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You are black professional. You are a young black professional. Chances are even if you’ve scored a great paying job in a lucrative field and you’re involved in upliftment of your community, there are still some things that you don’t know. Here are the few things that every YBP should know (in no particular order):

1. How to exit a job interview graciously-Even if you think you bombed the interview (and we know you didn’t!), give your interviewer a firm handshake and thank him/her verbally. Don’t forget to make strong eye contact. Follow-up with a handwritten thank you card. Handwritten cards add more of a personal touch than an email or phone call. Make sure your handwriting is legible.

2. When to send out wedding/party invitations-This is more for the ladies. Nothing is worse than receiving an invitation to a wedding that you’d really like to attend a week before. Save the date cards should be sent out atleast 2-3 months before the wedding to give your family and friends enough time to secure days off of work and book travel/lodging. Invitations should be sent six to eight weeks in advance.

3. How to RSVP for an event-RSVP is French for “please respond”, so please follow directions. RSVP cards/requests are sent out to guests to estimate how many people to accomodate for seating and food. It is inconsiderate to fail to respond and still attend. Send your cards in or call the host by the indicated date. Be sure to include your full name and note whether or not you will bring a guest.

4. How to obtain a passport-Every YBP should want to broaden their horizons in travel. If you and your crew are planning a vacation outside of the country, don’t think about boarding that plane without a passport. They usually cost up to $97 and an application process is required. If you’ve never had a passport, apply in person at your local U.S. Postal Office. Bring a certified birth certificate and a form of identification. For more information, look online here.

5. How to use the company credit card- Even though the Human Resources manager reviewed the use of the company credit card with you, I’m reinforcing the rule. Do NOT use the company credit card for personal purchases/matters. So what if your name enscripted across the card? Using the card to get into a club or concert while out of town on business is a no-no. Use the card for booking travel and food costs only. Those pumps or dress slacks you saw at the Galleria are off limits! Remember, the bill goes to the company, not you.

6. How to take care of your body-How can you work at your job and in your community if you are unhealthy? Women should have check-ups yearly–sometimes every six months. Men under age 40 usually don’t have checkups regularly, but it is recommended atleast every other year. Of course, both sexes should practice safe sex and use effective contraceptives every time to avoid sexually trasmitted diseases and unwanted pregnancies. Check out Web MD for information on health.

7. How to accept other cultures and ways of life-Newsflash: Everyone is not like you and that’s not always a bad thing. A well-rounded individual surrounds him/herself with an array of people to learn from them, as well as teach them about themselves. You’ll probably come in contact with different people in your office, when you’re volunteering or working on different social committees. Before you shun them because they’re not like you, be open and give them a chance. You never know what’s hidden beneath the surface or behind the eyes.