There are literally hundreds of professions available to those who are entering the corporate world. From firemen to forensic anthropologists, from doctors to dieticians – and from bartenders to botanists – the world is certainly at the fingertips of all future generations. And while each of those professions differ in so many ways, they all have one thing in common – they all have hungry sharks anxiously awaiting the arrival of fresh meat to enter their corporate pond.

Sharks, as I call them, are people in the corporate world that will devour anyone they consider a threat to their professional future. Whether their future consists of becoming head of the company, getting a bigger cubicle – or simply getting rid of someone because they are afraid that one day that person will take their job – they are everywhere. If you are someone who has had a run-in with a shark in your corporate journey, than you know of what I speak. But if you have not had the pleasure as of yet – then heed my warning before it is too late.

No matter the level of a person’s individual success, there is always going to be someone who feels inferior because they have not risen to the level that someone else has. It is because of this envy and inferiority that these sharks will do whatever it takes to remove anyone who stands in their way of success. This feat can be accomplished by taking credit for the work of their “threat,” by pointing out to a supervisor each and every single one of their “threat’s” misgivings – or by either recommending the termination of or outright firing their “threat.” By doing this, they are able to rid themselves of the obstacle that stands before them – and advance where they otherwise could not.

I have had many experiences with sharks in my career dating back to 1996, but one particular experience stands out in my mind. This person, who was above me in rank, saw me as a threat to his position and did all he could to make me look incompetent in the eyes of the company’s owners. Eventually, he accomplished his goal and got rid of me by firing me for a reason that both I and everyone else I worked with knew to be false. But nonetheless, the fact remains that his goal of “removing the competition” was successful.

Truth be told, I saw this coming months before it happened – and even knew that my last day would be just that. I recall my colleagues thinking I was paranoid because I kept telling them that I would not last much longer at the company – when in fact – I was right all along. I even went so far as to say goodbye to my friends and colleagues that day hours before I was terminated – knowing full well that later that day – the shark I worked with was ready to bite long before he sunk his teeth in.

Due to my experiences with sharks, I can spot one a mile away. However, I find it a serious weakness on my part that while I know who the sharks are and can predict exactly what they will do to me – I do not know how to stop them. I am very good at what I do and can handle any task presented to me – but I do not possess the skills necessary to battle the sharks of the corporate world – something that always comes back to bite me – no pun intended. On the contrary, my friend Lisa is very well versed in dealing with sharks and constantly gave me tips and strategies on how to stop the aforementioned shark from accomplishing his goal – but alas – I did not follow her advice and wound up losing to his jealousy.

As everyone prepares for their journey in the corporate world, they train extensively for the field of their choice, prepare the appropriate wardrobe – and hone their professional skills. While all of that is important, many people – including myself – do not prepare themselves on dealing with the sharks the await us. Remember, no matter what you do for a living or choose to do for a living – you will inevitably encounter someone that will stop at nothing to knock you off the corporate ladder however they can. For your own sake, it is vital that you learn how to deal with these people – before they deal with you.