by Matthew Peregoy

Created on: February 04, 2009   Last Updated: February 17, 2009

Now that you are transitioning from the academic world into the world of work, there are a few things that you need to know that you may not have been told during your time at college.

You can still party... sort of.

But there's a catch. You have to be responsible about your recreational activities as a working adult who is looking for a job. You are allowed to have fun, but it is important to prioritize your life. If getting a job is your number one priority, then there may be things in your social life that you need to tidy up. Make sure you are hanging out with friends that have similar priorities. They will help you stay focused on your goals, and they will keep you accountable. If you are hanging out with your friend whose top priority is making sure they have a permanent home with mom, then it will be hard to focus on your goals. Clean up your social networking profiles and blogs because more employers are using these sites to check out potential new hires. Trying to put the best "you" out there for people to see.

You can still drink... sort of.

Some students leave college without realizing that they will never drink this heavily, or regularly, again in their lives. Social drinking is definitely a part of the working world, but just because you did keg stands in college, doesn't mean you have to out drink everyone at happy hour. Again, responsibility and restraint are key here. You definitely want to have fun with your co-workers in a social setting, but you don't want them talking about you around the water cooler on Monday morning.

You can still turn in late assignments... sort of.

Don't procrastinate on your first project at your new job. But, as a new employee, there may be things about the assignment that you do not understand. Take the time to ask questions about what your boss's expectations are, and if you need more time to finish the assignment, ask early. Don't wait until the day before it is due. Sell your boss on the quality of work you are trying to do.

You can't be late for class.

Being on time is a very important part of the working world. In business, time is money, so don't be late.

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