Abstract:
After years of study in an educational setting, transitioning to one's first job in the career world can be daunting. While there are countless resources to help graduates find a job, once one is actually hired the advice disappears, which can leave first-time employees feeling lost and alone. One must learn to collaborate with co-workers who come from different generations and different backgrounds. First-time employees are also met with more expectations and more responsibility than ever before. Outside of work they must learn how to handle varying sleep schedules, workplace demands on one's social life and the stresses of working every day. It all starts with the first day, and new employees need to be prepared to enter an environment where they may have little experience. Through my own experiences as a first-time employee in the career world, research with professionals and interviews with experts, this guide aims to bridge the gap between college and career.