As a recent college graduate, I am familiar with the bad habits that we can pick up in the world of academia, which might limit our success in the professional world. Here are seven bad habits to shake before landing your first job.
- Living in a bubble: While you were burying yourself in textbooks in college, did you stay on top of the news? At work, making it a daily practice to read the news can help give you an edge up on the current events impacting your business or line of work. In the PR field, particularly, reading the news is essential.
- Marching to the beat of your own drum: College rewards students for their unique ideas and beliefs. While innovative ideas are welcomed at work, your perspectives should also align with those of your co-workers and clients.
- Thinking the world revolves around you: In college, it’s more about personal versus team accomplishments. But in the workplace, you’re working with your colleagues to achieve common goals for the business. Shift your mindset from “me” to “us” to convey that you’re a team player.
- Missing deadlines: If you were ill or had printer issues, in college your professor probably just gave you an extension without any consequence. But on the job, missing deadlines is a signal to your employer that you’re unreliable or a procrastinator.
- Relying on a syllabus: In college, you have a syllabus to follow, and if you veer off course, your advisors or professors help to get you back on track. But in the workplace, where every day might be unpredictable, there aren’t always clear-cut directions on how to tackle a challenge. You’ll need to be resourceful and self-sufficient.
- Lack of sleep: Remember those days when you skipped your next morning class because you pulled an all-nighter from studying or partying too much? Don’t carry that habit into your work life. Your boss will be less forgiving about your frequent tardiness or attempts to call out from work.
- Expecting constant feedback: Unlike in college where you receive a grade for every paper you turn in or test that you take, expect less feedback in the business world. If you want to gauge your performance, certainly ask for feedback, but don’t expect to constantly receive it.
Transitioning from college life the workforce is exciting, but also challenging. But being aware of these common traits that could hinder your success is the first step to putting your best foot forward on the new job.
Good luck!
Germaine Fung, Intern