Transition to Your First Job

Transitioning from college to career can sometimes be difficult.  The “real world” environment and expectations can be different from the college environment and your awareness and understanding of this will help you become acclimated. Most work environments have a set of policies and procedures for employees (some formal and some informal) that you’ll learn about once you begin your position.  Even the most confident and prepared new college grad may feel nervous about the thought of the first week on the job.  Just relax, listen, learn, and put your best foot forward!

The reason you were hired was because your employer saw your potential to be an effective and contributing member of the organization.  During the interview process, you demonstrated your communication skills and ability to learn.  Employers realize that recent graduates bring lots of new energy and enthusiasm to the organization and many expect that you will need some time for orientation and training.  The first few months are a time to listen, ask questions, and learn.  You’re not expected to know everything…

Here are some helpful tips for the transition to the work place: 

• If you don’t know, ASK!  Be willing to ask questions about work assignments, policies, etc.  Check in with your supervisor regarding timelines, projects and important procedures/policies.
• Show initiative!  If you finish an assigned project, find other projects to work on or ask for additional work.  Remember that not all parts of your work may be exciting and interesting all of the time – keep in mind what it takes to learn about the position, the department, and organization.  Display a willingness to learn and an enthusiasm for completing new tasks.
• Work time is work time!  Most companies/organizations have policies and procedures about using work time to complete personal projects.  Save the personal phone calls (turn your cell phone off!) and emails, surfing the Internet (unless it’s part of your job), or checking out what’s new with your friends on Facebook—for after work.
• Be friendly and enthusiastic!  It will take time to get to know your co-workers, but show that you’re interested and willing to get to know them too.
• Take a scan of the work environment!  All workplaces are not alike and you will need to determine what is comfortable for you.  You may find that many of your co-workers go out for lunch together each day.  Others may find that co-workers bring their lunch to work (to save money) or go and run errands during their time off.  Some may go out for “Happy Hour” every Friday afternoon after work.  What works best for you?
• The way that you receive feedback may be different than what you’re used to in college.  As college students, you received feedback from your professors through grades on tests, papers, presentations, etc.  Many graduates then assume that they will continue to receive the same kind of feedback in the work place. At work, your supervisor may give neither direct nor constant feedback.  You may need to figure out the standards that are necessary to do good--and exceptional--work.
• Be aware of your co-workers dress and communication styles.  Here again, most organizations will let you know if there is a certain dress code appropriate for your position.  Also take note of how co-workers share information at staff meetings and with each other.  Learn how new ideas are presented and perceived by the management staff.
• Set new goals for yourself! You received your college degree.  Now what do you want to achieve?  What skills do you want to develop? What goals does your supervisor want you to achieve? These are topics that are helpful to discuss with your supervisor since they often are aspects of your performance evaluations.
• Ethics and integrity are important. Your reputation and job rely on you demonstrating ethical behavior and integrity.  You will most likely face many ethical challenges in your work; what choices do you make?  Whether it’s making personal copies on the office copier, “expanding” your expense account, or being a whistleblower to stop production of a product that has serious flaws, use ethical principles to guide you.
• Find a mentor.  At some point, you will find it helpful to have a mentor – someone with whom you can meet to discuss important career issues. Some organizations have established mentor programs to aid new professionals in their career growth. Demonstrate your willingness to learn about the organization and contribute to achieving organizational goals.

The first few months should be viewed as a time to acquire the knowledge, skills, and abilities necessary to succeed in the workplace.  Having a positive attitude, creating effective relationships and learning as much as you are able to about your new role will help you make the transition to the workplace a successful one.

For additional information on the transition from college to career, try:

Reality 101, Fran Katzanek
Ready for the Real World, Hartel, Schwartz, Blume & Gardner
JobSmarts for Twentysomethings, Bradley G. Richardson