Make a Smooth Shift From College to the Workplace

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If you were one of those college students who rolled out of bed at 8:55 a.m. to make it to your 9 a.m. class, took a nap from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., and studied until 3 a.m., the routine of your first job may come as quite a shock. After all, most offices frown on employees showing up late, unshowered, and wearing sweatpants. That mid-afternoon nap is also likely to be a no-no.

Your degree may say you're ready for the workforce, but how do you actually make the transition from dorm life to office life?

You're not in Kansas… er ... college anymore

The transition from college to work is a significant change. Here are a few of the key points that catch many college graduates by surprise:

• Long vacations are history. Remember counting down the days to that three-week vacation during the holidays? Or better yet, that long summer break? In the working world, your vacation days are rationed out, and long breaks become a distant memory.
• The hours are set--and long. One of the best parts of college is the flexible schedule. You choose when you study, even if that means studying at midnight. Your workplace will probably have set hours, and those hours can seem very long when you are accustomed to setting your own schedule.
• The job is entry-level. Many students graduate with high hopes of making big paychecks in their profession. The entry-level jobs--and the lower salary--are often a harsh dose of reality.
• Failure is even scarier. In college, failing a course meant that you had to take it again. In the workplace, failure might mean being put on probation, missing out on a promotion, or even losing your job.
• The social atmosphere is new. College offered the comforts of friends and social routines. Your new job means a whole new set of colleagues and a different social rhythm. Getting into the dance can take some time.
• Help is not automatic. When you had a question or needed guidance, there were professors everywhere, ready to help you. In the workplace, once you get through the training period, help is not as readily available as it used to be in college.

5 tips to make the most of your new job

Okay, so you get the point: work is definitely not school. Your employment in an office is not going to be anything like college was. But it can be a wonderful experience if you are prepared to handle the change. Here's where to start.

1. Stay realistic. Sure, your job duties may not involve making big decisions or managing projects--yet. But your entry-level job is a chance to impress your boss with your dedication, initiative and professionalism. Embrace your new role and recognize that everyone has to start somewhere.
2. Make new friends. When social events happen at work, whether it is the company-sponsored Christmas party or happy hour at the neighborhood pub, make a point of being there. The more outgoing you are, the more you will get to know your colleagues.
3. Know what you don't know. You may know all the computer programs in your field or have the latest marketing principles down cold, but you probably have a lot to learn about being a good colleague. Watch your more experienced coworkers closely to learn crucial--but often unspoken--rules about email etiquette, being a team player and being a good officemate.
4. Choose a mentor. No matter how good you are at your job, there will be times when you need advice. A mentor might be your boss, a colleague or someone who works in another part of the company. You can often connect with a good mentor during the hiring process.
5. Make the most of downtime. You will be working hard, so make a point of playing hard. Focus on work while you are in the office, but when that open weekend comes up, make the most of it. Recharging your batteries is an essential element of your working life.

The transition from college to the workplace might seem tough to handle, but all those years of college were meant to prepare you to adapt to new environments. Now is the time to put everything you learned into action.