Starting your career will be one of the major transitions in your life. It’s natural to wonder how you will fit in. You are probably concerned about moving to a job and environment where there are few people your age. Maybe you are thinking about how you will need to change.

Here are some challenges you are likely to face when you move to a new career.

• When you move on to your career, this will be the first time that you will be in an environment where there will be few people your age.
• In your new environment, you will be exposed to new experiences, many of which are beyond your previous interests.
• You will not be able to select your coworkers.
• You may be expected to conform to a dress standard and a work structure that is not what you desire.
• Your assignments are likely to look very different from what you were taught in school.
• The work load will be relentless. There will be no semester breaks. There will not be any time comparable to a final exam when you are done with work for a while.

How do you go about fitting in? Here are some strategies.

• Adopt the philosophy that the start of a new job is a new beginning for you. Don’t turn down any opportunity to expand your horizons.
• Put away your past habits of deciding who you like and don’t like. Develop the ability to get along with everyone you work with.
• Don’t waste your time fighting the conformance battle. Conform to the standards expected until you build your credentials and can set your own standards.
• Set goals for new experiences or for new people to meet.
• Involve yourself in extracurricular activities that enable you to make the transition easier.
• Work harder than anyone else. Build respect.
• Don’t whine or complain.
• Ask others for their counsel. Then let them know how you used their advice.

It doesn’t take you long to fit in to your new life as a college student. It shouldn’t take long to fit in on the job if you are conscientious about your effort.

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