How do you make the transition from study to work a success?
It's not always easy: the transition from student life to working life. This transition is no longer as straightforward as it once was. So, how do you turn the first steps in your career into a resounding success?
When you start your first “grown-up” job, you often run into challenges. The transition from study to work can sometimes be a major one. For some it runs smoothly, for others it is a difficult learning process. There are many factors that play a role in the success of that transition: ‘These can be related to you as a person as well as to the employers and the market at that time’, says Rowena Blokker, PhD candidate at VU Amsterdam. She conducts research into this transition and knows how complicated it can sometimes be. Nevertheless, there are a number of things that can help you to make the transition from study to work as successful as possible.
Change The transition from study to work has become a bit more complicated in recent decades. ‘Careers have become much more dynamic. Before you would finish your studies and look for a job for the rest of your life’, says Rowena. You climbed a hierarchical career ladder – the higher the better. That's not the case these days. ‘Not only is the labour market more dynamic, but what people want has also changed. We don't just live to work anymore, but we work to live.’
There are more and more paths possible that you can take during your career. After your studies, you can, for example, take a gap year, do an internship, or continue studying later in your career. ‘On the one hand, a luxury of course; on the other hand, the norm is gone, and you can experience stress from too many choices. You have to be more aware of what you want and what you can do.’ For someone with a clear plan, it’s not so bad. But if you don't yet know what you want, it can be overwhelming. ‘Often people will try something out first and then can end up on a more difficult path where they might get a job that doesn't quite fit.’
Good start ‘If you choose a job that’s below your level, it can then be challenging to find one that does suit your level,’ says Rowena. A good start can therefore be hugely decisive in some cases. ‘The beginning of your career can set the tone for what comes later. It is important that you start along one of the more successful paths for you.’
Even if you don’t yet completely know your way just yet, how can you begin as strongly as possible? ‘You can develop yourself on many fronts,’ according to Rowena. You can't do anything about some factors, such as the place you were born or certain character traits, for example. But you can do something about certain competencies or behaviors, such as how you show what you have to offer. ‘Be aware of that. The better you develop these so-called career-oriented competencies, such as networking and self-profiling, the greater your chance of success.’
'We don't just live to work anymore, but we work to live'
Choose your own path Be aware of who you are and of the situation you are in. And, Rowena says, ‘think carefully about what you as a person find important. What success means for you isn’t necessarily success to someone else. Nowadays, success is no longer just about making a lot of money.’ Taking a step back, for example, can be a very significant thing to do at some point in your career. ‘A one size fits all career no longer exists.’
Rowena: ‘Starting from who you are also helps you to distinguish yourself better. Of course, it is important to get good grades, but nowadays companies look much more often at how you come across and whether you are employable now and in the future. You are only really indispensable for an organisation if your skills can be used in multiple positions.’ Jobs are changing rapidly, so job-specific knowledge alone is not enough, according to Rowena. ‘You are in control of your career. With a clear vision for the future, a flexible attitude and perseverance, you will find your way much better in the labour market.’
Networking The transition from study to work is also a transition to adulthood. ‘Everything comes together: breaking away from your parents, creating financial independence and perhaps starting a family. A period that involves pressure and uncertainty,’ says Rowena. ‘Remember, there are a lot of people out there who don't tell you what goes wrong. Build a network around you with people who are honest.’
In this way you create realistic expectations for yourself. ‘And with a realistic view comes setback – prepare for it. So-called career shocks, such as a quick promotion or unexpected dismissal, can happen to anyone. You can do your best, but some things may just happen to you. It is important to increase your resilience – for example by talking to the people around you and by seeking advice.’
Moreover, a good network can be useful at any time in your career in finding suitable work. And you can build that network early on. ‘For example, take a look at LinkedIn: where do people who have graduated in your field end up?’ Or, Rowena suggests researching the organisations you come across in different job postings. ‘Look at who works there – who knows if maybe there’s someone who’d like to have a cup of coffee with you.’ You're not only putting yourself on the map, but you're also retrieving useful information. ‘Who knows, maybe a job will become available and if you’re suitable for it, then you already have an advantage!’
