Somto Bisina
In school, we are taught all the equations and numerals. But we are not informed about life after school, and the issues in-between.
Life after school is in no way similar to life on Campus; your first employment with long-term prospects requires adjusting to significant life changes.
School life is one of the most memorable and relaxing times in one’s life. Life after school requires a more practical approach.
There are common difficulties many people encounter when making the shift from the world of academia to the marketplace of work.
In the article, I would be discussing, 3 major challenges one might encounter in the workplace and how to navigate through them.
Working on your own vs working in a team
Many activities were done solo in school; you might have at one time or the other been paired or placed in groups for larger projects or assignments, but those experiences are in no way comparable to working with a team of older or younger colleagues. In school, even if you were tasked to work in groups, your final grade ultimately depended on you. In the work place, however, you work as a team, and you get judged or rewarded as a team. If one team player is not lifting their weight, it affects every other person in the team. How do you then successfully become a good team player?
Accountability: Effective team players are accountable to themselves and others. They take responsibility for their actions or mistakes and understand how their choices impact the team.
Positivity: A positive mental attitude keeps morale high. Teams value people who exude optimism.
Commitment: Successful team players believe in the group’s processes and team goals. They stand in solidarity with the rest of their members.
Mastering the above listed would make you a 10 out of 10 team player.
Having an unclear structure
In academia, the entire academic year is structured with your timetable, schedule, and the number of courses you need to bag your degree. However, in the workplace, schedules are sometimes affected by several factors; internal and external environmental factors. Flexibility and adaptability are two major qualities needed to survive the uncertainties of the work environment. Adapting to change is a critical part of a team’s success. Strong collaborators are willing to take on new challenges to support their peers and tweak deadlines for the greater good.
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Knowing your long-term career path
Another item to consider is your long-term path. When you study, you know what you’re committed to, such as a four or five-year degree. However, when you start working, you may not have the same pattern for your career. So there’s a good probability you won’t know where you’ll be in three years because there are so many variables to consider. Nobody has these things all figured out; we learn as we go, but having at least a guide as to what you envision for yourself is very important.
Once you go out of school, you will learn life after school is all about striking the perfect balance. Unlike your school life, you will now have to balance your work and life.
Finally, maintain a schedule with an adequate amount of recreational facilities. Give time to yourself and keep taking short breaks. There is no harm in hanging out with friends whenever you feel the pressure is too much.
