Job: Cable Television Installer (United States)

The best pieces of advice I can give if you are working in a cable installing field is the following. Be honest with your boss because almost every boss I have had in this field worked their way up from where you are now. I know for a fact that some big companies only promote from within. So he/she knows how the game is played and will know if you are trying to slip one past them. Stuff happens and as long as you give it to them straight then they will respect you a whole lot more.

Know your field and then some. I am called all the time by fellow techs because I make it my business to learn all I can. You don't have to be a expert in all things tech, but knowing generally about all the different things you may run into will make you look a thousand times better then standing there with a blank face. One of the greatest things you can do when something unexpected does come up is to once again be honest and say, “Sir I am not sure about that, but I can call and find out for you.” Customers are human and know that there is a lot of new stuff out there, no expect you to know it all.

And finally, help out you fellow techs and make friends. There have been countless times where I was facing a all day job only to have it knock out in 2-3 hours because a buddy helped me out. Be it helping run a new line, repairing old ones, or simply dealing with a customer nothing beats having backup. But make sure to be there is the tables are turned. Everyone wants to get off on time, not just you so make sure to help out your buddy if you want to keep him as a extra hand.