Transitioning From A Student To A Professional What’s In Your Future?
Where Life Meets Work
How does the student lifestyle differ from the professional style?
Not as much disposable time or income to decide how you are going to do things Schedules are dictated for you No more running errands between classes, sending email or grabbing lunch on your free time
Not as much Freedom
Getting Ready to Graduate?
Market yourself
Establish goals and have the ambition to connect yourself Let people know what your goals and ambitions are Have hobbies established and keep learning for self-improvement
Make the Transition Bearable
Take time before starting work to travel and explore all of your options
Set aside time for reflection on what your ideal work environment would be
Once you start work, you may not have the time
Envision how you would like to dress What exactly would you like to be doing?
Maintain contact with friends from college
You never know what opportunities will come
Set SMART Goals
Specific Measurable Attainable Results-oriented Time-bound
Prepare A Plan
Begin a rough draft of what you want to be doing in the next 5-10 years Consider the following questions:
What What What What
would I like to do? skills do I have? skills do I need? type of work do I like?
Research, academia, teaching, product design, etc…
Adjust Your Focus
Learn how to take on and manage responsibility Think like an employer
How can you contribute to the organization’s needs
Job shadow working staff members
Develops organizational skills Staff see you as potential employee
Develop People Skills
Learn to control tempers Adjust yourself to the personalities of others and be accepting of different cultures and backgrounds
“Drama” reflects poorly in the work place no matter who is right or wrong
Search websites on ways to improve people skills
A person who is pleasant to work with can be more valuable than a more skilled individual
Develop Professionalism
Practice being punctual and being ready for work Develop a working dress code that will be suitable for your desired work environment
“Dress for where you want to go, not where you are now!”
Find a mentor to enhance your transcending into the workforce
These are usually trustworthy people who have behaviors, reasoning skills, and values you would like to emulate Consider former teachers, current teachers, or fellow members of a professional committee or society
Women’s Business Attire
A Fashionable Two-Piece Suit or Dress Ensemble
Limited, Tasteful Jewelry
Nothing high and lifted up
The secret to having the look of authority
This creates a favorable impression and a readiness to work
Simple Hair Accessories
The goal is to avoid dazzle
Sensible Shoes
This is professional yet stylish, suggests preparedness for work
Wear a blazer or finishing jacket Wear tasteful make-up, understated is best Simple accessories
Avoid Provocative Attire
Avoid showing the midriff No see-thru blouses Be mindful of skirt lengths Avoid showing cleavage in the workplace
Men’s Business Attire
Formal:
A conservative black, dark navy or gray two-piece business suit White long-sleeved button-down dress shirt Conservative tie to match colors in suit Nicely polished dress shoes
Informal:
A conservative sports jacket Nicely pressed dress slacks or khakis Button-down shirt Conservative tie (optional) Nice shoes
Identify Your Ideal State
Be the author of your own identity
Take a strategic, proactive approach to managing you image
Are you capable of changing your image? What are the character traits you want people to associate with you? Which social identity do you want to incorporate into your workplace interactions?
Which would you like to minimize?
Professionalism in Action
I do the job to my best ability. I take pride in the job I do. People are better off because of the way I do my job; I make a difference. I start my workday neat and clean. I report for work on time and stay for my entire shift or workday. I honestly earn my pay. I treat my customers, clients and coworkers with respect and dignity. I employ good manners in my interactions with others. I keep my mind on the job at hand. I respect my work and myself. I take care of my tools and supplies, whatever their cost.
Assess Your Audience
What are the expectations for professionalism? How do others currently perceive you?
Use strategic self-presentation to manage impressions and change your image Build credibility while maintaining authenticity
Make Connections
Network, Network, Network
This will help at every step of your career by establishing relationships that will help you reach your future goals
Use the resources at your disposal to make contacts
School Career Center Conferences Professional Affiliations/Clubs Volunteering Internships Family/Friends
Resume Information Keep track of all jobs to use as resume
information and for future references Keep track of all relevant learning experiences to help keep resume up to date Have your resume looked at by your Career Center or another professional to ensure it is presentable in your job search
This keeps you prepared for opportunities that may come along at any time
Job Searching
Begin by scanning job listings for necessary skills and job areas Look at individual company websites to get a feel for the company’s make-up Learn transferrable skills while looking for that perfect job to show experience Make sure to choose a field in which you are interested in working
Interviews
Prepare for the interview whether face-toface or over the phone Practice giving responses to interview questions that may be asked
A mock-interview with the Career Center can help you prepare with feedback on how to improve
Ask Questions: Helps to make a connection with the interviewer
What do you like about your job? What challenges do you face?
Watch and Learn
Make each job a learning experience Observe and Learn, from the more experienced workers, the necessary skills for the job
Learn to navigate the workplace and the office politics
Take full advantage of any orientation period to learn more about the position and who to trust in the workplace Offers work with supervision to ensure your smooth transition into the business Learn how to “fit” and set yourself up for success
Respect the work hours and the dress code to show you are serious about your work
Keys To Success
Good communication skills The ability to learn, apply and obtain new skills quickly Problem solving skills
Technology savvy Good Preparation Teamwork Time management skills