Playing games won't make you successful in business any more than pickup lines will make you more of a "Don Juan." All companies are a bit different with regard to advancement and compensation. It's important to find a company where you will be more likely to be happy and reach your own definition of success.
If you are just starting out, it almost doesn't matter where you go, since you will still be figuring out your own strengths and interests. You'll get a better idea of where you'd be happy after you've worked in a few different companies.
Don't dismiss options outside of corporate America, either. Many millionaires got to where they are by starting businesses that seem mundane, like laundromat chains and mail order gardening tools. You won't find many B-school graduates competing in these areas.
D'Anconia was absolutely correct when he raised the issue of spelling and grammar. Communication is the
fundamental skill in any business, whether you're self-employed or climbing "the corporate latter [sic]." Others' perception of your competence will be heavily influenced by your ability to write and speak clearly. If you were the boss, would you entrust a critical job position to someone who wasn't detailed enough to know the differences between "their", "they're", and "there"?
Since so much corporate communication happens through e-mail nowadays, I recommend keeping a bookmark to dictionary.com and looking up
every word that you are about to use but aren't 100% sure of its correct spelling or meaning. Also, get a copy of
The Scott, Foresman Handbook for Writers or a similar book and apply the same mindset with regard to grammar.
Here's my short list of recommended business books
Getting Things Done, by David Allen
A great system for becoming more productive. This has helped me immensely.
Growing a Business, by Paul Hawken
Written for people looking to start a business from scratch, but contains insight for anyone in a management position.
The Elements of Style, by Strunk and White
The bible for writing succinctly. Also available on-line.
Some very good articles from a Bay Area career coach:
http://www.martynemko.com/articles.shtm
Victory
_______________
He's got to make his own mistakes
And learn to mend the mess he makes
He's old enough to know what's right
But young enough not to choose it
He's noble enough to win the world
But weak enough to lose it
-- Rush,
New World Man