The upside to this transition however, is that you get to pick which plane you board.
I was fortunate to have an easy progression into the working world, a success I attribute to my teachers, mentors and disciplinarians while attending Auburn University.
After several months at my first "real world" job, or non-internship position, I have picked up a few savvy "street skills" that may help those who sense turbulence in the near future.
First things first: No two people are the same.
- Dealing with college professors is different than dealing with bosses. Remember they have a business to keep afloat and for as much as you have going on, they have five times more on their plate. Something to keep in mind is that everyone operates differently, and it will behoove you to adapt as best you can to the way your employer operates.
Second of all: Taking notes does not end in college.
- Take a notepad with you wherever you go. You will be hit with more information than your brain can remember, and that's ok! The more you write down, the better employee you will make- which is obviously the ultimate goal. Which brings me to my next point.
Often you will find yourself in a chair in your employers office receiving directions for your next project. In conjunction with jotting down instructions on your notepad, I suggest that upon returning to your desk you send a quick email to your boss.
In the email you should state the directions you received as you heard them. This will ensure you understood them correctly.
Tell your employer that if there are any additions or corrections necessary, to please send them. You should also include the time you plan on starting the project so your employer has an appropriate time to respond with any changes.
If you have a boss who is excellent about overlooking your emails, because unfortunately that does happen, I suggest enabling the option of the "Read/Receipt" alert on your emails. Not only will you be alerted when your message is delivered, but when it has been read.
Poor communication and direction delivery are a vicious cycle. Following these simple tips will allow you to avoid turbulence so you can enjoy those tasty peanuts we love so much.
