As
the immediate sense of relief at having finished your final exams begins
to fade, a graduate's next challenge is often managing the transition
between study and the workplace. Life as a student and life in the workplace
can certainly be very different to each other, and can take some getting
used to. However, The CV Centre has put together some tips to make the
transition that little bit smoother.
Where Next?
There
are many options open to the newly qualified graduate and it can be worth
considering whether you are ready to move into the workplace immediately,
or whether you would like to take some time out first. Independent travel
is of course an option, and the summer after graduation can be a good
opportunity to see more of the world before your quota of holiday time
becomes restricted by the demands of the workplace. There are also numerous
scholarships available for graduates, which involve research in universities
across the globe. The embassies of the countries you are interested in
should be able to provide details of grants and scholarships available
in their respective countries. Bear in mind that it is usually a good
idea to begin to plan what you would like to do after graduation well
in advance to make sure you do not miss application deadlines: for some
programs - for example research scholarships abroad - you may need to
apply over a year in advance. However, you may decide that the best option
for you is to strike whilst the iron is hot and secure yourself a job
to begin straight after graduation.
Taking the Workplace Plunge
Finding
the position which is right for you can be challenging in itself, and
you might find it useful to take a look at further information pages compiled
by The CV Centre, for example Temping
Tips for Graduates and The
Graduate Job-Seekers Guide. Once you have found employment it
is time to make sure you are equipped to make the most of your new position.
Relocation
You
may well be relocating in order to take on your new job and it can be
hard work finding a new place to live in a new location, particularly
if you have been used to the support of the university housing office!
It is worth considering whether you would prefer to live alone or to share
a house with others. Bed-sits or studio apartments can be an economical
way of living independently, but some graduates find that living in a
shared house with like-minded people can smooth the transition from studentdom,
by providing them with a new group of friends with which to share the
experience of moving in to the workplace. Letting agents are likely to
have rental accommodation to suit a range of budgets, whilst adverts in
local papers and magazines often list adverts for flat shares. It can
be a good idea to remain vigilant about your own safety when meeting potential
flatmates and to take a friend along with you, or to at least let someone
else know with whom you are meeting, when and where.
You
might also find you can make your new life easier if you can find somewhere
to live that doesn't involve a long commute to work. Commuting on packed
trains and buses can be a draining experience - in terms of both time
and money - and so living within walking distance of your workplace can
be a huge advantage. If it is not possible to live within walking distance
of your workplace, it is still worth considering walking part of the way
to work, try walking to the station rather than catching the bus for example.
This is usually not only a cheaper option but can make you feel better,
not only through providing regular exercise but also by giving you time
to clear your head on the way to work.
Managing Your Day
A
new job usually involves taking onboard lots of new information and can
be overwhelming. To combat this it can be a good idea to keep a notebook
with you, and take notes as you are shown new aspects of your job. This
should make sure you don't have to repeatedly ask the same questions to
your colleagues and help you to keep on top of things. It can also be
very useful to write a list at the beginning of each work-day to make
sure that you are clear in your own mind as to the tasks which need to
be achieved that day. In this way you should be able to prioritise your
workload and stay in control. It is also usually a good idea to take the
breaks to which you are entitled. Breaks can make you more productive
and can mean that you produce higher quality work than if you were to
work solidly for many hours. Drinking plenty of water throughout the day
is also often a good way to stay on the ball at work.
Work/Life Balance
After
the flexibility of student life it can be difficult to adjust to a nine
to five (or longer!) day and it can be tempting amongst recent graduates
to treat your new position as an extension of your social life at university
- especially if you have a position with lots of other recent graduates.
However, an employer is likely to be much less sympathetic if you stroll
in late to a meeting than a lecturer would be if you were late for a seminar ... so
it is probably wise to make sure you don't overdo your socialising too
much during the week. But it is also usually a good idea to make sure
that you do not get too swept up in a culture of overworking: try to find
a balance between work and leisure which ensures you can work productively
and yet allows you to continue leisure pursuits which interest you.
Enjoy The Challenge!
Your new career may well be slightly daunting at first, but it is also likely
to be very rewarding, with a host of new skills to learn and an abundance
of new people to work with - and socialise with - so take a deep breath
and enjoy the ride.
