As a camp counselor two summers ago, I made it a habit to sit with my campers during evening… As a camp counselor two summers ago, I made it a habit to sit with my campers during evening programs. I always ran alongside them during soccer games and capture the flag. I asked them about their favorite activities over breakfast. Nobody would have scolded me for socializing with fellow staff members while they bumbled along and had their fun. My job description was essentially limited to ensuring the campers’ safety, security and happiness. But I never chose to sit on the sidelines, and because of that, I can proudly boast that I was 2005’s Best Counselor for my age group. (I even got a plaque.)

True, most college students are already familiar with the concept of venturing “above and beyond the call of duty,” but the challenge comes in following through. It’s the secret to success in the workplace, or the classroom, so it’s surprising that anyone would pull out Spanish homework on the job when he could be wiping down counters, or text a friend between customers instead of straightening shelves.

To get that promotion or glowing reference, you have to be the best. This requires excelling at what you’re supposed to do — change receipt tape, correct kids’ math homework and so on and so forth. But it also entails doing things you probably don’t even have to do — on your own accord.

It’s wearing khakis even though you could wear jeans. It’s showing up at 9:45 even though you don’t open until 10:00. It’s answering the customer who asks, “By no credit cards, do you mean no Visa?” with a patient smile even though no one is standing close enough to hear if you snap at her.

This logic can be applied outside the workplace. The classroom offers numerous benefits to those who try harder than they have to. Don’t write five pages when the professor asks for four — that’s a matter of not following directions — but type the essay, even if it can be handwritten. Check your work, even if the professor will never walk around and note your self-corrections. Volunteer to answer questions daily, even if you’ll get full credit for volunteering once a week.

Or maybe you don’t need a recommendation or a promotion or a job at all. Maybe you’re lucky enough to live a lifestyle that doesn’t rely, in some shape or form, on the approval of superiors; or you’re content with your current position. You can still utilize this philosophy.

Surpassing minimum standards can even simply project you to the top of your current level. That comes with certain advantages of its own. Even if you’re not looking to advance any further in your current field, putting yourself on your boss’s or professor’s good side does no harm. You never know — you might be the first person allowed to leave early on a slow day, if you’re usually also the first to offer to stay. You might actually score that extension on your next paper if you’ve always turned work in on time (and neatly stapled).

Rest assured, however, that adapting to this way of life doesn’t necessarily mean you can’t loosen up every once in a while. Take breaks when you need them. Doing more than is expected, or planned for you, should and will be both emotionally and physically demanding. You will not fail simply because you spend your shift studying one day. The trick is to strive above and beyond more often than not. But it’s easy to wipe out, so remember that working hard, even the hardest of all, definitely does not equal overworking yourself.

The bottom line is that whether looking to move up professionally, or even simply crafting a tri-fold presentation for biology class, trying harder than most deem necessary has its pros. Are you going to be a suck-up? Sure, a little bit. But are you going to be the first person in your boss’s head when a higher position becomes available, and she stops to wonder, “Who wants it the most?” Definitely.

Dress for the job you want, not for the job you have — literally and figuratively. And when your boss offers you that raise? I accept thank-you notes.

Carolyn also likes flowers. Send her an e-mail at [email protected].