A new challenge at Mail&Guardian

Today is my last day working at Financial Mail and I can now announce that I am starting a new job at M&G Online on the 19th of May.My official job title is business manager: mobile and recruitment. But I am sure that more regarding my actual day to day activities will come out as soon as I move in and get involved in the team.Working with Matt and Vince is definitely going to be one of the great things about my new position. The job is innovative and in a market that is about to burst and is still fairly unconquered in the media sphere.Obviously moving in to a new market and media house is a big leap for me and one that I am cautiously approaching (with some level of excitement). There are some nerves which should be expected but overall I can't wait to sink my teeth in to the challenge.Financial Mail was a phenomenal place to work and to gain some extremely valuable knowledge and experience. The people were sterling and I learned more than I thought I could in a year. But for my career, my brand and the moves I'm trying to make in the industry this is definitely the right move for me at the perfect time.Things are hotting up in SA, the market is about to explode and I am itching to bury myself in it.

5 tips for making it in a corporate environment

I have worked in a big company for about a few months now. Things have gone well. I haven't "made" it yet but I am trying my hardest.Here are 5 things that I've learned that have helped me stake my claim and not become another number.1. Be outspoken - not loudThis is extremely important when you are trying to make a name for yourself. If you are subordinate at every turn you become a lacky, a number, a worker. Workers work hard, leaders work smart. Leaders also get ahead.2. Dress like you - for successDress code is something that I have struggled with immensely at my "corporate" job. I like to be individual, I like to stand out. Heck, I studies at Rhodes University where everyone is unique, just like everyone else. Doing this in a corporate environment takes effort. Don't think that its irrelevant because it isn't.I shaved my head today and have already received 10 comments from people telling me how neat I look. I got contact lenses and a fair number of people commented. That means they notice me. That's a good thing.3. Do what you doMany people have succeeded in a corporate environment by doing anything and everything. I personally think this works for a small niche of people. For most of us I think it is important to get in to a space where you are able to do what you are great at. Being good at something is wonderful but it wont set you apart. You need to be great and be noticed.4. Challenge the old way of thinkingMake sure that you know what you are doing because this one could get you fired. Challenging your seniors is generally not a great idea, unless you can certifiably guarantee that what you suggest will work. If it works you look like a gunner but if it doesn't you're going down because you pissed off your boss and failed.5. Play the man, not the ballThis one is particularly interesting and certainly the most challenging of all. Make friends, make alliances and make adversaries. They are all necessary in the bureaucratic world of business. Whether you are a tea lady or a journalist or a stock broker, you need people to back you up.Pick someone close to your age (give or take 10 years) who is fairly weighty in the company and make sure that they like you, they buy in to your ideas and they give you credit for those ideas.A friend in a corporate environment is an imperative career booster. Pick wisely and play the game carefully. Not everyone can be used as a bargaining tool, some friends are just friends and they are even more important.image: varshesh