24 answers
Macie
Student
Charleston, South Carolina
2
Questions
Asked
2455 views
How did you handle the shift from college to full-time work-emotionally and professionally?
I am a senior at the College of Charleston studying Communications. I am interested in Human Resources, Event Planning, and Sales as of right now, but I am still unsure what I want to do right out of school. I am worried about how I am going to handle the shift from college to full-time work, so I would love some tips!
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24 answers
Maryann Holsberg
HR Director
3
Answers
Stony Brook, New York
Updated
Maryann’s Answer
Thinking about this transition is a great step forward, and there's so much to look forward to! While things will change, there's a lot to be excited about. Your daily routine might be a bit different and days might feel longer, but hopefully, you're diving into a field you're passionate about. Try to make things convenient for yourself, especially if commuting is involved. Be open to networking and focus on growing professionally, whether at your new organization or on your own. Embrace this exciting time, and remember, your classmates are on the same journey!
Susan Vander May
Communications
2
Answers
Cundinamarca, Cundinamarca
Updated
Susan’s Answer
If you find a job you love, then it won't feel like "work." For me I enjoyed the transition because I went from doing all the work for a grade to doing all the work for my very own paycheck. But it's also a unique time in your life where if you have the means and can take a little time to travel, by all means you should.
Diane Marousek
Human Resources
2
Answers
Chicago, Illinois
Updated
Diane’s Answer
Hi Macie,
First off, congratulations on taking the first step and initiative of asking questions and building your network. I've worked in Human Resources for my entire career, and it offers a wide range of opportunities. I've been with PwC for 33 years, holding various roles like Analyst, Talent Consultant, Deployment Consultant, Campus Recruiting, Marketing, Practice Development, all within HR and Business Services.
It's smart that you're interested in multiple areas, as this will give you more options after college. When interviewing, research the company so you can ask insightful questions.
Transitioning from college to work can be challenging, but if you've had an internship or summer job, you're already on the right track. Take it slow at first, understand your job expectations, hours, team, and commute, and plan accordingly. Lean on your network for support—don't try to do it all alone.
You've got this!
First off, congratulations on taking the first step and initiative of asking questions and building your network. I've worked in Human Resources for my entire career, and it offers a wide range of opportunities. I've been with PwC for 33 years, holding various roles like Analyst, Talent Consultant, Deployment Consultant, Campus Recruiting, Marketing, Practice Development, all within HR and Business Services.
It's smart that you're interested in multiple areas, as this will give you more options after college. When interviewing, research the company so you can ask insightful questions.
Transitioning from college to work can be challenging, but if you've had an internship or summer job, you're already on the right track. Take it slow at first, understand your job expectations, hours, team, and commute, and plan accordingly. Lean on your network for support—don't try to do it all alone.
You've got this!
Leslie Mills
Talent Leader
11
Answers
Walnut Creek, California
Updated
Leslie’s Answer
Congratulations on your final year in college! Know that you do not need to have everything figured out by graduation. In terms of searching for opportunities, utilize any and all contacts you have to bypass the resume AI review. Once you find an opportunity (whether it be in sales, event planning, HR), note what activities do you truly enjoy about your role? What sparks excitement? You want to hone in on the parts of your role that motivate you. You may begin in sales and realize you enjoy aspects of an HR role more. You will likely change jobs numerous times. It's important to ensure you are learning in each role, asking for feedback and development. Take each opportunity to learn and grow. As for the transition from college, ensure you provide yourself some structure, even as simple as a routine you stick to. This will allow you to remain motivated and focused on a purpose in your day, even planning time to job search. Wishing you all the best!
Ronni Price
Digital Marketing, Journalism and Communications
1
Answer
Washington, Washington
Updated
Ronni’s Answer
Congrats! What an exciting time in your life. Try not to stress --- easier said than done sometimes. 😊
To help handle the transition from college to a first-time job;
• Run your own race. Don’t worry about what everyone else is doing. It will help to keep you focused on what's the right opportunity for you.
• Stay curious. Don’t worry right now, about not being sure what you want to do. Be open to different opportunities; you’ll learn a lot and often you’ll get clear picture of the things you don’t want to do, which is equally important to know.
• Network professionally and personally. Connecting with various people teaches you a lot and can present opportunities not always listed on a Job posting board.
Best of luck! You’ll do great.
To help handle the transition from college to a first-time job;
• Run your own race. Don’t worry about what everyone else is doing. It will help to keep you focused on what's the right opportunity for you.
• Stay curious. Don’t worry right now, about not being sure what you want to do. Be open to different opportunities; you’ll learn a lot and often you’ll get clear picture of the things you don’t want to do, which is equally important to know.
• Network professionally and personally. Connecting with various people teaches you a lot and can present opportunities not always listed on a Job posting board.
Best of luck! You’ll do great.
Bill Liebler
Sales Management
5
Answers
Huntersville, North Carolina
Updated
Bill’s Answer
The key for me was to get mentally prepared going from the college life where you have large breaks in your day and can determine when you are doing projects, homework, go to the gym, etc. to work life where it will be much more structured with expectations of working 9-5 or longer. You still have to allocate your time between projects, tasks, meetings, etc. but you have much less flexibility, especially early in your career.
Certain jobs/careers have more flexibility - outside sales for instance vs. a role that requires being in an office during the work day. I would recommend thinking about how you work best and seek roles that fit your personality and how you like to work. Do you work best with a lot of freedom to pick and chose when you get key work done (morning person vs. later in the day) or do you want a more structured day where you are assigned tasks or projects to complete? Think through that aspect as you begin to narrow your choices down, realizing that often a first job requires getting your foot in the door of the working world and you can always change later.
I'm approaching 41 years in the working world and have been in direct sales, consulting, IT management, pre-sales/technical sales, value selling, management and executive roles - so over time you can morph and change as you learn more about what you like, what motivates you, and what feeds your sense of accomplishment.
Best wishes for you as you figure things out and gets started.
Certain jobs/careers have more flexibility - outside sales for instance vs. a role that requires being in an office during the work day. I would recommend thinking about how you work best and seek roles that fit your personality and how you like to work. Do you work best with a lot of freedom to pick and chose when you get key work done (morning person vs. later in the day) or do you want a more structured day where you are assigned tasks or projects to complete? Think through that aspect as you begin to narrow your choices down, realizing that often a first job requires getting your foot in the door of the working world and you can always change later.
I'm approaching 41 years in the working world and have been in direct sales, consulting, IT management, pre-sales/technical sales, value selling, management and executive roles - so over time you can morph and change as you learn more about what you like, what motivates you, and what feeds your sense of accomplishment.
Best wishes for you as you figure things out and gets started.
Kristen Roth
Human Resources
6
Answers
New York, New York
Updated
Kristen’s Answer
Hi Macie - Trust your gut! You're already on track by thinking about how you'll be entering a chapter of change in life. Don't worry about if you pick a path and then later decide you want to go in a different direction. You are better equipped for the transition than you realize already learning so much about yourself, your interests, building relationships and time management - just to name a few. Don't lose sight of what is important to you (which for me is typically a little gym time in the morning to be my best self), your values and keep your relationships strong. I started in a different career, but switched to HR which better aligned with my interests and skillset. Without my first career, I would not be where I am today so don't forget to enjoy the journey!
John W. Harris
2
Answers
Updated
John W.’s Answer
Macie, congratulations on graduating! This is a big step that shows your dedication and effort. Now, let's focus on your next move.
Think about why you chose Communications as your major. This can help you decide what career to pursue. The three paths you're considering are different, each needing unique skills and personalities.
I have a background in sales and management. I started in Accounting because I excelled in it, but a marketing professor recognized that I was better suited for sales. An aptitude test confirmed this, and I found joy and success in sales. I’m glad I followed advice that aligned with my strengths, rather than sticking with Accounting, which wouldn’t have made me happy.
Remember, it's okay to change careers over time. Focus on what makes you happy and suits your skills. Listen to advice, but choose what feels right for you. Enjoying your work is key to success, and being unhappy is a failure.
Best of luck on your journey!
Take a career aptitiude test with your caarreer counsel
Talk with people iin the three areas you re cnsidering
Understand what they do and compare that to what gives you satisfaction
Think about why you chose Communications as your major. This can help you decide what career to pursue. The three paths you're considering are different, each needing unique skills and personalities.
I have a background in sales and management. I started in Accounting because I excelled in it, but a marketing professor recognized that I was better suited for sales. An aptitude test confirmed this, and I found joy and success in sales. I’m glad I followed advice that aligned with my strengths, rather than sticking with Accounting, which wouldn’t have made me happy.
Remember, it's okay to change careers over time. Focus on what makes you happy and suits your skills. Listen to advice, but choose what feels right for you. Enjoying your work is key to success, and being unhappy is a failure.
Best of luck on your journey!
John W. recommends the following next steps:
Dianne Fernandes
HR Director at PricewaterhouseCoopers
7
Answers
Updated
Dianne’s Answer
Congratulations! Moving from school to work can be tough, but challenges help us grow and learn. The skills you gained in college are useful in your job too. You already know how to manage your time, meet deadlines, and prioritize tasks, just like in a full-time job. You've shown you can communicate well with professors, which is similar to talking with supervisors at work. Working on team projects with classmates has prepared you for collaborating with colleagues. You might be more ready for this change than you think. Trust in yourself and your abilities. Good luck!
Sadie Koeppel
Communications & Content
2
Answers
Reston, Virginia
Updated
Sadie’s Answer
Embrace the changes ahead, knowing that the discomfort won't last forever. Make sure to set aside time for yourself to relax and recharge. Create a schedule that balances work and your personal priorities. Seek out a mentor or join a supportive group to help guide you through the transition. Remember, weekends will be different now, with a mix of chores, shopping, and social activities. Be kind to yourself—change can be tough, but it's a part of life. It's perfectly fine to be a beginner and ask questions. Start your day with something you enjoy, like a walk or a coffee, before diving into work.
Vidya Bhaskaran
HR Business Partner
3
Answers
Kochi, Kerala, India
Updated
Vidya’s Answer
We've all wondered what life will be like after college. I found it helpful to think about my interests, passions, and strengths. What activities make you shine? When do people seek your help? Write down your skills and activities. Choose something that matches your talent. Besides skills, having self-belief is important. You've got this. Remember, everyone makes mistakes, but each one is a chance to learn. Stay curious and ask questions. Take on opportunities that let your talent shine. Connect with others and learn from them. Stay positive and go after your dreams. Best of luck!
Rebecca Tang
Banking
2592
Answers
Hong Kong
Updated
Rebecca’s Answer
Thank you for your question. I can understand your anxiety to transfer from a student to work.
Below are some suggestions:
1. Open minded. Listen to others.
2. Humble
3. Team Player
4. Punctual
5. Keep your knowledge up to date. Join the seminars of professional bodies regularly
Hope this helps! Good luck!
May Almighty God bless you!
Below are some suggestions:
1. Open minded. Listen to others.
2. Humble
3. Team Player
4. Punctual
5. Keep your knowledge up to date. Join the seminars of professional bodies regularly
Hope this helps! Good luck!
May Almighty God bless you!
Melanie Tummino
Senior Business Intelligence Analyst
1
Answer
Los Angeles, California
Updated
Melanie’s Answer
Hi Macie, congrats on graduating! That's a huge milestone in your career. I've always worked a part-time job while in school full-time, so I've sort of thought of school and work as interchangeable subjects. Of course, there are some major differences! We usually have to pay for our degrees, while having a job usually pays us. But either way, it's all work that must get done, right?
For me, I found that I got back a ton of time in my schedule once college was no longer a part of my routine, which was a big difference in comparison to my journey throughout high school / college, where I was always prioritizing my education. Although having a job full-time job can sound scary, the part that you'll learn (sooner rather than later) is that work/life balance is important and something you will have more autonomy over once you're comfortable in a full-time position. Most full-time jobs, whether they're remote, in office or hybrid are 6-8 hours a day and once you've finished your work day, you're allowed to shut off the part of your brain that relates to work, so you can shift focus on other things - as you no longer have to think about homework or studying for that big test anymore! And of course, having a full-time job will hopefully put you in a better position financially, so in turn, you can think about getting into hobbies, passions or activities you never had the money or time for in the past. This is what excited me most!
With all that being said, I think the best tip I can give you is to think about it in a way that doesn't separate the two so much - being in school full-time will require just as much time management as working full-time. And if you're lucky enough to find a job that you enjoy learning about, it's almost like you're in school all over again, but with a different atmosphere AND you're getting paid for your time. It's a new journey for sure, but it's not as different as you might anticipate when you continue to lead with learning, inside and outside of a classroom setting.
The mental preparation you're expressing already makes me believe that you're going to adjust just fine. As for finding a job right out of school, think about what inspired you most while in school. Was it a certain subject? Was it community? Was it finding late night food spots? The more you think about what you loved while being in school will help you find a career that you will love outside of school. The schedule adjustment will soon become only a small obstacle.
Good luck on your new journey! There's so much good stuff ahead of you!
Think harder about your perspective on college and work schedules - are they really that different?
Write down all the pros and cons of being in college and what you anticipate as pros and cons once you have a full-time job
Start small by finding opportunities related to the things you enjoy doing
For me, I found that I got back a ton of time in my schedule once college was no longer a part of my routine, which was a big difference in comparison to my journey throughout high school / college, where I was always prioritizing my education. Although having a job full-time job can sound scary, the part that you'll learn (sooner rather than later) is that work/life balance is important and something you will have more autonomy over once you're comfortable in a full-time position. Most full-time jobs, whether they're remote, in office or hybrid are 6-8 hours a day and once you've finished your work day, you're allowed to shut off the part of your brain that relates to work, so you can shift focus on other things - as you no longer have to think about homework or studying for that big test anymore! And of course, having a full-time job will hopefully put you in a better position financially, so in turn, you can think about getting into hobbies, passions or activities you never had the money or time for in the past. This is what excited me most!
With all that being said, I think the best tip I can give you is to think about it in a way that doesn't separate the two so much - being in school full-time will require just as much time management as working full-time. And if you're lucky enough to find a job that you enjoy learning about, it's almost like you're in school all over again, but with a different atmosphere AND you're getting paid for your time. It's a new journey for sure, but it's not as different as you might anticipate when you continue to lead with learning, inside and outside of a classroom setting.
The mental preparation you're expressing already makes me believe that you're going to adjust just fine. As for finding a job right out of school, think about what inspired you most while in school. Was it a certain subject? Was it community? Was it finding late night food spots? The more you think about what you loved while being in school will help you find a career that you will love outside of school. The schedule adjustment will soon become only a small obstacle.
Good luck on your new journey! There's so much good stuff ahead of you!
Melanie recommends the following next steps:
Stephanie Urroz Hernandez
University Recruiter and HR Systems Champion
3
Answers
Guadalajara
Updated
Stephanie’s Answer
Hi, the best advice I could give you personally and as a University Recruiter is to complete a full-time summer internship with a Global company once you are in your 2nd or 3rd academic year.
This internship will allow you the following:
- learn how the corporate world works.
- you will have an Onboarding buddy and a University program team that will support you and help you navigate your whole internship.
- you will develop skills and abilities that are hard to learn and grasp in a classroom.
- you will network with other interns and have fun at social events and professional events such as intern project fair, intern stellar awards, etc.
- you will have a mentor who will help you work on a real project with real goals and deliveries that will make a lasting impact on the team and the company.
- you will connect with other company employees that will mentor you and you will learn a lot from their experience.
- you will learn from Company executives as they speak to you about their career journey and experience, you will receive the best advice from them.
- you will feel what is to get a paycheck in the professional world and get almost the same Benefits as full-time employees.
- you will get a full-time offer 1 year before you graduate if you perform well during the internship. Therefore, you won't have to worry about looking for a job when you graduate and you will already know how to handle the transition from college to full-time work as you have already experienced that during your internship :)
This internship will allow you the following:
- learn how the corporate world works.
- you will have an Onboarding buddy and a University program team that will support you and help you navigate your whole internship.
- you will develop skills and abilities that are hard to learn and grasp in a classroom.
- you will network with other interns and have fun at social events and professional events such as intern project fair, intern stellar awards, etc.
- you will have a mentor who will help you work on a real project with real goals and deliveries that will make a lasting impact on the team and the company.
- you will connect with other company employees that will mentor you and you will learn a lot from their experience.
- you will learn from Company executives as they speak to you about their career journey and experience, you will receive the best advice from them.
- you will feel what is to get a paycheck in the professional world and get almost the same Benefits as full-time employees.
- you will get a full-time offer 1 year before you graduate if you perform well during the internship. Therefore, you won't have to worry about looking for a job when you graduate and you will already know how to handle the transition from college to full-time work as you have already experienced that during your internship :)
Rick Kneisley
Retired Investment Broker and Investment Sales Manager
47
Answers
Georgetown, Texas
Updated
Rick’s Answer
Macie,
That’s a great question, and I see you’ve already received a lot of logical, practical responses. Let me add something personal.
When I graduated from college, I quickly realized something surprising: after all those years in school, from grade school through college , I’d been taught how to think logically but not how to understand life emotionally. I knew facts, formulas, and theories, but I didn’t know how to listen to myself.
My first job made that crystal clear. I’d been recruited by a company that looked perfect on paper. But once I started, my emotions went into chaos. Every day something deep inside whispered, “This isn’t right.” My logical mind kept saying, be reasonable, it’s too soon to quit.” I ignored my feelings, stayed too long, and eventually, they let me go.
It was painful, but it turned out to be one of the best lessons of my life. I learned that emotions aren’t the enemy of logic , they’re information. They’re one's inner compass trying to steer us toward what fits and away from what doesn’t.
Looking back, I wish schools taught more about that, how to recognize and trust your emotional intelligence. It’s the missing half of education, in my opinion.
So, as you step into your career, listen closely to what your feelings are telling you. If something feels wrong, it probably is. If something lights you up, that’s where you belong. Trust yourself, both your head and your heart, and you’ll make much better choices along the way.
Warm regards,
Rick
That’s a great question, and I see you’ve already received a lot of logical, practical responses. Let me add something personal.
When I graduated from college, I quickly realized something surprising: after all those years in school, from grade school through college , I’d been taught how to think logically but not how to understand life emotionally. I knew facts, formulas, and theories, but I didn’t know how to listen to myself.
My first job made that crystal clear. I’d been recruited by a company that looked perfect on paper. But once I started, my emotions went into chaos. Every day something deep inside whispered, “This isn’t right.” My logical mind kept saying, be reasonable, it’s too soon to quit.” I ignored my feelings, stayed too long, and eventually, they let me go.
It was painful, but it turned out to be one of the best lessons of my life. I learned that emotions aren’t the enemy of logic , they’re information. They’re one's inner compass trying to steer us toward what fits and away from what doesn’t.
Looking back, I wish schools taught more about that, how to recognize and trust your emotional intelligence. It’s the missing half of education, in my opinion.
So, as you step into your career, listen closely to what your feelings are telling you. If something feels wrong, it probably is. If something lights you up, that’s where you belong. Trust yourself, both your head and your heart, and you’ll make much better choices along the way.
Warm regards,
Rick
Patricia Enfanto
Senior Director Governance Risk and Compliance
6
Answers
Dracut, Massachusetts
Updated
Patricia’s Answer
Hi Macie,
That’s a great question and hats off to you for even thinking about how the transition will impact you.
Here are a few tips that might be helpful:
Be flexible and willing to adjust your expectations
• Structure vs. Flexibility: In College for the most part, you have control over your schedule. A full-time job means fixed hours and deadlines be open to settling into a routine.
• Time Management: Use calendars and task lists to stay organized. At the end of each day, take a look at your calendar for the following day, mindfully prepare.
Maintain work-life balance
• Set Boundaries: Define when work ends and personal time begins.
• Prioritize Health: Sleep, exercise, and eliminate stress; your own well-being matters as much as your job and increases performance.
Keep learning
• Allow for a learning curve: When you start, don’t feel like you have to know everything. You will meet people that are more than happy to help you navigate until you are comfortable. Be patient with yourself.
• Ask Questions: It will show your new employer that you have initiative and helps you grow.
• Seek Feedback: When completing a project, ask for feedback from your manager and co-workers. Utilize the feedback as part of your development.
• Stay curious: Explore training programs or certifications that will make an help you grow in your role.
Financial Awareness
• Create a budget: Be sure to review your paycheck to understand deductions for taxes and benefits.
That’s a great question and hats off to you for even thinking about how the transition will impact you.
Here are a few tips that might be helpful:
Be flexible and willing to adjust your expectations
• Structure vs. Flexibility: In College for the most part, you have control over your schedule. A full-time job means fixed hours and deadlines be open to settling into a routine.
• Time Management: Use calendars and task lists to stay organized. At the end of each day, take a look at your calendar for the following day, mindfully prepare.
Maintain work-life balance
• Set Boundaries: Define when work ends and personal time begins.
• Prioritize Health: Sleep, exercise, and eliminate stress; your own well-being matters as much as your job and increases performance.
Keep learning
• Allow for a learning curve: When you start, don’t feel like you have to know everything. You will meet people that are more than happy to help you navigate until you are comfortable. Be patient with yourself.
• Ask Questions: It will show your new employer that you have initiative and helps you grow.
• Seek Feedback: When completing a project, ask for feedback from your manager and co-workers. Utilize the feedback as part of your development.
• Stay curious: Explore training programs or certifications that will make an help you grow in your role.
Financial Awareness
• Create a budget: Be sure to review your paycheck to understand deductions for taxes and benefits.
Wong Loke Yuen
Head of Programme cum Senior Lecturer
650
Answers
Johor Bahru, Johor, Malaysia
Updated
Wong’s Answer
The shift from college to full-time work can be both exciting and challenging. You might feel nervous, unsure, or even stressed about starting something new.
Emotionally, the most important thing is to give yourself grace. It's normal to feel uncertain at first. Stay connected with your college friends and family for support, and remind yourself that everyone feels this way when starting out. Try to celebrate small wins, like finishing a good first week or learning a new skill. Over time, you'll build confidence in your abilities.
Professionally, try to build good habits early. Be on time, stay organized, and communicate clearly with your coworkers. Don't be afraid to ask questions as this shows you are willing to learn. You can learn a lot by observing people who have more experience.
It's ok not to know exactly what you want to do yet. Your first few jobs are a chance to learn more about what you like and what you're good at. Try different opportunities, such as internships or volunteer work, to see what fits you best. Wishing you all the best.
Emotionally, the most important thing is to give yourself grace. It's normal to feel uncertain at first. Stay connected with your college friends and family for support, and remind yourself that everyone feels this way when starting out. Try to celebrate small wins, like finishing a good first week or learning a new skill. Over time, you'll build confidence in your abilities.
Professionally, try to build good habits early. Be on time, stay organized, and communicate clearly with your coworkers. Don't be afraid to ask questions as this shows you are willing to learn. You can learn a lot by observing people who have more experience.
It's ok not to know exactly what you want to do yet. Your first few jobs are a chance to learn more about what you like and what you're good at. Try different opportunities, such as internships or volunteer work, to see what fits you best. Wishing you all the best.
Maureen Ayres
Associate Director of Channel Product Enablement
2
Answers
King of Prussia, Pennsylvania
Updated
Maureen’s Answer
First of all, be proud of what you have accomplished in graduating. Try to look at the shift to the workforce as a positive new chapter in your life and nothing to fear. My top suggestion is to create a new, structured schedule. Set realistic expectations as it takes time to build a new rhythm and don't hold yourself to an unrealistic standard of having everything "figured out" immediately. Build new professional relationships. Don't be afraid to ask for clarification or help to learn and feel more confident. Connect with your colleagues, as they can and likely will want to help you. Be patient and lean into learning, you may not have all the necessary skills from day one and that is okay. Finally, don't worry about what anyone else is doing; focus on your own progress and journey! Best of luck!
Alan Gooding
Strategic Account Executive
11
Answers
Bentonville, Arkansas
Updated
Alan’s Answer
This is a great question. Firstly, don't stress about which step is the right one....very few peoples first FT job is the one they build a long term career with. Apply for everything that catches your eye, take every interview you get, and if you're offered a role and it feels right, take it. The skills of any job in those areas will come with experience, so it'll be your soft skills that will carry you through your first few years. Then, after seeing the world of your role and those around you, you'll have a better understanding of what motivates you.
Lastly, ask every question you can think of when you join a new company. Not every answer will be helpful or even right depending on who you ask, but that curiosity will make you successful in the long run.
Lastly, ask every question you can think of when you join a new company. Not every answer will be helpful or even right depending on who you ask, but that curiosity will make you successful in the long run.
Lisa Burnison
Human Resources
6
Answers
Chicago, Illinois
Updated
Lisa’s Answer
Hi Macie! You should be incredibly proud of your accomplishments thus far, so congrats! The shift into full-time work is both rewarding and challenging. Just know that your first job isn't necessarily your forever job. I started out in Accounting and made the shift to Human Resources within the same company....while a completely different field, my Accounting degree got my foot in the door into a field I hadn't even considered in college. I also leaned on my peers and mentors for guidance. Don't be afraid to ask questions and put yourself out there! And making mistakes along the way is all part of the learning process....have confidence in yourself and know that you can do anything you put your mind to.
Shruti Marwaha
Communications and journalism
2
Answers
Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India
Updated
Shruti’s Answer
Hello!
That's a question almost every senior asks :)
It's an exciting new chapter, you will make new friends and build a whole new professional community. The salary opens up so many new doors and gives you a new level of independence. You can do more activities—like plan a weekend trip, try new restaurants, or save for a big goal—in a way you couldn't before.
The best tip probably is to create new routines after work to be able to have a good balance overall.
All the best.
That's a question almost every senior asks :)
It's an exciting new chapter, you will make new friends and build a whole new professional community. The salary opens up so many new doors and gives you a new level of independence. You can do more activities—like plan a weekend trip, try new restaurants, or save for a big goal—in a way you couldn't before.
The best tip probably is to create new routines after work to be able to have a good balance overall.
All the best.
Michele Lofchie
Senior Solution Consultant
9
Answers
Rockford, Illinois
Updated
Michele’s Answer
Graduating from college is an exciting milestone! Remember, not every company will be the same. While it might be nice to work somewhere that matches your personality, it's more important to find a place that shares your values. Joining the workforce means you'll meet people with different skills, experiences, and personalities. Once you start a job, try to find a mentor or a buddy to help you learn about the company and your career. Building connections is crucial for a successful career. Keep learning and networking. Reaching out shows you're interested in making connections. Wishing you the best of success!
Alice Dawson
SAP | Global Customer Advisory | Talent
6
Answers
Spartanburg, South Carolina
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Alice’s Answer
Congratulations on your next big step! As a fellow South Carolinian, I know moving into the workforce can be a relief, especially in the first six months. The sense of accomplishment, the structure of a new job, and having a routine can be a welcome change after a hectic senior year. It was the first time I truly felt like an adult. I celebrated my first paycheck with a nice dinner and a new pair of shoes. Remember to celebrate those "firsts," even if you've worked before during summers or internships.
After six months, I did face some disappointment. I imagined everyone at work would be professional, hardworking, and focused. While many were, I also met people who didn't pull their weight or had different priorities. This experience taught me what to expect. Once I got past the disappointment, I used it as motivation to start new projects and ideas, which are often rewarded in the workplace.
Be confident that you are ready. Don't hesitate to ask questions, even if they seem simple. People appreciate it when you seek clarification to understand the goals better. Good luck!
After six months, I did face some disappointment. I imagined everyone at work would be professional, hardworking, and focused. While many were, I also met people who didn't pull their weight or had different priorities. This experience taught me what to expect. Once I got past the disappointment, I used it as motivation to start new projects and ideas, which are often rewarded in the workplace.
Be confident that you are ready. Don't hesitate to ask questions, even if they seem simple. People appreciate it when you seek clarification to understand the goals better. Good luck!
Ashley Laylock
Deployment Consultant
3
Answers
Lansing, Michigan
Updated
Ashley’s Answer
Congratulations! This is such an exciting time for you. One of the biggest changes for me was shifting my mindset. In college, you're always racing to the next test or final, and then you get a break. But in the working world, it's more like a marathon. It's important to find a good rhythm and balance between work and life. Try setting up a routine that you enjoy and can stick to. Also, make sure to plan time for socializing after work and on weekends. I really missed being around my friends all the time after college, so it was an adjustment to plan social time instead of just hanging out with everyone in one place.