Change is something that is going to be a part of our lives no matter what. The change applies to each and every part of your life, whether it be friends, family, or education. We have all heard our mothers tell us how much of a fuss we made on our first day of school. Change no matter at which stage of life can be hard, shifting from university to a workplace environment can be the same way. However, this article will help you understand what to expect as you make the shift.
Generation Gap
While the university has its own issues and struggles, a university campus has people around you who are similar to you in age and thus you may find it a lot easier to find people who have similar interests as you on a university campus compared to a workplace environment. One thing to keep in mind is that you are going to meet people of all age groups in an office space.
People who just started at entry-level positions and even people who are twice your age and maybe working in highly experienced positions. Be respectful of your work environment and your colleagues’ boundaries, take your time to build professional and respectful relationships with the people you surround yourself at the workplace with.
Routine
Switching to a workplace environment also means your routines and schedules will undergo change too. This doesn’t necessarily mean you won’t have a personal life anymore, it just means that you have to consider your work schedule along with going out and other activities. Maintaining a work-life balance is key so make sure you set a certain time out of your week in which you can sort out deadlines and deal with any pending work that you need to complete.
Build a routine that suits your work schedule, set aside weekends to give yourself a break, and enjoy some leisure time.
Budgeting
The shift from university to the workplace means that you now have a lot more added responsibility. One of the most important is you finally earn for yourself and support yourself through your own source of earning now. Though this may be very exciting it is important that you learn to manage your money responsibly.
It’s true that you will have many wants and now you have the means to fulfill them but is going on an expensive trip really that important when rent is due? Create a budget plan for yourself and make sure you stick to it. Always save up so you have a small amount of money ready to back you up when you find yourself in stressful financial situations.
First Job
Since this will be your first job and your first shift from university into the workforce you may find yourself underwhelmed if your job is not all you expected it to be. However, if you find yourself in such a situation don’t fret. Your first job is not your last, which means you will have many opportunities in the future to learn.
Your first job is only a stepping stone to help you ease into the environment. If you find that the job suits you and you are perfectly happy with your first job then good for you! However, for people who are not in a similar situation and find themselves in a job that does not fill the criteria of their dream job, a job is just simply a learning experience and you will have similar learning experiences in the future.
Efficiency
A workforce environment is quite different from a university or school. Quite a change from what you might usually be used to. In university and school, you had professors and teachers to guide you when you made mistakes and were expected to take your time to learn. However, in a workplace, it is important that you catch on to things quickly and thus build a reputation as an efficient and hardworking employee.
Though your managers and bosses will be there to help you if any problems do arise, you cannot constantly be supervised and are expected to look out for yourself and be a responsible employee. Understand more about Career and Career Counselling with our Industry Sessions.
