HBR IdeaCast

The Career Rules You Didn’t Learn at School

5 snips
Apr 13, 2021
Gorick Ng, a Harvard career advisor and author of "The Unspoken Rules," shares his journey navigating workplace norms as a first-generation college graduate. He discusses the critical role of mentorship and networking for underrepresented individuals. Ng reveals the 'three C's'—competence, commitment, and compatibility—as key to career success. He highlights the challenges of remote work and the importance of empathy and technology in adapting to new dynamics. Most importantly, he offers invaluable career advice that many learners miss in school.
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ANECDOTE

Early Career Experiences

  • Gorick Ng's early life, marked by his mother's job loss, shaped his understanding of career challenges.
  • Helping his mother with job applications exposed him to the unspoken rules of the workplace.
INSIGHT

Insider vs. Outsider

  • Insiders with privileged knowledge of unspoken workplace rules gain an advantage.
  • They are often referred, understand company priorities, and network effectively from day one.
ADVICE

The Three C's

  • Focus on competence, commitment, and compatibility (the three C's).
  • Demonstrate your ability, enthusiasm, and interpersonal skills to succeed in the workplace.
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