Jalen
Transitioning from school to work
How should students handle the transition from school to the real world? Do you have any tips or tricks for me? #tips #work #school #realworld
3 answers
Andrew Stutz
Andrew’s Answer
Also ask your manager if it is desired to share rough / unfinished work sooner rather than later for feedback vs. trying to get all of the "right answers" on your own and then sharing your work. I often find the first works better, but school trains you to operate for the second...
Tugce Erten
Tugce’s Answer
1. Always have your note pad and take notes of the decisions / discussion / action items.
2. When you find a problem, also think about a path forward. When you are raising the problem, also provide the solution. That way people will look at you / perceive you as the problem solver.
3. Always arrive on time for your meetings.
4. Check your schedule and mail frequently. That's how you are going to get work done.
Kristin Kastner
Kristin’s Answer
Hi Jalen,
Lean on your parents or someone who's been in the work world a lot!! My parents were a great resource to me, as they helped me craft cover letters, and helped me tweak my resume. My dad even did mock interviews with me, which helped me prep for interviews IMMENSELY!
Take a deep breath too -- it's not as scary as it may seem. I had a part time retail job that I had during my college years and I kept it as I was looking for full time work, just to keep myself busy (I mean, seriously, there's only so long you can spend job hunting before you're eyes are like "give me a break from that computer screen!"). It will also look good to prospective employers that you're keeping busy. Volunteer work wouldn't be a bad break from the job hunt either.
As much as you want to make friends where you work, get used to the atmosphere first, and then focus on developing stronger relationships with your colleagues. Being fresh out of school, you want to take it all in, because the atmosphere is going to be different in terms of pace, and the way people act. Depending on what you worked with in college, the level of professionalism can vary. I know for me that was a change for me. Also, people may look at you like "oh there's the younging..." don't get offended by it. I'm in my 30s and people still refer to me as the kid of the group. Additionally, don't let it get you down. Use it to show what you can bring to the team, and how you have skills to help the team succeed and strive to reach its goals!
Kristin