When you graduate college, you aren’t just leaving the university behind. Any media classes or clubs that had a certain way of doing things are now gone as well. When you go into the workforce, some things may be the same, but at least a few things you are used to are bound to change. How equipment is handled, what programs are being used, and even how cords are wrapped at the end of a work day may be different in your new job. You have your experience, but there are some things you will have to relearn.
This can be frustrating for people newly removed from college. They spent years being told one thing by professors, to now be told something different can get under your skin quickly. You’re going from the top of the food chain as a senior in the clubs and classes you were part of. Now you are little fish in a bigger pond and you have to respect the chain of command. You have to realize the people in charge of you could maybe be wrong, but it isn’t your place to tell them.
Remember this isn’t your first time as the little fish in a big pond. You went from high school to college. You were the freshman at the bottom of the food chain at one point. This is kind of different, but even though it is a larger transition, you have still been here before. It is easier to accept change when you think about all of the changes you have already gone through. You learned how to do things the way professors and club leaders wanted during college. You are more prepared now than before to learn the policies and practices of the company now employing you.
If your company wants you to do something in a way you’re not used to, try it their way. Chances are if they do it a certain way, there’s probably a good reason. If you try the other way for a while, and just can’t adjust, talk to your peers or a supervisor. See if it would be okay to use the methods you’re used to. If you truly believe your way will work better for you, it can’t hurt to ask. If they want you to continue to do it their way, you’re going to have to suck it up and learn. Arguing over company policy with your superiors usually isn’t the best hill to die on.
You’re the little fish again, but that’s okay. You’ve adjusted before and will adjust again. Hopefully, there are parts of your new job that you can smoothly transition into. I always wish the best to anyone who takes the time to read my blog posts. If you’ve already made your transition to post-college life, how have you made the best of your new situation?
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