Transitioning from school to work environments can be one of the most difficult changes you’ll face as a young professional. Whether you’re pursuing a full-time virtual internship or have just entered the job-market, it’s important to be prepared for this major life change.
Your professional materials, including your resume, cover letter, references and LinkedIn profile, are important tools as you begin transitioning from school to work. Update your online professional profiles with your most recent education and professional experience. Additionally, you need to ensure that your key skills are highlighted. This goes both for your CV and your LinkedIn profile. Keeping these profiles up to date will serve you well in your networking efforts, and of course, during your job hunt.
As a young professional, nothing is more valuable than your network. Reach out to your trusted advisors for advice and assistance as you make your transition from a school to work environment. Whether you have an advisor at university or a professor who gives great advice, don’t hesitate to ask for help.
Getting organized is one of the most difficult aspects of the transition from school to work. As a student, you probably had deadlines and study schedules set out for you. However, this is not the case in the professional world. Getting organized for your professional endeavors is essential. From keeping track of roles you’ve applied to to your weekly schedule, organization is key to success. If you’re disorganized, potential employers will notice, and won’t be as likely to want you on their team.
When you’re frantically applying for every job or internship in your industry, things like sleep may fall to the wayside. However, if you’re not getting enough sleep, you won’t perform at your best when you’re in interviews or even in the office. Lack of sleep can also increase stress levels, something you definitely don’t need more of! Prioritizing your health can be as simple as getting enough sleep every night, and this will improve your overall transition period.
Budgeting can be one of the most difficult skills to learn when you enter the professional world. However, for obvious reasons, it is also one of the most important. If you create a budget before you begin your transition period, you’ll avoid stress down the road. Additionally, if you’re hoping to use your transition period to do some travel or interning, a budget is a great way to determine what you’ll be able to do.
All photos courtesy of The Intern Group.