College to Workplace - The Best is Yet To Come

“Progress is impossible without change and those who cannot change their minds cannot change anything.” – George Bernard Shaw

The transition from college to workforce is a shift every graduate will have to endure. There comes a time when you have to wake up, take charge and start the beginning to the rest of your life. It can be hard adjusting to change, but beginning your career brings different responsibilities and requires a different mentality to tackle day-to-day life. Luckily, we have eight tips to help you make a smooth transition from student to professional life:

1. Be Punctual 
Oh, you overslept? Your dog ate your homework? These excuses might have presented open opportunities to get away with assignments in college but it will no longer fly in a professional setting. If you’re on time, you’re late!  Being prompt is a noticeable trait that will definitely be admired among colleagues. If you have trouble greeting the morning, set multiple alarms on your cell phone and an alarm clock to ensure a right start to the day. 

2. Get Sleep
Gone are the “pulling an all-nighter” days. It’s not healthy and your body needs sleep to function properly. There are many studies that have demonstrated the benefits of getting adequate sleep such as improving memory, curbing inflammation, spurring creativity and even living longer! After a good night’s rest, you’ll feel better, be able to accomplish much more and have the energy to do post-work activities or errands.  

3. Keep Active
Depending on the profession you just entered, you may become victim to the stationary cubicle desk. Whereas before, even the remote walk across campus kept you on your feet, a desk job can put stress on your back, metabolism and energy levels. It’s important to keep moving and keep active. We suggest taking a walk on your lunch break, playing on an intermural sports team, joining a gym, and keeping to a scheduled routine so you don’t miss out on aiding your health.

4. Learn to Cook
Limiting your access to take out and fast food will not only improve your eating habits, it will also help your finances. Learning to cook can be a rewarding experience. It can help you wind down, keep you healthy and most of all – it’s fun! Pinterest has tons of recipes that even the most amateur cooks can tackle!

5. Declutter
Keeping a clean, tidy home will help you keep a clear mind. In doing so, you’ll be more industrious at work and will have more time to focus on the things you want to do outside of the office.

6. Save Your Money
Now that you’ve acquired a job post-graduation, you’ll hopefully have a larger source of income. Talk to your bank representative to explore different financial planning options. You’ll most likely have a variety of bills, (not to mention that inescapable student loan debt), so you’ll want to be knowledgeable about how to make the most of your earnings. 

7. Meditate 
If you’re in a work environment that has a lot of stress, many deadlines, or is just simply overwhelming – take time to breathe. You might have had a class in college that taught you to meditate but if not, it’s not hard to learn. Starting small and increasing after practice, take a few minutes out of your day to unplug and respire. A dark room and non-lyrical, relaxing music can contribute to focused breathing, which will help give you a refreshed mind.

8. Dress the Part 
Are you wearing clothing that fits with the company culture? That probably means no sweatshirts and no yoga pants. Invest in a business attire that you can wear casually or dress up if need-be. You may be in an entry-level position now, but ideally you want to advance in your career path, right? A clean, put together wardrobe will make you stand out in the workplace.