Change
is a hard concept to endure. Moving from
full time college student to full time workforce is a tough transition. It can be twice as hard if you were a student
leader!
Were you the big cheese on
campus? You might have been the President of your campuses student
government or maybe your were the Vice President. You knew all of the college’s
trustees by first name and they knew your name too! You might have had the
President of the college’s ear whenever you saw them on campus or when you just
walked into their office. I bet you had
their cell phone number too! It’s also
likely you had your own office and attended all the college’s foundation
events. Oh and you were always offered
seats in the Presidents box but you always declined them to sit in the student
section… but not for the whole game. Students
on campus knew who you were and respected you.
Professors were delighted to have you in class and often would recruit
you to take their class.
It’s been a few months since
graduation and after several interviews you got yourself a job, but its likely
not the one you were expecting to have. You do have your own cubicle but
trying to talk with your manager is almost impossible without an appointment
unless you have some sort of food bribe.
But, you aren’t discouraged yet.
As you were preparing to graduate, you were persistent and armed yourself
with many reference letters from administrators and professors that all but
state you cured cancer in your spare time between classes.
Reality is slowly sinking
in. You are realizing that you aren’t in college anymore. You are part of the 8-5 work world that you
so often laughed at, silently swearing to yourself that it would never be
you. I bet you are starting to miss all
that those connections and experiences you had during your college days.
Don’t fret. This
scenario (or perhaps something similar) happens a lot in the lives of former
student leaders. You had commanded the respect of many or those you
revered but now the reality is sinking in that you are starting over. But
starting anew can be a good thing.
Think back to your first
days when you were in your leadership role on campus. What were those
great skills and qualities that you exhibited that earned you respect and
credibility? Those might include motivating others, staying in the office
long after others have left, relationship building with other student leaders,
team building, communication, engaging new students and creating a buzz about
your vision just to mention few.
If this sounds like your
situation then here is what you need to do. Use what you know has helped
you be successful before and apply it to your new work environment. You
have a proven track record for success and that is probably why you were hired
in the first place.
First step, take some time
get to know your supervisor. What are their expectations, likes and
dislikes, favorite sports teams, favorite place to eat.. get to know them! Next, know the
company you work for. Read the employee manual; memorize the vision,
mission and company values. Next, put in the time in the office. I
suggest coming in before your supervisor and not leaving until they leave.
Stay busy throughout the day and take initiative. Show them you are
an invaluable asset. When you see an
opportunity to improve a process, take the initiative and offer your expertise.
Its sounds easy but it’s
not. It takes dedication and you will be forever always thinking about
the next better job. However, you shouldn’t forget your passion.
Keep it in mind and take time to work towards the skills you might not
have, that you might still need to develop. Keep a journal and document your
thoughts and what work you are doing to move towards your passion. Keep dreaming big but stay grounded in the
reality of your dream.
Based on my years of working
with student leaders and keeping good connections with them after college, has
shown me that former student leaders find their groove quickly and are often
very successful in their chosen endeavors. Starting over sucks, but trust
me when I tell you to trust in your skills, capabilities and instinct. Go the extra mile whenever you can, good
things will happen. I have seen it
happen many times you just need to be patient and keep learning!
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