FEBRUARY TIP OF THE MONTH

How to Make a Smooth Transition from College Life to Work

COLLEGE & WORK ENVIRONMENTS ARE VERY DIFFERENT Recognize that

the first year on the job is a new and different stage in your life

It can be considered a “breaking-in stage”

COLLEGE & WORK ENVIRONMENTS ARE VERY DIFFERENT You are no

longer a student, but you are not really a professional yet, either

Responsibilities and privileges need to be earned in this stage

EARN YOUR SPOT ON THE TEAM

If you expect paid vacations and a company car your first year on the job, you will find yourself greatly disappointed

You need to show your hard work and dedication to the company before these types of privileges can be earned

TIPS TO HELP EARN RESPONSIBILITY THE FIRST YEAR ON THE JOB Always come to

work on time Never call out Accept the fact

that you may not know everything

Avoid gossip Do not criticize

others’ work

TIPS TO HELP EARN RESPONSIBILITY THE FIRST YEAR ON THE JOB

Build strong relationships with co-workers and your boss

Don’t be afraid to ask questions

Learn to follow rather than lead

ENTERING THE NEW WORK ENVIRONMENT

Starting a new job requires learning a new set of rules

Learning these rules will be crucial to your survival in your new career

Pay attention to and learn the way things are done in order to earn your respect

SUGGESTIONS TO HELP SMOOTH THE TRANSITION FROM COLLEGE LIFE TO YOUR FIRST YEAR AT WORK

NEVER UNDERESTIMATE THE POWER OF THE FIRST IMPRESSION “The first impression

you make is the last impression you make”

The smallest mistakes in your first year can hurt your future success with the company

So smile, be polite, show enthusiasm and a readiness to learn, and work hard to show you will earn your spot

LEARN THE CULTURE AND NORMS OF YOUR NEW JOB

Every company has a unique environment, or “culture,” with different rules and norms about appropriate behavior

WHAT DOES “CULTURE” REFER TO? Pay attention to

how co-workers interact on a daily basis

How do they speak to each other?

Do they call each other by first names or last names?

How do they dress for work?

EMBRACE THE NEW CULTURE Embracing the new

culture will increase your chances for success

Learn “the way things are done around here”

You want to “fit in” and avoid making any mistakes that might harm your future with the company

ACCEPT BEING THE “NEW KID ON THE BLOCK” Don’t try to be a

“know-it-all” Instead of trying

to show everyone how much you know, be willing to accept what you don’t know, and show a desire to learn

HAVE REALISTIC

EXPECTATIONS Be “level-headed” Keep your

expectations realistic and do not get frustrated when things do not go as you planned

The work world is much different from college

RESPECT YOUR NEW BOSS Your new boss is

the “head-honcho” Everything you do

reflects on your supervisor

Make sure all the work you complete supports your boss

Learn what your supervisor expects from you and deliver it

WORK ENVIRONMENT

VERSUS COLLEGE

In college, except for the occasional group project, you complete your work independently

You are the one who has to study, you complete the assignments, and you study for exams

WORK ENVIRONMENT

VERSUS COLLEGE On the job,

teamwork is essential

You are no longer working alone

It is much more of a team effort, and you will need to be able to rely on co-workers, who in turn will rely on you

WORK ENVIRONMENT

VERSUS COLLEGE

In college, if you miss a deadline, only you suffer the consequences

Missing a deadline at work can affect your colleagues and your supervisor

At work, you are required to meet deadlines and do exactly the work asked of you, with no exceptions

WORK ENVIRONMENT

VERSUS COLLEGE In college, average

work is acceptable You are allowed to

get “C’s” On the job, you can

only turn-in “A” level work, which has been completed according to the standards set by your boss NO EXCEPTIONS

SUCCESS IN THE FUTURE Following these tips will have you on your way to earning respect in your field!

SAY GOODBYE TO COLLEGE LIFE AND

HELLO TO THE REAL WORLD