College grads,
I’m not the first person to tell you that your post-grad life is going to be different. Whether you like it or not, it’s a fact.
Say goodbye to classes, professors, and that sweet student discount at the movie theater — and hello to interviews, bosses, and freedom from dreaded homework.
The time you spend after graduation can be tough. A lot of things change and you’re going to have to adjust to a slew of new habits, expectations, and rules. It can be tricky if you’re not prepared.
To kick off our new series, “College to Career”, I will tackle time itself. Check out these four scheduling adjustments every college grad has to make:
Become a morning person
In college, you might have rocked a class schedule that didn’t start until noon. If that was the case, you probably could have slept until 11:30 a.m. and still had plenty of time to run to class.
Congratulations, you’re a morning person now. If you’re looking for a job, you now get to keep business hours. Starting at 9 a.m. (yes, nine!), you should be up and ready for a day of research, networking, and applications. The earlier in the day you send an application, the earlier a prospective employer has to determine whether or not you are worth hiring.
If you are gainfully employed, adjust your schedule accordingly. If your boss wants you in an 8:45am, you need to plan for that. Allow yourself some time to wake up between your alarm clock buzzing and clocking in for the day. If you spend the first hour of work guzzling coffee, you’re wasting company time.
Own an agenda
You probably had one in school, but an agenda is just as valuable post-graduation. Whether it’s on your phone or a small notebook in your pocket, you should be on top of your planned events at all times. If you were an employer trying to schedule an interview, nothing says “I’m not prepared” than an applicant who is pretty sure they can make it tomorrow at noon.
Be five minutes early
I had a boss who told me once that, “Five minutes is on time, on time is late, and late is unacceptable.” It’s true. While you might have scored an extension on your term paper back in school, your boss is going to want that assignment done yesterday.
So, set your clocks five minutes early, get assignments done a day before they’re due — whatever works for you.
Plan time off wisely
Employed or not, your sick days, vacation time, and weekends are subject to change. You might have been able to blow off a shift working at the student bookstore with no excuse, but your boss will notice when you’re not sitting at your desk. Depending on your employment situation, you might have any number of free days to take off.
Remember, an emergency could be around the corner, so keep some extra free days handy if you need to take a few.
What do you think? What other scheduling adjustments should new grads make for their new professional careers? How can they stay the same? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
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