By Lorie Logan-Bennett, Interim Associate Director, Career Development Center
As graduation nears, you're probably looking forward to many things. Of course, a paycheck probably tops the list! But while there's much to look forward to, there are a few things from the student lifestyle you may miss -- including unlimited late nights, rolling out of bed minutes before class starts, jeans and t-shirts, and long summer breaks. Since the work world is likely to be a very different place then the college campus you've called home for the past few years, here are a few tips to help you successfully navigate the transition from college student to career professional.
THESE TIMES, THEY ARE A CHANGING. Learn quickly the importance of time in the workplace. Key to this is learning to manage your time while in the office (tricky with multiple projects and strict deadlines), as well as learning to manage your now more limited "free" time. Showing up on time every day is crucial. Putting in the long hours often required while building your career, as well as adapting to a more limited vacation schedule, are new time issues you'll want to adjust your expectations around.
NOW YOU'RE THE PROFESSIONAL. No longer "just a student," you'll be expected to act professionally. This means being responsible, dependable, a self-starter, ethical, and a team player. Not doing your work well doesn't just mean a bad grade for you. The short and long-term stakes are now much higher, as poor performance affects co-workers, supervisors, the company's bottom line, and potentially your salary and job status. College rewards individual performance; employers reward team performance. Work hard to build your credibility and reputation by making good on your promises and realizing that integrity sold cannot be repurchased.
CLASSES ENDED BUT YOUR EDUCATION'S JUST BEGUN. While you undoubtedly received an excellent education at UMBC, college courses haven't taught you everything. You may have yet to develop a skill set to interact effectively with all types of people, manage conflict, understand a company's culture, handle personal finance issues, or work around office politics. Understand that learning is a life long process. Your degree is just one of many steps you'll take over the years to develop professionally. Also recognize that learning doesn't just happen in the classroom. Folks around you often have a lot to teach. Talk to recent grads about their biggest transition issues and gather advice on how to successfully tackle the changes. Watch and emulate those who are successful in your company to create "mentors from afar." Finally, accept and ask for constructive criticism to improve yourself and demonstrate your willingness to learn and grow.
IT'S WHO YOU KNOW. As you start a new job (and in every other professional situation), remember names. Because no job is ever 100 percent secure, it's in your best interest to develop and maintain an active professional network. Avoid the gossip mill.
GET REAL. Know that your degree does not entitle you to a job. It's your mission to convince employers you have something to contribute and then to make those contributions. Also know that your first job will probably be entry-level (with the lower pay and long hours that come with that). Finally, know that your first job will probably not be your last. Most people transition through many jobs, and in fact, many careers throughout their working lives. So if your first job is not your dream job, don't despair. Recognize that you'll have to pay your dues; but trust that through observation, patience, and hard work you'll get where you want to go!
For more great tips, contact the Career Development Center (Math/Psych 204, 410.455.2216, careers@umbc.edu and visit the following Web sites:
New Job Proverbs
Quintessential Careers
