When You Play, Play Hard. When You Work, Don’t Play at All

By Thien Van Tran

Two weeks ago I attended my first class at the University of Miami as a senior. It feels as though no time has passed at all, yet I have transformed dramatically. Yesterday I looked in a mirror and did not recognize the person I saw. This was perhaps mostly due to the fact that the mirror was in fact a window and I was staring at a complete stranger, but that’s not the point. College life changes people. And I’m not talking about just making you smarter. Suddenly you feel obligated to go to the gym every day, or tan after every class, or attend every party. I’m not saying you shouldn’t have fun, because you should. You will never have this experience again. But just be careful not to stray too far away from who you really are.

A golden retriever painted like a tiger. Because, you know, why stop at neutering the poor guy?
Here are a two quick tips that everyone may find useful, some more than others, but I’m not one to point fingers. *Eyeballing freshmen*

School Comes First

Miami is undoubtedly a city suited for the nocturnal. The plethora of clubs, bars, and restaurants acts as a playground for young college students. And there’s always something to do. But don’t you ever get tired of all the late nights, all the craziness, all the bright lights and loud music that leaves you blind and deaf for days? ME NEITHER. I can’t get enough of that stuff. What I do get tired of though, is missing classes, forgetting homework, and failing exams. Remember, you’re a student at the University of Miami. School is a priority, and everything else is just extra.

Planning ahead can help avoid all of these negative side effects. If you know that you have homework due Friday morning, complete it ahead of time so that you’re free to relax or have fun Thursday night. I understand that procrastination is the most prevalent religion practiced on any college campus, but doing things early will pay off in the end. Turning in a 20-page paper that you wrote an hour before class will only earn you a terrible grade and a product that your professor will find laughable. Me? I usually laugh at all my own papers before turning them in because I rarely write something that isn’t hilarious.

Learn How to Say No

You have friends. And with friends, come benefits peer pressure. Many new opportunities will present themselves, and I advise you to take advantage of all that you can. However, you should recognize which occasions are productive and which are harmful. For example, having a friend drag you to Salsa Craze is different than going to a frat party. If you never say no, then you’ll most likely find yourself doing things you don’t truly enjoy. Like listening to that Carly Rae Jepsen song. And don’t even say it’s catchy. You know what else was catchy? The Plague.

There are other, more moderate forms of socializing rather than just partying or clubbing. What are they exactly? Beats me, but I’ve been told they exist. Although, as most have you been to Canefest at some point, I’m sure it’s apparent that there are plenty of clubs to get involved in. You can meet new people, have fun, and still be productive in school.

And, you'll still be able to recognize yourself in the mirror.

Everyone wants perfect grades, but no one wants to study all the time. Well there’s no other way to do well unless you work at it. But having fun once in while is healthy. And let's be honest. No one looks back on life and remembers the nights you got plenty of sleep.

Forming Great Note-Taking Skills!

by Oleg Ignatenko

Lately, I have come to the realization that many times students struggle (including myself) with exams or understanding the material in certain classes due to bad note-taking and lack of a focused and clear study guide. It seems that often when students take notes in class or notes from the book, they tend to focus on areas that are not that important which becomes very unhelpful to them as well as time consuming. The entire point of taking notes is to have a clear visual and an understanding of the given material without having to carry around a bunch of 25 pound books and then having to list through them to find a specific line to read or a definition to recall. Since this is becoming sort of an epidemic, I am here to give you some advice to help you ease your way into the course by developing great note-taking skills.

First, let’s all agree that copying word for word from the book does not work for everybody. Sometimes the way an author may explain or define something might seem like they are using a completely different language. So what would be the point of you jotting down their exact words? Instead, try to understand the straightforward meaning of their words and write it down in your own words.

Second, another extremely helpful method is to use different markers, pens or highlighters when taking down notes. During a lecture many of us don’t have time to organize our notes due to the fact that we must consistently write things down until our hands feel like they are about to fall off. With the use of the highlighters or markers, you can set up a system of colors in which you know what area relates to a specific topic and definitions that you will more than likely will need to know for the upcoming exam. It is just another way of making an outline but by using this system it will save you a lot more time.

Third, this is most likely the most important rule that is usually overlooked. Learn and understand the way your professor conducts his or her lectures. This is something that you should get used to by the end of the first two weeks of your new class. Each professor uses his own developed way of teaching and communicating with the classroom. Once you realize that he or she focuses on specific details or that literally everything he or she  discusses will be on the test, you will have a much greater advantage and understanding of what type of notes you should be jotting down. Many times students realize this after the first tests, depending on what type of questions will be asked, but instead of adapting to their professors way of teaching, they will still continue taking bad notes and struggle on exams.

Here are some other quick hints when taking notes:

• Take notes on only one side of the paper

• Use pictures, diagrams and tables to help you visualize and relate ideas

• Before the upcoming lecture, read the chapter that you will be focusing on next

• Go back and make sure that you didn’t leave any blanks, and if you did, remember to fill them in

Lastly, don’t forget to use your notes when it comes to exams and other assignments. If you took out the time to write all of this information down, make sure it goes into something positive. It is so much easier to learn something and to remember it when you have it clearly and precisely written down.

Who Says Your Career Can't Be a Vacation?

By Christian Garcia

As I pondered what to write about for my blog entry, I found myself thinking back to my summer vacation last month. A group of my friends and I traveled to San Francisco, enjoyed a few days in Sonoma, and capped off the trip with a visit to Hawaii. Needless to say, it was an amazing trip! Anyone who knows me knows that I love to travel and that I love what I do for a living. Therefore, it made sense to tie my love for travel with tips for career success.
 

Build Bridges

 
San Francisco is one of my favorite cities in the world; it’s a place where people can freely express themselves and be accepted for who they are. On top of that, it has amazing cuisine and lots of cool and unique neighborhoods. Of course, you can’t think of San Francisco without the iconic Golden Gate Bridge coming to mind. As we rode atop a double-decker bus (and froze even though it was July), I couldn’t help but think about how important it is to build and sustain bridges in one’s life, especially when looking for a job. That said, it is sometimes difficult for college students to put themselves out there and begin building these important relationships. As you can see from the picture, we couldn’t see the other side of the bridge because of all the fog. Oftentimes in life we can’t see what’s ahead of us but we take the leap anyway. Making connections is no different; it takes being a little vulnerable and having faith that although it may take a little while, great things come from building bridges. 

Follow the “Crooked” Yellow Brick Road

 
A trip to San Francisco isn’t complete without a car ride down Lombard Street, which has eight very tight hairpin turns in just a one block stretch! Dozens of people crowd around the top of the steep hill to take pictures of cars winding their way down this crazy street. This got me thinking: Sometimes people view their career in a linear fashion: I have to do A to get to B before getting to C. Well if there’s one thing Lombard Street teaches us, it’s that more often than not, there are twists and turns (sometimes difficult ones) in our careers but we still ultimately get to where we are supposed to go. While it’s great to plan – and we do preach planning at Toppel – it’s also important to remember that life’s detours often provide us with the best experiences. Not to mention all the fun that awaits these unexpected deviations to our plans.

See the Light

During our visit, we took a day trip to Muir Woods, which is filled with breathtaking and towering Redwood trees. It was pretty cool to drive just 12 miles out of the city and find ourselves surrounded by such beautiful nature. I know my friends will read this and laugh because I’m not your typical “outdoorsy/one-with-nature” kind of guy but I can certainly appreciate beauty when I see it! Several things popped into my mind as I wandered among those giant trees. First, sometimes looking for a job feels like an overwhelming process; it can easily become all-consuming. Therefore, it’s important to take time to stop and just “be”. Sometimes it takes a simple change of pace to see things more clearly and gain a better perspective. The other thing that sprung to mind was a result of taking the picture you see here. Managing everything in your life (school, work, internships, job searching, etc.) can sometimes feel like a never-ending journey but there is always a light at the end of that journey. As I looked up to the trees and saw the sun beaming through, I couldn’t help but feel relaxed and at peace with many of the things I’m juggling in life. 

Take Time for “Career Tasting”

 
One of the highlights of our trip was spending time in the Sonoma wine country. Sonoma is such a laid back and idyllic place, which makes it so hard to say goodbye. Of course, for wine lovers like me, it’s among the best places to sample many different types of wine. As my friends and I drove around Sonoma and stopped at the many wineries, we not only had a chance to taste fantastic wines, we also got to learn the history behind each winery and the folks who work there. Therefore, think of your career as one big wine sampling trip: take the time to test out different careers (shadowing and internships) and ask successful individuals for a few minutes of their time to learn about their career path and passions. Just like not every wine is going to be pleasing to one’s palette, some of the careers you try out may be the opposite of what you’re looking for…and that’s okay! Better to try it and know rather than always wondering “what if?”
 

UP!

Taking a hot air balloon ride has always been on my Bucket List and I’m happy to say I was able to scratch it off the list during my time in Sonoma. What better way to view the beautiful Sonoma sunrise than in a hot air balloon with your closest friends? Although I’m not a huge fan of heights, I could not let the opportunity pass me by (there’s a lesson in there). More importantly, the same way the balloons in the picture you see here aren’t meant to stay grounded, neither are we as individuals. I never understood why “being grounded” is viewed by many as such a good trait in people. Know your true value and what you have to offer and use it to stretch and soar in your career. The ride may be a little bumpy and scary at times, but I think we can all agree: a hot air balloon sitting on the ground is just not as cool as one floating up and away!
 

Wait for the Rainbow

 
During our time in Hawaii, we visited two of its islands, Oahu and the Big Island, and they couldn’t be more different from each other! While Oahu is fast-paced, the Big Island is totally laid back and relaxing. My favorite part of Oahu was visiting Pearl Harbor and the USS Arizona Memorial…it’s a must-see! On the Big Island, we visited Volcanoes National Park and got to see some really cool active craters. That said, the picture shown here reminds us of the dangers Mother Nature brings us. As I equated this to one’s career, I couldn’t help but think of all the potential pitfalls and dangers that await us. We are all going to make mistakes and we will most likely encounter individuals who don’t have our best interests at heart. But as you can also see in the picture, out of darkness comes light…in this case, a rainbow. So whether you have no idea what you want to do for a living or hate your current job or you’re pondering a career change, be patient and just wait for the rainbow.

Have Fun!

 

We have a saying at Toppel: “We take our work seriously but we don’t take ourselves too seriously.” If there’s one final career tip I can leave you with, it is to HAVE FUN! Yes, it’s scary to embark on your life after college or to take a risk on a new career or business endeavor, but it is also all about your perspective. The unknown is much easier to face when you’re having a good time. Also, there isn’t a rule that says you can’t have fun in your career. So take some time to laugh, act silly, and most importantly, surround yourself with those who care about you the most. Sure, six grown men wearing “hi” shirts to a Hawaiian Luau is silly (and a little embarrassing) but who cares? Everyone knew we were there to have fun and many even said “hi” back!

Step Up Your Job Search

By Aileen Lopez

 

Finding a job in today’s economy is no easy task.  However, there are opportunities out there that you may not be aware of.  The best way to find a job is to get out from behind the computer and start talking to people and building relationships.  Here are 4 ways to step up your job search:

1.  KNOW YOUR CAREER GOALS
When speaking to a potential employer about the type of job you are looking to obtain, it is essential to be clear as to what your career goals are.  Avoid telling potential employers you’ll “do anything.”  Recruiters want to know you are clear and focused on your goals.
   
2.  HAVE AN UPDATED RESUME
Your resume should be updated at least every 6 months.  You want to be prepared in case someone asks you for a copy of your resume.  When applying for a job, utilize the job description to modify your resume for that particular position.

3.  DO YOUR HOMEWORK
Once you have a clear understanding of what your career goals and interests are, it is important to keep up with current events.  You want to be able to chat about what is happening in the industry you are trying to tap into.  Staying up to date with your industry of interest allows you to contribute to conversations with recruiters and/or people in your network.  Also, do your research on the companies you are targeting as potential employers.  Recruiters know when someone hasn’t taken the time to do so.

4.  NETWORK! NETWORK! NETWORK!
Networking is the best way to find a job.  People tend to do business primarily with people they know and like.  Although most job announcements require a resume and cover letter, this alone can be very impersonal.  Networking may lead you to information about a job that may not yet be advertised.  Try attending as many networking events as possible.  Once you collect a business card at an event, make a note for yourself on the back of the card with information about how you met this new contact.  Include the date, the event where you met and a bit of information regarding your conversation.  This information is helpful for follow-up purposes.  Whether following up via an e-mail or a handwritten note, you can reference the conversation you had with them to help them remember you.  At networking events you can potentially end up speaking with a lot of new people, so this technique will help you keep track.  Always remember, networking is about building relationships. 

If you have any questions or need assistance stepping up your job search, please contact the Toppel Career Center at 305-284-5451 or visit us at www.HireACane.com.

Making Yourself Indispensable to the Boss

By Ali Rodriguez 

 

Bosses tend to be busy people; multiple priorities, pressing deadlines, and staff to lead. It can be overwhelming at times, and there are certain employees who rise to the occasion to make themselves indispensable to their supervisor and team. I want to share a story about one of my staff members who has done this successfully, so much so that when she graduated recently I was concerned about who would pick up the slack! 

Consider this when you begin an internship, part-time position, or full-time job: employees who leave a legacy work hard and produce results, but are also invaluable because of their willingness to be a team player. This may seem obvious to some, but it is incredibly important. On that first day, when you jump out of bed and report to the job, you are thrilled to be there. Take the first day or week to absorb the office culture, get a sense of your responsibilities, and ask many questions. I recommend that one of those questions be: “What can I do to help?” 

You may be thinking “They will ask me if they need help,” but remember that supervisors’ work days are demanding. They may have discussed your career interests and helped you to set goals based on the job description. Now, they may assume that you are all set. But how else can you step up and offer assistance so you will be valued? Consider the important trends in your industry and at the workplace. How can you assist the boss in being more effective is his/her job? 

1. Offer to help with projects that may not be glamorous. Often times, you learn more about the organization by doing these “fun” tasks. 
2. Anticipate your boss’s needs. It takes time to get to know your supervisor and you will develop an ability to do this if you pay attention. 
3. Show a passion for what you do. Enthusiasm is contagious, and it will be quickly noticed if you are enjoying your experience, even if it is not exactly what you plan to be doing for the rest of your career. 

For the past twelve years of working at the Toppel Career Center, one staff member in particular stands out to me as working incredibly hard and making herself indispensable. As a graduate assistant, she was responsible for helping students with resume critiques, presenting programs on interviewing and other career-related topics, and marketing the Toppel Career Center’s programs and services. However, she always took it a step further and went above and beyond. For example, she stayed on as an assistant for the summer after her first year and worked at the front desk. While this was technically a junior position to what she had already done, but she did it with a smile every day. During that time, she also provided support for our Toppel Internship Program and we valued her attention to detail. In essence Thaimi Fina was really the person who could do it all. So, this blog kills two birds with one stone. I get to share my thoughts on the subject and give thanks to Thaimi, who earned a Master of Science in Education in Marriage and Family Therapy, and will be starting a position at the FIU Counseling Center. Thanks Thaimi and we will miss you!

Get the Job AND (maybe) the Girl

Written by Thien Van Tran

It’s almost back-to-school time! I know most of you are still on vacation now, but it’s never a bad time brush up on your professional skills. The University of Miami has a very diverse student population originating from all over the world, which may make it very difficult for you to interview for positions back home or in other locations. That’s what makes the phone interview so attractive; it’s a simple solution that’s unaffected by distance. I have had numerous phone interviews throughout this previous semester, and I know that many of my peers have as well. Although I had very little experience as to how to conduct myself during a phone interview, I am very happy to say that I’ve just completed the first part of my internship for this summer using the very tips I am about to share! Once again, I understand that it is summer and you may think you have better things to do, but hey, writing these posts is very involved and a lot of blood, sweat, and tears time goes into them. My witty sense of humor has been known to induce knee-slapping laughs on rare occasions, and almost all the time. You know how many clever remarks I’ve written so far? “Five?” I was going to say three, but you’re trying to be nice to me on my big day, I get it.

The phone interview is much like a date. You want to convince your date that you’re the one he/she wants to take home to his/her parents. You want to look good. In fact, you want to look so good that when he/she does take you home, the parents are the ones who get nervous meeting you.

Phase 1: Research
You need to know what you’re up against. What are his/her hobbies? What does he/she like? As is the case with any interview, you will need to do a little research to know the company or organization. You can never know too much, and being well-informed will give the interviewer the impression that you are genuinely interested. You should obviously know the basic ideals of the company, its industry, projects, etc. If it becomes apparent to the interviewer that you are uninformed, not only will it be considered rude that you did not take the short time to educate yourself while they are putting forth the effort to speak and possibly hire you, it will look downright embarrassing.


Try to find something that really intrigues you. This may come up as a topic of dialogue, especially if they decide to ask you why you are eager to work for their company. If possible, you should also research the specific individual with whom you will be interviewing with. However, there is one minor difference here, between the date and the interview. You should not openly admit that you’ve done your research on her. Will telling her that you’ve stalked her on Facebook make you all the more irresistible? Not a chance. Creep her out? Every time.

Phase 2: The Date
Be punctual. No one likes waiting. Heck, I’ve yet to make a real batch of brownies. I’d rather have a warm chocolate soup than wait 35 minutes for brownies. Your interviewer will call you, whether or not you’re ready. Missing that first call will undoubtedly start things off on a terrible note. If it’s scheduled to begin extremely early in the morning, like 11:00AM or some other ridiculous time, be sure to wake up at least an hour prior. You don’t want to get caught off guard.

“I see you’ve set aside this special time to humiliate yourself in public”
Since the interviewer(s) cannot see you, the only aspect upon which they may judge you is your voice. It should be enthusiastic, responsive, and show interest. It’s okay to be a little nervous, but just remember that you were chosen for a reason. Your merits and qualifications have been considered and you were deemed capable. The same goes for the date. She (or he) has decided to accept your invitation, so in the very least you must appear to be a good choice. So be yourself. Everyone else is taken.

Make sure you are in a quiet setting where you receive a strong wireless signal, if you are using a cellular device. I will admit that phone interviews may put you at a slight disadvantage compared to someone participating in a face-to-face interview. You cannot see your interviewer, and some people’s voices are so flat that trying to read them is like trying to decipher the expression of the Sphinx. But, there are also some advantages. For one, you do not have to dress up. Although, some people find that dressing professionally, even when the other person cannot see you, will be beneficial in the sense that it will get you in the right mindset, so you may want to do so anyway. If you are not very comfortable with eye contact, or are unsure of how much eyeball action you should give, you’re in luck! Also, if you are nervous about any material that may be asked of you regarding your resume, you may have that in front of you to use as a referernce. And, FUN FACT, if you bring in your resume to the Toppel Career Center, you will have access to many professonals who will be able to help you make it better by removing all of your words and replacing it with their own. Just kidding.

Phase 3: Wrapping it Up
When the interview is coming to a close, you will be offered a chance to ask questions, if you have any. You do. In the case with your hot date, you never want to appear self-centered and talk only about yourself. Many people love to talk about themselves, and all they need is a willing set of ears to get going. So ask her sincere questions of interest and let her open up. Going back to your potential employer, you may ask about the specific internship/job projections for the summer, or about any developments you may have heard of within the corporation, or other projects that are currently underway that you may be involved in. Just don’t say that you don’t have any questions, or that the interviewer has already answered them in previous statements, as this will make you appear indifferent. However, never ask a question for the sake of having one; like the (awful) movie Battleship, you will sound “incredibly dumb.” But hey, those are Rotten Tomatoes’ words, not mine. Although, mine would have been exactly the same.

Phase 4: The Waiting Game
When the questions are all done, be sure to thank your interviewer for his or her time. If you are interested, you may want to ask what their timeline looks like in regards to making a hiring decision. Try not to seem too pushy though. Be sure to send a 'thank you' letter / email to each interviewer. Now comes the hard part. Waiting for someone who may never call you back can be frustrating, and quite discouraging. Some companies will notify you almost immediately, while others will wait months to let you know. If it turns out that a few opportunities don’t work out the way you had hoped, don’t give up so easily. Keep scheduling those interviews while working to improve and it will pay off eventually. A wise man once said, “Don’t sweat the petty things, and don’t pet the sweaty things.” Never have I heard truer words.

If she never calls you back, hey, there’s nothing you can do about it. From my own experience after the first date, people are either going to hate you, or they’re going to really dislike you. But in all seriousness, don’t let it get to you. “It is a risk to love. What if it doesn’t work out? Ah, but what if it does..?” – Peter McWilliams.

Communication in the Workplace

By Thaimi Fina

For students embarking on their first job or internship, communicating with colleagues and supervisors can be intimidating and uncomfortable.  However, mastering this skill is crucial for building and maintaining lasting professional relationships with your co-workers. Strong communication skills can also help you to stand out as a genuine and confident person at your workplace.  To emphasize this point, here are three situations where it is imperative that you speak up and communicate effectively.

1. When you need help or guidance.
So, you’re currently working on three projects with quickly approaching deadlines when your supervisor stops by your desk and asks you to take on one more.  “Sure!” you say enthusiastically.  Cue panic response.  To make matters worse you have no clue how to accomplish this project and your supervisor provided minimal direction.  OK, now we’re really panicking.  This situation happens more often than you would think and it’s important that you learn how to adapt early on in your career.  To resolve this dilemma I propose the radical solution of (you guessed it) communicating! 

Avoid burning out with a plate full of unfinished projects by talking to your colleagues and seeing if they could help.  Perhaps one of them could assist you in making progress on one project while you diligently work on another (learning to delegate is also a valuable skill to hone in the workplace).  Or maybe they have experience in deciphering your boss’s enigmatic assignments and can provide valuable insights into the project.  If your co-workers are also clueless about what your supervisor expects, I would encourage you to speak with your supervisor and ask for clarification to ensure that you meet and exceed those expectations.  Communicating with colleagues and seeking their assistance in your work shows your team members that you value their input and prevents you from becoming overwhelmed by your workload.  This collaboration could also spark new ideas, promoting innovation and producing even stronger outcomes than if you had attempted the project on your own. 

2. When you’re bored or unsatisfied.

So, the work that you’re doing has become repetitive and boring.  You feel unchallenged and don’t feel that your skills are being utilized to their full potential.  As a result, you’ve become disengaged, cranky, and you dread coming to work every day.  Now, more than ever, it’s important for you to SPEAK UP!  (Perhaps in a more tactful way than Peter Gibbons did in Office Space…)

Whenever I speak with students in our Toppel Internship Program who don’t feel challenged enough by their internships, I always encourage them to ask for more.  If you’ve had your eye on a project your colleagues have been developing, don’t be afraid to ask if there’s any way you can help!  Most people are not going to turn down an extra pair of hands because, let’s face it, we’re all stressed and a little overworked.  Asking to become involved in more challenging assignments also shows initiative and demonstrates that you are a team-player.  As an intern, there may be limitations to the projects in which you may become involved.  The interns that I always find most impressive are the ones who overcome those limitations by creating their own projects.  Brainstorm new initiatives that could benefit the company or identify ways to improve the company’s current way of doing things.  You could pitch these ideas to your supervisor and offer to take the lead on the project.  By communicating with your supervisor and finding challenging projects to keep you motivated, you will begin to feel more engaged and establish yourself as a more valuable employee.

3. When you’ve messed up.

Alright.  So that dreaded moment of imperfection finally happened, showing everyone in your office that you are indeed (GASP) human.  You missed an important deadline, you came in an hour late, or you failed to catch a significant error in a report.  Whatever the mistake was, your response is likely to be consistent: you’re freaking out.  First and foremost, my advice to you is: relax, breathe, and stop beating yourself up for it because trust me it was bound to happen sooner or later.  Once you’ve composed yourself, it’s important to deal with this incident head on.  Avoiding your supervisor or pretending that it didn’t happen will only reflect poorly on you and cause others to perceive you as immature or apathetic. 

Set up a time to meet with your supervisor or colleague in person (a phone call, text, or e-mail can all be perceived as avoidant tactics and make it difficult to deduce your tone).  Be honest.  Tell your supervisor what happened and genuinely apologize for your mistake.  Before you go into this meeting, it’s also important to think about how you can fix or improve the situation or reduce the risk that it will happen again.  Present these ideas to your supervisor to show him or her that you have reflected on your mistake and are developing an action plan.  This also demonstrates that you are learning from your mistakes and are less likely to repeat them. 

After this conversation is complete, that’s when the real communication begins.  Remember that actions always speak louder than words.  Put those words into practice.  Double check your work.  Set three alarms if you have to.  Keep better track of your deadlines by purchasing an agenda.  Whatever action plan you devised, follow through with it!  Everyone makes occasional mistakes at work, but it’s how you recover from them that distinguishes a strong employee from a weak one. 


Communicating with higher-ups will always be somewhat intimidating and uncomfortable.  However, I hope that these examples have shown you the value of speaking up and how it can truly transform your experience in the workplace.  And like any other skill, it’s not going to hone itself.  So start now!  Speak your mind in a tactful and professional way and see the difference it can make in your career.