Transition to the Workplace Making the Most of the

Critical First Year on the Job

Lycoming CollegeCareer Services570-321-4034

http://www.lycoming.edu/careerservices careerservices@lycoming.edu

The First YearYour 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 ExpectationsKeep your expectations realistic

Realistic Expectations Reduce FrustrationsThe Picture painted by recruiters in often not

realityThe job is often not as glamorous as you

expect

The Rules of the Game

Manage Your ExpectationsThe 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 ExpectationsDemands on your time change

College 16 hours/week obligated, rest on ownWork 50 hours/week obligated, rest on own

Your social life will changeLess time for you more time to meet obligations

WorkFinancialPersonal Maintenance, House Work, Shopping, BankingCommunity InvolvementPersonal/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 maturityDemonstrating 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 speakWhen you listen and look you learn;

“The Company Way”How decisions are madeWho makes decisionsThe 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 organizationLearn the politicsPay attention to the “Way Things are

Done”

The Rules of the Game

Learn the Culture

You must “fit” and embrace the culture of the organizationNotice where colleagues spend time and

energyProject Development, Analysis, Reporting,

Communications, Meetings, etc

The Rules of the Game

Manage Your Impressions

First Impressions MatterBosses, Colleagues, and Subordinates are

all checking you out Accessing your ability to succeedDetermining 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 criticalYou 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 teamTake the time to learn the organizational

environmentPay 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 difficultExpect things to go badly as you adaptWork through your difficulties through

communicationRealize 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 successNever 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 FinancesMake a budget and stick with itBegin retirement savings immediately!Be careful of overspending and taking on

credit Build your possessions slowlyDon’t work yourself into a financial holeBe an informed consumer

Transitions in Your Personal Life

Reduce Workplace Transition Stress Through FamiliarityFind a roommateLive near family and friendsLive with parentsDevelop a routine for work and play

Transitions in Your Personal Life

Get Involved in Your CommunityJoin clubs or organizations that you enjoyVolunteer your time to help othersBe an active member of a church familyGet involved in worthwhile causes

Transitions in Your Personal Life

Find Someone to Discuss Your ConcernsLoved OnesFamilyMentorChurch Leader/MemberSupport Group

Transitions in Your Personal Life

Do Not Jump into Personal RelationshipsRelationships often get used as a crutch during

periods of uncertaintyMust 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.