Workplace guide for beginners, others

In her book 'Dorm Rooms to Boardrooms,' Victoria Pilate offers advice to college students, recent grads, mothers returning to the work force or others needing advice about the workplace

BY ANDREA CHRISTIE

Date published: 2/3/2007

BY ANDREA CHRISTIE

Have you ever had one of those awkward moments when you find yourself unprepared in a business situation? You wore a full suit when it was casual Friday, or you didn't know what to say to the co-worker at the office party?

Look no further. because in her book "Dorm Rooms to Boardrooms," Victoria Pilate offers tips for just those situations.

A step-by-step guide, the book offers advice to college students, recent grads, mothers returning to the work force or others needing advice for the workplace.

"I was surprised how literally people took the title," Pilate said in a phone interview. "But the book can apply to anyone: doctors, vets, professors and everyone has meetings and travel."

The 324-page book, a revised edition released this past fall, is nearly double the size of the first edition, released in 2004.

"I wasn't happy with the first edition," Pilate said. "It was correct, but it wasn't compelling for the average reader."

Originally started as a class project in graduate school, the book now includes more quotes and stories from the 200 respondents Pilate interviewed about their "life trajectories," as well as secondary data and stories from Pilate's life experiences.

The book starts off by helping readers find a job and moves through relocation tips, office politics and business etiquette.

"Preparation is the key. It's the little things that people expect, as well as the little things you don't expect," Pilate said. "This book provides the things that average college students don't expect."

The chapters include quirky titles such as "Hitting the Pavement," "Finding a Place to Hang Your Hat" and "Living the Good Life."

The new edition provides side boxes with quick tips, statistics, quotes and stories spread among the text.

In the chapter entitled "Image and Style," Pilate gives readers information about what is appropriate to wear in the workplace.

Penelope Trunk of the magazine Business 2.0 is quoted as saying, "No one ever made corporate history by wearing torn jeans on causal Friday."

One survey respondent advises, "If you need to learn someone's name, try calling their voice mail after hours and listen to their recorded name greeting a few times to get the pronunciation correct."

The chapter on business etiquette is essential to surviving in business, according to Pilate.

Tips from Pilate's chapter titled "It's More Than Just Please and Thank You," which advises readers on business etiquette in today's workplace: Basic etiquette of social interaction: Sit up straight. Slouching suggests disinterest. Get back to people when you say you will. Shake hands firmly. Women also need to engage in firm handshakes. Establish eye contact with a smile when shaking hands. From the chapter titled "Hitting the Pavement," in which Pilate offers advice on how to find a job: What if you graduate without a job? Volunteer Write for local paper Take seminars or short courses at community college Attend social and professional conferences Stay active Be a tourist for a while Keep reading Apply for grad school Check out your health insurance plan

Follow us on

Read more stories about Fredericksburg
Date published: 2/3/2007