Today as I sit in my office you can just tell that graduation is in the air. Students are running around campus completing last minute tasks before Commencement tomorrow. Each year I get a front row seat from my office window into all the excitement and celebration of the Virginia Tech graduation ceremonies. My office sits right across the street from Lane Stadium where the ceremony takes place. Although I have to park further away from my building than I would like, the traffic is ridiculous and there are people EVERYWHERE (it’s almost like a game day) I really look forward to it. The grass is green, the trees are blooming, the skies are blue and the sun is shining. I love to watch the students in their caps and gowns posing for pictures with their families, seeing generations of a family gathered together to celebrate and watching friends and classmates hug each other as they say good-bye to each other and Blacksburg. I see tears, laughter, smiles, pride and hope in everyone’s eyes. Those students are filled with excitement and hope for their futures and I secretly want to take each one of them aside and try to prepare them for life after college. Because what they don’t realize today is that they are not only saying good-bye to friends and Blacksburg – most are saying good-bye to a stage in their life. They are no longer college students. They are now expected to operate and function in the “real world”, like the rest of us. And unfortunately, colleges don’t actually do such a great job of preparing students for that reality. I suppose it’s a rite of passage to try and figure it all out, but I do want to offer some advice to all those young, hopeful faces outside my office window.
College is different from the professional world. The world doesn’t operate by semesters anymore (unless you work at a college like me), you are LUCKY if you get two weeks of vacation a year (no more winter breaks or spring breaks with friends), going to work isn’t optional (no more snoozing through classes), and your boss is totally different from your professors. New professionals will have to learn how to function in the world of work, expectations and responsibility. A-level work is required all the time, you always have to do your best and meet all your deadlines.
Transitioning from college to career is very challenging. Surviving that first year on the job is quite a task. Young professionals need to realize that the first year on the job is really its own unique stage in their career.
Here are my 12 Professional Skills Needed for Success in Career and Life:
#1: Learn, understand and adhere to Dress Codes and Manage your Image
- If unsure, start doing some research. Familiarize yourself with Interview Attire, Business Professional, Business Casual, Smart Casual, Cocktail Attire, Semi-Formal and Formal. Learn what is appropriate to wear for each code and when it’s appropriate to wear it. A good rule of thumb is to dress in the position you aspire to have one day.
- You start building your reputation the first day on the job (there is no grace period). Manage your image on social media sites.
#2: Polish your Communication Skills
- This includes how you communicate with people in-person, electronically, in-writing and through presentations. Don’t make the mistake of assuming electronic communication is casual or not business correspondence. If you are communicating about work, it’s business. Break your addiction to your phone. There is NOTHING more important on your phone than your boss sitting across the table from you in the meeting. And if there is, tell someone.
#3: Know your Strengths
- How can you be your best at work? What keeps you engaged in the job? Understand that there are all kinds of opportunities to develop your strengths.
#4: Develop a strong Work Ethic
- A-level work is required all the time, always meet your deadlines and learn how to prioritize your work and manage your time.
#5: Take it slow but take the Initiative
- Observe the culture and see how you fit in. Learn how “things are done around here”. Don’t make a big splash.
- Don’t just wait around for work, share your thoughts and ideas, and get involved with the organization as much as possible.
#6: Respect your Elders
- There are four generations in the work force right now and they all operate a little differently than each other. Respect those with experience and work hard to earn their respect. Remember, they aren’t your “buds” yet.
#7: Learn how to work on a team
- Figure out what you contribute to a team and how others can complement your strengths. Produce results and be a responsible team member.
#8: Offer solutions
- Don’t go to your boss with problems unless you are prepared to offer solutions. Learn to problem-solve on your own first.
#9: Learn from your mistakes
- Everyone makes mistakes! Own them and learn from them. Accept criticism and don’t take everything so personally
#10: Learn how to manage conflict
- It’s business, not personal. Try not to let emotions guide your decisions at work. Avoiding conflict can often make a situation worse.
#11: Write Thank-You notes
- This will serve you well in every aspect of your life. It demonstrates professionalism and appreciation.
#12: Stay Relevant
- Keep learning and building your resume. Take advantage of professional development opportunities. Find a mentor.
I hope you find these helpful! What other professional skills would you add to this list?
