310 likes | 485 Views
Transition to the Workplace Making the Most of the Critical First Year on the Job. Lycoming College Career Services 570-321-4034 http://www.lycoming.edu/careerservices careerservices@lycoming.edu . The First Year. Your performance in the first year is critical to future career success
E N D
Transition to the WorkplaceMaking the Most of the Critical First Year on the Job Lycoming College Career Services 570-321-4034 http://www.lycoming.edu/careerservices careerservices@lycoming.edu
The First Year • Your performance in the first year is critical to future career success • The rules of the game are different • A great deal of personal change is occurring during this time • Change is difficult and causes stress
The Rules of the Game • Manage Your Expectations • Keep your expectations realistic • Realistic Expectations Reduce Frustrations • The Picture painted by recruiters in often not reality • The job is often not as glamorous as you expect
The Rules of the Game • Manage Your Expectations • The way things happen often defies logic • Due to politics, chain of command, organizational structure, personalities, etc • Team and people skills are more precious than what you know • Success paradigm changes from individualism to teamwork approach
The Rules of the Game • Manage Your Expectations • Demands on your time change • College 16 hours/week obligated, rest on own • Work 50 hours/week obligated, rest on own • Your social life will change • Less time for you more time to meet obligations • Work • Financial • Personal Maintenance, House Work, Shopping, Banking • Community Involvement • Personal/Social
The Rules of the Game • Proceed with Caution • You may want to make a big splash in the organization in the first year but you will often end up doing a Belly Smacker
The Rules of the Game • Proceed with Caution • Showing off what you know is not as good as demonstrating maturity • Demonstrating maturity means understanding there is more that you don’t know than you do know
The Rules of the Game • Proceed with Caution • Listen more than you speak • When you listen and look you learn; • “The Company Way” • How decisions are made • Who makes decisions • The rules of engagement
The Rules of the Game • Learn the Culture • The organizations culture dictates the “Unwritten Rules” that govern the company
The Rules of the Game • Learn the Culture • You must “fit” and embrace the culture of the organization • Learn the politics • Pay attention to the “Way Things are Done”
The Rules of the Game • Learn the Culture • You must “fit” and embrace the culture of the organization • Notice where colleagues spend time and energy • Project Development, Analysis, Reporting, Communications, Meetings, etc
The Rules of the Game • Manage Your Impressions • First Impressions Matter • Bosses, Colleagues, and Subordinates are all checking you out • Accessing your ability to succeed • Determining how much trust, responsibility, and cooperation to give you
The Rules of the Game • Manage Your Impressions • Everything you do is magnified • Building your track record is critical • You have no record of achievement to fall back on when mistakes are made
The Rules of the Game • Manage Your Impressions • Demonstrate your willingness to earn your spot on the team • Take the time to learn the organizational environment • Pay your dues
The Rules of the Game • Look and Act like a professional • Often the Rules for Professional Appearance are Unwritten but they are always accessed and enforced
The Rules of the Game • Look and Act like a professional • Exceed the expectations until you learn the rules of the profession • Mimic the Dress and Actions of the “Up and Coming” in your peer group
The Rules of the Game • Look and Act like a professional • Often the Rules for Professional Appearance are Unwritten but they are always accessed and enforced
The Rules of the Game • Look and Act like a professional • Dress in Clothes that say you mean business • Keep in step with Dress Code. • Don’t dress above or below your position
The Rules of the Game • Learn How to be In Transition • Transition phase is difficult • Expect things to go badly as you adapt • Work through your difficulties through communication • Realize that the transition takes time and experience, You can’t rush either
The Rules of the Game • Your boss is your key to success • Learn what boss expects of you, needs from you, and wants from you • Be a problem solver • Present boss with solutions not problems
The Rules of the Game • Your boss is your key to success • Never go around your boss • Keep your boss informed about all your work • Do not let your boss be surprised or caught off- guard • Make your boss look good
Transitions in Your Personal Life • Personal transitions are often more stressful than workforce transitions • Reducing the stress in your personal life will make the first critical years of work easier to adjust to
Transitions in Your Personal Life • Be in Control of Your Finances • Make a budget and stick with it • Begin retirement savings immediately! • Be careful of overspending and taking on credit Build your possessions slowly • Don’t work yourself into a financial hole • Be an informed consumer
Transitions in Your Personal Life • Reduce Workplace Transition Stress Through Familiarity • Find a roommate • Live near family and friends • Live with parents • Develop a routine for work and play
Transitions in Your Personal Life • Get Involved in Your Community • Join clubs or organizations that you enjoy • Volunteer your time to help others • Be an active member of a church family • Get involved in worthwhile causes
Transitions in Your Personal Life • Find Someone to Discuss Your Concerns • Loved Ones • Family • Mentor • Church Leader/Member • Support Group
Transitions in Your Personal Life • Do Not Jump into Personal Relationships • Relationships often get used as a crutch during periods of uncertainty • Must determine your direction before you can effectively commit to others
Transition to the Workplace The transition period takes time. See it through and make it a learning experience.