For the majority of college graduates, the next step after marching across the stage is entering Corporate America. During college, we develop an idea of what we think the workforce will be like. During finals week, we dream about what it must be like to not have exams, homework, and research papers to complete. And, as we check our bank accounts, we no doubt wonder what it will be like to have a consistent paycheck coming in.
Life will indeed change in a big way once a graduate makes the transition from classroom to cubicle. But often, new graduates have misconceptions about exactly how things will change for them. Below, I share 5 of the most common workplace misconceptions new grads tend to have. Which of these applies to you?
1. I have a great GPA, so finding a job will be no problem.
Your GPA is only one factor employers will be looking for when considering you for a position. With so many experienced professionals looking for the same jobs new grads are applying for, it is going to take more than good grades to impress perspective employers. Grades are important, but make sure you bring plenty of experience to the table as well. Although you may not have much full-time work experience as a new graduate, make sure your resume shows you have taken part in activities that demonstrate your strength in teamwork, project planning, and time management. These qualities will serve you well in your first job.
2. I will no longer need to live like a poor college student.
One of the best things about landing your first job is earning a consistent paycheck. For many new grads, they will be making more money than they have made at any other point in their lives once they land that first job. While this stability may afford you a few luxuries that were out of reach during the college years, proper budgeting and money management are necessary to set you up for a secure financial future. Enjoy the fruits of your labor, but do this only after bills and debt payments are taken care of each month.
3. My coworkers will be excited to have a new energetic team member on board.
While your coworkers may welcome you with open arms, remember that you are entering a dynamic that you are unfamiliar with. As you seek to add value and learn more about your role, be mindful of the norms already at play in your workplace. Learn who your advocates are. Learn which individuals to steer clear of. Unfortunately, you may run into some colleagues who, for some reason, are threatened by change and therefore will not accept you right away. Do not be surprised; simply do a good job and work on building relationships with those who are willing to reciprocate.
4. If I work hard, I will advance quickly.
In college, hard work yields somewhat immediate gratification. You study hard, you are rewarded with an A on your test. If you pursue an office in a club, there’s a vote, and you find out whether you won or lost. You spend hours writing a research paper, and within a few weeks, you find out that you scored a passing grade.
In the workforce, feedback is not always so swift. Sometimes, you will work on projects that you feel demonstrate the best work you are capable of only to receive little if any accolades from your boss. There will be moments where you are expected to go above and beyond on a project, only to do it again next week with seemingly little reward. When you work as part of a team, you will be expected to bring your best each week, not because there’s a reward in it for you, but because that’s everyone’s job. Although your coworkers may not pat you on the back for every effort you make, it is not going unnoticed. Consistency is rewarded in the workplace. Do your best on everything you put your hand to, even if it seems like no one is watching.
5. I’ve got my degree(s), so I am done with the classroom.
Today, continuing education and lifelong learning are the keys to success in the workplace. You may be done with your full-time studies, but there will certainly be many opportunities for you to return to the classroom during your working years. Many young professionals choose to attend night classes to obtain a graduate degree that will help them advance in their professional lives. But even if you have already obtained all the degrees you need, you may want to earn a professional certification such as Project Management Professional (PMP) or another certification specific to your industry. In order to obtain these valuable designations, employees often attend classroom trainings or “bootcamps” in addition to studying many hours on their own.
The classroom is a great place to learn practical skills, network with professional peers, and gain deeper knowledge of your job function. Do not shy away from the classroom after graduation. Always be searching for opportunities to further your education, whether it’s in pursuance of a degree or some other type of education.
Featured photo credit: Konstantin Chagin via media.lifehack.org
