From Classroom to Career: The Transition from School to Work

School life and the work world share several similarities: deadlines, pressure and competition to get ahead. Despite these similarities, many students struggle to acclimate to the work world following graduation.

One reason for this tough transition is the lack of structure in the work world. While college students map their lives with credits and classes, the career world offers little internal structure, guidance counselors or clear benchmarks for success. Another reason for the tough transition is the lack of real-world career skills such as how to build a professional network or negotiate a salary that a college education provides.

To ease this transition, students can integrate the following tips and tricks into their career pursuits:

Study your career

The best way for students to succeed in the work world is to study extensively about their desired career, researching everything from starting salary to advancement opportunities. Students should treat this career study as they would a class, with set tasks and deadlines. Completing an internship or part-time work are also excellent ways to obtain a birds-eye view of the work world.

Master deadlines and multi-tasking

Students are pros at juggling multiple deadlines. Adapting these skills in the career world will help students excel at managing multiple tasks and deadlines.

Find a mentor

One way for students to ease the transition process is to partner with a professional who works in the student's career of choice. Ideally, this mentor could commit to regularly meet with the student during his/her last year of school.

Expand your social circle

From dorm parties to Facebook, students are experts at social networking. These skills will help students succeed in the work world as they attend business events and join professional networks such as LinkedIn.

Polish your communication skills

Just as the best paper or oral presentation gets an A, the best communicators tend to excel in the career world.

Balance competition and teamwork

To excel at school, students must learn how to get the best grades and also communicate effectively during group assignments. Learning how to get ahead while collaborating with others is also an important skill in the career world.

Take a break

Similar to spring break after a full quarter, it's vital to take a break after completing a tough work deadline.

The transition from school to work doesn’t have to be difficult. By applying the skills they learned in college to the work world, students will find the switch from school to work to be simple.