the corporate america series: five tips on work trips

Last week I was given the opportunity to go on a work trip - my very first one! My company had mentioned traveling off-handedly in previous rotations, but I didn't think it would happen since I was already halfway through my final rotation and there was no mention of any work trips. But a few weeks ago, my current supervisor asked when my last day of work was (T-minus 7 work days!) and said he was planning a trip for us to see our other offices in Philadelphia, PA and Carmel, NY. And thus, two weeks later we were on a plane to the Northeast! Sadly, Molly wasn’t able to join us because she was on a family trip to DC. So it was just myself, my supervisor, and the other co-op in our department.

This trip was mainly for us to be able to see our other sites. I help forecast material usage for the Carmel plant and the other co-op talks frequently with the R&D and PMs in Philly for pre-commercial launches. It was super cool to be able to meet the people we've conversed with throughout our three semesters and just take a 'field trip' as my supervisor put it, around the Northeast. We ended up traveling through Pennsylvania, New Jersey, Connecticut, and New York all in the span of three days!

Traveling for work isn't something I've ever done before and as a co-op it might be a little overwhelming. I've compiled five tips for any of you that might get the opportunity to go on a work trip during your co-op or during your first few years as a full-time employee.

1. Make sure you pack accordingly.

Our dress code is business casual so I made sure to wear a nice top but stay comfy in black jeans, a denim jacket, and Vans. If you need tips on business casual attire, click the pic to read the first installment to the Corporate America series!

This one seems like a no-brainer, right? But just make sure that you are aware of your itinerary and dress codes at every event. Are you going to a fancy dinner and need dress clothes? Will you be taking a plant tour and need closed-toed shoes? Are you going straight from the airport to the office? These things are important to keep in mind as you plan and pack your wardrobe. And definitely don't forget to check the weather! It was looking like it would rain a little in Philadelphia when we got there so I packed a rain jacket and umbrella just in case. Another tip from my supervisor is to always bring a rechargable battery for your phone. The trip was a constant stream of doing things and traveling to different locations so a rechargable battery is a must in case you don't have time to charge it during the day. Also, if you don't have a professional-looking backpack or a different bag to cart around your work laptop, definitely get one.

2. Know how to shake a hand properly.

Downtown Philly on our way to dinner with a potential supplier!

I met a LOT of people during my little field trip. I’ve communicated with many of them through email throughout my rotations and am finally meeting them face-to-face. You’ll shake a lot of hands, so make sure you can properly execute a firm handshake. I rolled my eyes when the co-op office told us to do this, but it is actually useful to practice! This also includes being able to introduce yourself and make small talk with a variety of different people. They'll ask the usual questions - Where do you go to school? What's your major? Do you like working here? - and just be able to formulate a response. This might be obvious to some, but you'd be surprised at the number of people that can't do small talk. If you are good at small talk then your network of people you know will grow and we all know the job search is really just about who you know.

3. Personality is everything.

This is actually dinner from the next day. Although I'll do anything for a good foodie pic, I won't jeopardize a vendor dinner for it! If it was dinner with a client, that would be even more scary.

We had a very fancy dinner with a potential supplier and he gave us so much advice as we end our final co-op rotation. He says that personality is everything when it comes to the job hunt and I definitely have to agree. We all come out of college with the same piece of paper, so the most important thing to display during interviews is your personality. Potential employers want to hire people that they want to work with and be around everyday. Make sure you practice your soft skills before your interviews! This goes back to being able to hold a conversation and go through the routine of small talk. Being engaging and interesting - and asking engaging and interesting questions - is so important.

4. Enjoy yourself!

This gorgeous reservoir was right next to our hotel in Connecticut.

The trip might seem like a huge whirlwind to you at first, but make an effort to relax and enjoy yourself. Take in the sights and have fun with your co-workers. If you know you have downtime, research any nearby places or activities for you to do. We barely had downtime during this trip, but the last co-ops had time to go to the mall and shop! Bring your personal laptop or, if you don't want to carry another laptop, download a book or movie on your phone. Corporate America doesn't cheap out on its people, so enjoy that nice hotel room and grab a drink at the bar with your coworkers (only if it's appropriate and you are of legal age of course!)

5. Don’t forget you’re on the job.

Good ol' Lou

Enjoy yourself, but never forget you are on the job! It might be easy to think that you are on a mini-vacation, especially as a co-op taking a work trip. But don’t forget that you are on the clock with your supervisor(s). Don’t do or say anything that you wouldn’t in the office! The way you act during your trip reflects on you back at the office, and as a co-op they are constantly evaluating you and could be potentially sizing you up for a full-time job. But of course, you know your co-workers and bosses. Just use common sense to judge whether you should tell a specific story or not.

Hopefully these tips on how to navigate your first work trip are helpful! I learned a lot about corporate life and the trip was a lot of fun. What other tips would you give first time work travelers?

See y'all soon,

Gabriella