Being an assistant often involves jumping into the job before you really know what you’re doing and figuring things out the hard way. I’ve been there – so let me share with you some basic tips for surviving  (and maybe even thriving!) on your desk.

1. DO ask questions

Never assume or guess anything – it will always come back to bite you in the ass.

2. DO try to be resourceful and figure things out on your own

Most bosses would rather you consult with them before taking action – but sometimes they won’t be accessible, and you’ll have to prioritize what questions you ask. So, use every resource you have. Ask other assistants in your department about things like internal procedure. And similarly, don’t bother other assistants for answers to questions that are easily Google-able. People will be more willing to help you if they feel like you’ve exhausted your options and aren’t asking them to do your work for you.

3. DO take initiative and get the most out of your job

If you’re lucky you may find a mentor or someone to guide your career, but you have to be your own biggest advocate, and you have to be the one to take action to make sure you’re doing everything you can. Read scripts, and give your opinion when it’s appropriate. Find new projects or clients. Be knowledgeable. Show off what you know and how passionate you are.

4. DON’T forget that, after all, you’re just an assistant

Doing non-assistanty things like finding new projects will impress people and fulfill you, but you can only focus on those kinds of things after the basic administrative duties are taken care of.

5. DON’T gossip to all your friends about what you’ve heard on the phone or read in an agenda

Treat all information as 100% confidential until you get a sense of what is and is not okay to talk about. There is a lot of competition in Hollywood, and keeping information private is often a big part of execs’ strategy.

6. DO network as much as you can

Ask other assistants to drinks or coffee. With each person you connect with, you’re expanding your network to include all of their connections as well. These people are going to come in handy when you need information, or a script, or a favor, or a job. Plus they’re probably cool people you’ll have a lot of in common with.

7. DO read as much as you can

- the trades, scripts, books, articles, etc. Soaking up information is part of your job.

8. DO write everything down and keep track of everything you do in whatever systems work for you

There are going to be so many things going across your desk, even the best of memories won’t be able to handle it.

9. DON’T get caught up in assistant minutia.

A lot of people fall victim to this, but I think it can be really damaging for your sanity. Try to remember the bigger picture. Don’t beat yourself up when you make mistakes, and don’t let the menial tasks take on more meaning than they should. Remember that this is just something you’re doing to get somewhere else.

And finally -

10. DON’T let being an assistant become your whole life

Make a point to have some non-Hollywood friends and non-Hollywood hobbies. No matter how passionate you are about the industry, it should never become your whole life.