6 ways your first job or internship will seem just like a reality TV show

Question

I’m actually pretty nervous about starting my first real job because my friends who have had internships tell me that there’s a lot of office politics. What does that even mean?

Susan’s Take

Your friends are right, office politics are part of every job, and they won’t be outlined in any employee handbook. Office politics are the hidden landmines and hidden treasures that you want to either find or avoid. They are the unspoken penalty and reward system. The best way to think about navigating office politics is to rely on what you probably already know intuitively from watching reality TV shows. Here’s what I mean…

1. The camera is always on

Have you ever watched an episode of the Kardashians and thought, “I can’t believe they said that on TV?” The truth is that while a lot of the reality TV show outrageous behavior is scripted, some of it is not. People who are on camera all the time eventually just stop caring that they are on camera. They get lazy about filtering what they say or do. Don’t let that happen to you at work. The camera is always on whether it’s at a company sponsored social event, or in the lunchroom or the elevator. What you say is always being watched and evaluated by others. Keep your comments and your behaviors positive.

2. There is usually a person that everyone hates

It’s hard to watch a reality TV show without one of the cast members seriously getting on your nerves, and the same is true at work. The important lesson here is to not let that person get you off track. Stay focused on your career goals, and don’t spend emotional time or energy wondering why the annoying person has not been voted off the island. Rarely in the workplace do you get to cast a vote about your co-workers.

3. The blind auditions only get you so far

It’s true that on The Voice, the blind auditions are based on talent, not appearance or personality, and the same is somewhat true in landing a job. Most entry level jobs are awarded to people who have a skill set that the company needs, but after you get your foot in the door, the auditions are no longer blind. Now you are judged based on your personality, your hard work, and your ability to get along well with others. Keep in mind that while you need to impress your boss (the judges), you also need to win over your fellow co-workers (America’s vote).

Susan’s Bottom Line: While I’ve never heard of a company lining up summer interns and handing out roses to those who get to come back next summer (aka The Bachelor), there is a lot of truth to the fact that workplaces are a lot like reality TV shows. Get in tune with the office politics as soon as you start any job, and you’ll have a much more successful (and sane) work experience.

Pat’s Take

I’m more inclined to watch sports than reality TV, but the two probably have more in common that I would have immediately considered. I have a hard time disagreeing with anything that Susan has stated above, so I’ll add to it, leveraging her reality TV metaphor.

1. It’s a competition and there is a winner

Whether it’s American Idol, Hell’s Kitchen or The Amazing Race, many reality shows are about winning and the workplace is no different. Not everyone can get promoted and not everyone can get the next interesting work assignment, so you are always in competition with others. You do need to remember, however, that it’s a marathon, not a sprint, so if you you’re “behind” after the first mile, don’t worry or do anything rash to try to catch up. Just keep working hard (and smart), whether you have the ideal assignment or not.

2. There is drama

The Real Housewives, Keeping Up with the Kardashians and The Bachelor are all reality shows based on drama. Even “competition” shows like The Voice sprinkle in some drama whenever possible. The workplace has its fair share of drama too. There will be rumors and gossip, and it will be tempting to engage in it. Remember, everyone you work and for has a personal life outside of the job just like you do, and makes many decisions each day that can be second guessed at any time by someone wanting to “stir the pot.” My best advice? Stay away from the drama. It’s exhausting and non-productive. Building honest and meaningful relationships with teammates can help minimize the chance you’ll be victimized by the drama, so work hard to build true friendships with the people around you.

3. It’s exhausting

The Amazing Race and The Biggest Loser are both shows that remind us that it’s not just talent that wins the day – it’s hard work. The same is true in the workplace. The smartest person does not always get ahead, so make sure you are the hardest working person too. There’s an old saying about the fact that if you go the extra mile, you’ll rarely find it crowded. It’s true. It can be remarkable how far an extra 10-15% effort can take you.

Pat’s Bottom Line: Entering the work force is definitely a new and different experience. However, many of the skills you’ve developed will transfer easily into the new setting. So, be yourself, work hard and smart, build great relationships, and stay away from drama and you’ll settle into your new role and get off to a great start!