Understand the difficult transition from study to job
Transitioning from student to employee can be difficult because work and social life is not naturally interwoven in a workplace. This is why some people feel lonely in their first job. We uncover typical challenges for new graduates on the job. And get 4 advice to how to handle the transition from study to job.
A new everyday life
During your studies, you often live your academic and social life in the same place. Practical, simple and safe. It can therefore be a bit of a shock to join a workplace where your social needs are not covered as a matter of course.
Suddenly you not only have to survive a full-time working week, you also have to find your feet among older colleagues who talk about things that seem very different from your life. This may leave you with a feeling of loneliness.
Spot typical challenges
“New graduates often say that they have nice and helpful colleagues, but that they feel isolated, because they’re not interested in children and gardening, for example, and they’re more interested in friends and in finding a flat,” says Sanne Mattebjerg, IDA career counsellor.
A survey of members carried out by IDA showed that having at least one friend – one relationship of trust at work– helps increase job satisfaction considerably.
“So, making an effort to form relationships is important. It’ll never be the same as at university, but it can be just as good,” says Sanne Mattebjerg.
It´s a change in identity
Below are some tips on how to get off to a good start after moving from life as a student to becoming part of the workforce.
Be curious
You may not find someone who is similar to you in terms of age and interests, but it’s important that you’re still curious and open to new relationships. The quickest way to finding out that Jesper from finance goes to Norway to climb mountains is by asking him about his interests. Practise small talk – also about subjects that may not interest you. This will help you create a better social working environment, not least for your own benefit.
Be open
Give something of yourself. Show your colleagues who you are and what you’re interested in. Other people in the company who like the same things as you will recognise themselves in you, and this could be the start of a good relationship. If you’re a reserved person, then select one or two people and gradually open up to them. Once you feel comfortable with them, select two more. Step by step, you’ll build up a network at the workplace and form good relationships.
Be realistic
You probably won’t meet your new best friend at work to go on holiday, parties and shop with. But you can still find good colleagues with whom you can laugh and talk about other things than work. Think about the importance of relationships at work for you. Good colleagues are important for your own well-being, but also for making your results visible. They can help highlight what you’re good at to your manager.
Have more than one relationship
Avoid isolating yourself with just one colleague. Even though one of your new colleagues may seem very keen to spend time with you, make sure not to cling to this person, even though you may feel like doing so because you’re new. This will isolate you and make you vulnerable. What if this person suddenly gets a new job? Instead, make sure to talk to many different people and form several good relationships across the organisation. This will help you enjoy work even more.
