Transitioning from college into a career can be daunting. You just spent four years studying to get a degree, but who knows if any of that will be useful? As a recent graduate from Truman State University, here are five tips for you or one of your employees who has recently transitioned from college to a career.
Create a routine
During college, classes are scattered throughout the week. There might even be some days when you do not have class. Most jobs are structured in a way where you work from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Creating a routine for myself has made this transition into a 40-hour work week a lot smoother.
Not every task or project at work will be the same every day but creating a routine for before and after working hours made this transition much easier.
Personally, designating time to eat breakfast, lunch and dinner, time to move my body and time to rest is extremely beneficial. I also schedule a 15-minute break every afternoon. This break allows me to recharge for the last two hours of the workday.
Be coachable
Even though you just spent four years attending college and getting a degree, that does not mean you know it all. Be willing to ask your supervisor questions that will allow you to level up in your new position.
Intentionally listen to your coworkers and leaders in your company, and be willing to step outside of your comfort zone. A career is a big change and is something new. You are going to have a lot to learn. By asking and listening to feedback from coworkers and your supervisor, you will be able to learn and adjust to this transition more swiftly.
Invest in Yourself
There is always more to learn, whether you are in a career or going to school. When getting to know others in your company, ask them if they recommend any books, podcasts, articles, or videos for you to learn from.
Be willing to take the extra 15 minutes to an hour each day to learn something new. This could be something that will help you in your role, but it doesn't necessarily have to be. There is always room to discover who you are and how to become the best version of yourself.
Invest in Relationships
Creating strong relationships with other people in your company allows you to integrate with the team faster. You will not only learn about the culture within your company, but you will be able to learn how you can become better at your role.
Investing in relationships outside of your job description is also essential. Whether these are individuals in your company or your personal life, you need to create a support system that will help you improve in all aspects of your life.
Challenge Yourself
It is easy to learn a new part of your role and focus on mastering one specific task or project, but this isn’t always the best way to advance in your position.
Instead, be willing to take on a challenging task, project, phone call, etc. Know that there will be times when you make mistakes, but these mistakes will shape you into a better employee and allow you to level up. If you’ve invested in relationships, there will always be people to support you when you make mistakes.
Do you want to turn your firm’s new partners and managers into confident and capable leaders?
The Boomer Leadership Academy is a leadership development program designed specifically for new partners, managers, C-Suite professionals and administrators at CPA firms. Register now so the emerging leaders in your firm can begin performing at a higher level.
Parker Bohon, Solutions Advisor at Boomer Consulting, Inc., is excited to work closely with our members. Her primary focus is on our communities, including the Boomer Technology Circles, CIO Circle, Business Transformation Circle, Managing Partner Circle, and Marketing and Business Development Circle.
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