Follow these tips to go from student to professional:
- Leave classroom behavior at school. There will not be a syllabus to follow. You probably won’t be rewarded for arguing your point with your boss. Tardiness won’t be excused. Feedback may come less regularly.
- Demonstrate confidence in your potential, but humility about what you can do in the beginning. Learn how to be the new hire.
- Build effective relationships. Get to know who can help you get things done, and help you get noticed.
- Understand the organizational culture. Is it entrepreneurial, hierarchical, young, formal, etc.?
- Learn how to balance the professional and personal. What’s the policy about personal calls, using the computer and running errands?
- Manage your expectations. Understand that you may have a bad day once in a while.
- Wait until you know the established routine before suggesting changes. Don’t question every single thing your first week.
- Don’t get caught playing solitaire on your computer! Research the competition, practice work skills, or ask for another task.
- Build a good reputation. Become known as a smart, dependable team player. Ease into social and after work events.
- Take responsibility for yourself and your career. Good supervisors and organizations can help, but it’s up to you to control the transition
Source: www.monroecc.edu/go/careercenter