Transitioning from college to a career can be challenging and come with many changes, including to your schedule and social circle. It’s also a time for opportunity as you put your first foot onto a career path. You may have a whirlwind of emotions — excitement, worry, anticipation and elation.
It’s a big step to transition from college to a career. Everything you’ve learned from school and life will impact what happens next. Ease the shift and the changes ahead using these tips.
Why the Transition Is Hard
With all those emotions swirling around, making the transition will have ups and downs. Adjusting to these significant life changes takes time for many reasons:
- You may feel apprehensive about the future. Your college days had a structure and a goal: to get the degree. Now, you must face new uncertainty as you seek jobs and begin building a work life.
- Your social circle will look different. You’ll often go separate ways from your college peers and have less time to get together with friends.
- New financial stressors emerge. You may solely depend on your earnings to pay your bills. Being financially independent takes time.
- Your schedule in the working world is much different from college. Most likely, you’ll have a 9-to-5 work schedule, leaving you less downtime than you enjoyed in college.
- Success looks different in your career than in college. It was easier to gauge your performance in school by the letter grade you earned. In your career, success is measurable in many ways: your ability to do tasks quickly and with quality, acknowledgment from your boss, your salary increases, generating revenue for the company and much more. It’s an adjustment to how you define success.
With all these changes, you’ll appreciate these top tips to support you as you acclimate.
Top Tips for Transitioning From College to a Career
As you plan what’s next after school, these valuable tips will support you along the way.
Research and find the job you want with a new approach.
Your studies are driving you toward a degree, but that doesn’t mean that degree directly correlates with one kind of job. While in school, do the necessary research to find a career that matches your skills and passions. Looking at the career journey through this lens, you could discover jobs you didn’t even know existed. The best way to do this is with career-matching technology.
Skills-to-career matching is an innovative approach to job searches. You complete a talent profile — not a resume or application. Based on the information, artificial intelligence and machine learning connect you with job profiles. It’s much more accurate than the traditional job board route. Matching happens based on skills, attributes, abilities and goals.
Build a relationship with a career development coach.
If you’re undecided about your career, you can benefit from working with a career coach. They’ll help you uncover what you’re great at and what brings you fulfillment.
Gain skills to support any career.
Soft skill development will propel your success now and in the future. These skills will be useful throughout your career. Focus on in-demand soft skills such as communication, collaboration, initiative, adaptability and creativity. You work on these in many ways, including through internships, social activities, career coaching and specific classes. If you’re unsure where to start, technology such as pepelwerk’s knowledge matching will assist you.
Manage your time.
Up to now, you’ve had some control over your schedule. Working takes a big hunk of your week, but what’s left is yours. Spend it wisely, taking time to recharge, plan and do. A proactive approach to managing your calendar will help you feel less stressed.
Try out jobs.
Can you really try out jobs before you commit? Yes, it’s possible through the pepelwerk platform. You have access to virtual reality career exploration videos. With this experience, you make more informed decisions.
Set work-life goals.
The goals you set for your work life differ from educational ones. In work, you’ll attain goals and then make new ones. Monitor your progress in the pepelwerk hub and get feedback about jobs or companies that don’t fit your goals.
Take time to reflect.
Transitioning from college to a career is a monumental moment in your life. It will be bumpy sometimes, so you should take time to reflect and give yourself grace. Remember to practice self-care, which may help you express yourself creatively.
Transition With Support From pepelwerk
Be ready for the next phase of your life with the support of people-centered technology from pepelwerk. Create a talent profile, take assessments, get career advice and more. It’s one profile with endless opportunities.
