promotion. When you know the stakeholders in your company and they know you, they may be more likely to think of you if a position opens up that you might be good for. Also, your boss or other key personnel at your company can serve as references when you apply for other jobs.

Another way to move up in your company is to get involved in committees or other workplace programs. For example, some companies have a personnel committee composed of board members and staffers. If you are active in such a group you have the opportunity to meet board members and may act as a spokesperson for your colleagues. This level of engagement in your company is an excellent thing to mention in your resume.

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