HOW TO MOVE FROM STUDENT TO EMPLOYEE
Aug 12, 2008
If you have been bungee jumping, the adrenaline rush you get is similar to what happens as you journey from school to the world of work.
By Fred Ouma
If you have been bungee jumping, the adrenaline rush you get is similar to what happens as you journey from school to the world of work.
The transition from student life to work life is one of the most crucial changes in the life of an individual.
As a result, career counsellors and recruiting officers should plan beforehand to help prospective employees make the change. For the employee, his or her responsibility is to prepare for the job search, by writing curriculum vitae and cover letters, locating vacancies and attending interviews.
The first pay cheque
When you have finally landed the job, the expectations you have of yourself, your employer and your work will be tested, and some of your pre-conceived notions will vanish as reality sets in.
Your monthly income, for example, may seem like a lot of money, until living expenses begin to take their toll. Finance experts say you should prepare a budget and include a savings plan so as to manage your finances.
“You can always get help from your finance advisers,†says Charles Ocic, of Uganda Enterprise. “If your job requires you to relocate, you will need to research the cost of housing near your new job and factor this into your budget.â€
Also check with your organisation and find out if they give assistance with relocation. They could provide you with information regarding costing and suitable location and accommodation.
Orientation
To adjust to your work environment, it is important to attend the orientation programme. Abdul Kibuuka, a human resource practitioner, observes that orientation will help you meet key members of the organisation.
“By the end of the orientation, you should know where you fit into the company’s structure, and what parts you will play in helping to achieve the company’s objectives.
Just as you had a social support structure at college or university, you need a network of people who will help you with your work.
On the job
As a young professional, you will be required to set your own priorities. You should be aware of the goals of particular projects and the deadline for completion. Although it can be challenging, experts say your new job will provide you the opportunity to apply the skills you learnt at school.
Wrong decisions can be frustrating and costly to the organisation, so get feedback from your manager or supervisor on a regular basis.
Making the transition does not have to be stressful. It can be exciting and gratifying since, as a new employee, you would be making discoveries, trying out ideas and strategies, gaining experience and meeting people while aspiring to achieve your career goals.
If you have been bungee jumping, the adrenaline rush you get is similar to what happens as you journey from school to the world of work.
The transition from student life to work life is one of the most crucial changes in the life of an individual.
As a result, career counsellors and recruiting officers should plan beforehand to help prospective employees make the change. For the employee, his or her responsibility is to prepare for the job search, by writing curriculum vitae and cover letters, locating vacancies and attending interviews.
The first pay cheque
When you have finally landed the job, the expectations you have of yourself, your employer and your work will be tested, and some of your pre-conceived notions will vanish as reality sets in.
Your monthly income, for example, may seem like a lot of money, until living expenses begin to take their toll. Finance experts say you should prepare a budget and include a savings plan so as to manage your finances.
“You can always get help from your finance advisers,†says Charles Ocic, of Uganda Enterprise. “If your job requires you to relocate, you will need to research the cost of housing near your new job and factor this into your budget.â€
Also check with your organisation and find out if they give assistance with relocation. They could provide you with information regarding costing and suitable location and accommodation.
Orientation
To adjust to your work environment, it is important to attend the orientation programme. Abdul Kibuuka, a human resource practitioner, observes that orientation will help you meet key members of the organisation.
“By the end of the orientation, you should know where you fit into the company’s structure, and what parts you will play in helping to achieve the company’s objectives.
Just as you had a social support structure at college or university, you need a network of people who will help you with your work.
On the job
As a young professional, you will be required to set your own priorities. You should be aware of the goals of particular projects and the deadline for completion. Although it can be challenging, experts say your new job will provide you the opportunity to apply the skills you learnt at school.
Wrong decisions can be frustrating and costly to the organisation, so get feedback from your manager or supervisor on a regular basis.
Making the transition does not have to be stressful. It can be exciting and gratifying since, as a new employee, you would be making discoveries, trying out ideas and strategies, gaining experience and meeting people while aspiring to achieve your career goals.