This year more than ever, I grew up. I studied abroad, I interned in the real world, and one glorious night I had beers with the Winklevoss Twins. And most relevant to this time of year and this blogpost, two days ago I attended my first office holiday party.
It was at this holiday party when I had a realization... office social dynamics closely resemble the social dynamics in college. The loud HR woman wearing the obnoxious light-up Santa Hat? She's that loud girl from your pledge class that often passes out in extraordinary places. The tech guy who fixes your computer without saying a word, wearing the ironic Christmicka t-shirt? The same adorable hipster dude in your Spanish class. And the guy who shamelessly pigs out on the apple pie...he's been pigging out since freshman year, and is proud of it.
What I'm trying to say is, just like college, everyone in the office paints a picture for themselves. And in an office setting, your level of professionalism determines if you'll be labeled as a Michael Scott or a Jack Donaghy.
So what can you do to paint that pristine picture of yourself while attending the ultimate office social event? DON'T BE THAT GUY! (or gal). Office parties are not the naughty Santa parties you attended at Sig-Ep. You can't wear that flashy Victoria's Secret Santa bustier and pound shots of Popov like it's the end of the world. You are being watched just as much as when you are sitting in that cubicle. So put on that crisp Ralph Lauren shirt that flatters your figure, and speak up! It's a great time to network, and finally talk to the people that ignored you at the copy station, and maybe even mingle with the big boss. You have to remember that everyone is not working, thus in a great mood. It is possibly the one time you'll have to tell that corny joke and have your superiors laugh.
So remember to keep your eggnog intake to a minimum (unless you're still at the Frat House) and enjoy the merry office cheer you don't always see as the intern.
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