by Maria C Collins

Created on: March 11, 2009   Last Updated: December 24, 2009

The transition from being a student to being a working adult can be difficult. When you leave university or school, you are certain that you know everything, whereas everyone in the workplace thinks you know nothing. In school, or university, you have been senior to everyone, here you are junior to everyone. People speak a strange language; they give you orders, and expect you to obey them. If you follow these simple guidelines you will make that transition more easily and become a valued employee and a popular colleague.

Do not be late for work, bad time keepers do not keep their jobs long. Do not take time off sick unless it is unavoidable. Sick and late time go on your employment record. No employer will keep someone who is constantly sick and late, and your colleagues will not enjoy covering your work or your duties.

No one will appreciate you telling them they are doing it all wrong, keep your opinions to yourself, you are not a student now. Your older colleagues have evolved a method of working over many years and there is probably a very good reason for doing something in that particular way.

You will have to work with people that you dislike, or whom you would not necessarily choose as friends, be professional and polite at all times. Never tell tales; you are not in the playground now: you are part of the adult World.

Your boss has the right to tell you what to do; the company is paying for your time. Accept criticism gracefully, if you have done something badly you deserve to be told and have the opportunity to learn from it. Criticism gives you chance to do the task correctly the next time. Be genuinely eager in your work but do not suck up to the boss.

Neither spread nor listen to gossip, if someone gossips to you, excuse yourself, saying that you have work to do and leave the area.

When M was beginning work, M's mother advised her thus;  "you are the most junior person in the place, you know nothing, if someone tells you to sweep the floor, or make tea, do it gladly for they are the only things that you know how to do and you can do them well. Don't answer back. Keep your mouth shut and your ears open, listen and learn. That piece of advice served M very well.

Ask for help if you need it, the only stupid question is the one not asked, if you are not sure whether you have understood something clearly, ask and listen carefully to the answer.

Dress conservatively, ripped jeans, tops that show your midriff, trousers at half-mast are not business wear, keep them for weekends and evenings. Girls should not wear very short skirts or revealing tops or dresses. Boys who are working in offices or shops should not wear jeans. Check the dress code for your workplace and obey it, some workplaces will send you home to change and take money from your pay for the time.

Switch your mobile off whilst at work; your employer is paying you for your time and deserves your undivided attention. Do not engage in too much chatter, get on with your work, work is not a social occasion.

The transition from classroom to work can seem daunting, your life changes completely. You have to think and behave like an adult. Work is very different to school or college and you have to recognize that fact and behave like an adult. Irresponsibility belongs to the past, it is now that you realize that what everyone told you really was true; schooldays are the best years of your life.

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