Previously, we sat down with Aaron Ozier to discuss his path to success from SPC Student to Restaurant Manager with a bright future in a large corporation, Wendy’s. Aaron also shared his top 13 tips to help you be successful in your future career.

Attendance is important. Yes, it seems obvious, but one of the major factors affecting students who do not do well is that they do not attend enough classes. Although many college faculty members may not actually take attendance, being in class is important. Students need to remember that they will be expected to show up for work each day if they expect to get a paycheck. Showing up for class is important if they expect a good grade.

Deadlines matter. Students need to remember that they may not be able to approach an employer and ask for an extra day or week on a project. Getting papers and projects in on time in college matters, too.

Being on time matters. Most of us try to get to work on time, even if we don’t punch a clock. Students need to get to class on time.

Get to know your professors. Most of us make an attempt to get to know our boss or supervisor. Whether or not we like him, the more we know about his personality, the better we will be able to work with him. We will know what is important to them. We certainly know their name. Students might think of their professor as their supervisor or manager. Getting to know them will help.

We should expect to be evaluated on results. In most work places the results are what count. Although employers often appreciate the effort that an employee puts into their work, it is the results that matter. Students need to be careful that they don’t expect a good grade just because they worked hard on something or studied hard for a test. Results are what count.

Work places often use committee work to accomplish tasks. Many students dislike group work in class. It is often difficult to get a group together outside of class time. Group dynamics may be troublesome. Students look forward to the day when they graduate and will no longer have to do group work. However, class group work becomes workplace committee work. Students who learn how to work well with a group will be at an advantage when they are placed on a committee.

Good communication matters. In many workplaces e-mails and memos constitute a large part of the communication between employees. It is important that these forms of communication be professional. Students who are careful with e-mails sent to professors, using appropriate language and grammar, running spell check and avoiding text-speak abbreviations, will be practicing an important business skill – as well as affecting the professor’s opinion of them. Students who know how to listen well and express themselves clearly and carefully will have an advantage.

Employees often receive feedback and periodic reviews. Students who learn to appreciate and accept feedback and comments from professors will not only improve in class, but will learn how to use feedback gracefully in the workplace. Listening carefully to what needs to be changed, and making those changes, is important.

Employers expect employees to take care and pride in their work. Whatever the work product may be, employees who do a fine job are appreciated. Students need to practice taking pride in their work. Whether a test, a paper, a project or a presentation, doing anything less than your best work will not be well received by any professor. Setting high standards for yourself as a student will help you set high standards for yourself as an employee.

Employees often do not have second chances. Asking an employer for a chance to rewrite a memo or try again on a project, have an extension or do an “extra credit” project rarely works. Students need to do their best work the first time, on time. Of course, some of us may run a draft of something by our employer and ask for feedback. Students might do the same thing – but it should happen prior to the deadline.

Employees are expected to be accountable for themselves and their work. Employees who place blame on others or on circumstances, who do not accept responsibility for themselves and their actions, will not get far. Students who accept responsibility and who hold themselves accountable will be appreciated.

Employers appreciate employees who take initiative and exhibit leadership. Are you taking advantage of every opportunity to do a bit extra, volunteer for a leadership opportunity, or suggest a new idea?

Attitude matters. Perhaps the cumulative effect of many of the above factors is a student, or employee, that has a great, positive attitude that says, “I take this seriously and care about it.” Employers, and professors, appreciate workers with a positive attitude.

What do you think of Aaron’s list? Anything you would add?