Uni to Career: Making the Transition
Finishing your degree and starting a career is an exciting time.
Like all big life changes, there are challenges, hurdles and
adjustments that come with the adventure of moving from study
to the work force.
Settling in
Expect the first few weeks of your job to be
Tips for a brilliant career
exhausting. There will be a mass of information to
absorb: you will be introduced to new people, shown
 Use your communication skills effectively: ask
a new office, and given lots of details about the questions; listen attentively; be clear on what
organisation and your position. Naturally, your head
is expected of you; and don’t be afraid to say
can start to spin. It’s good to remember that feeling
when you are unclear about something.
overwhelmed is normal and will pass. Don’t expect
 Don’t gossip and be careful in your use of email.
to understand everything immediately – it will take
Treat all your colleagues with respect and
courtesy. Avoid behaviour that draws negative
time to put all the pieces of the jigsaw together. Try
attention, particularly at social events.
to remember people’s names, roles and positions
 Show commitment to your team and
and take notes as much as you can.
enthusiasm for team goals.
Most organisations have orientation events and
 Recognise and acknowledge the achievements
programs set up for incoming graduate recruits, so
of others.
make the most of what is on offer. In addition, you
 Mistakes are opportunities to learn and
should:
everyone makes them, so own up to them.
 Read induction information, procedural manuals,
 Get involved in extracurricular organisational
in-house magazines and annual reports
activities, such as staff sporting groups.
 Familiarise yourself with the organisation’s vision
and mission statements
 Only claim credit for your own work and don’t

expect or demand constant praise.
Observe experienced staff and try to learn from
them
 Say thank you. It is surprising how often people
 Ask questions of your supervisor and colleagues
forget this simple act, and yet it can make a real
difference in your working relationships.
The second phase
 Balance your own expectations against those of
After a few months you will have started to settle
your employer. By all means show initiative, but
into your position and workplace. Keeping an eye
first of all demonstrate that you can do what the
out for professional development (PD) opportunities employer expects of you.
is a habit you should adopt from the beginning
of your career. Discuss with your supervisor any
PD opportunities you think would be worthwhile:
you will need their permission and they will be
Remember...
impressed by your initiative. Networking beyond the
Life is full of transitions. Remember your first
organisation is also important as you become more
weeks at university? You succeeded in that
established in your role (see networking section in
transition so you will succeed with this one.
this publication).
Establishing a career can be an extremely
exciting and rewarding stage of your life, so
By Pauline Brown – Careers Consultant,
University of Melbourne.
enjoy!
GO for it! /19/
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