How to Grad & Beyond with Betul

A huge part of the transition from college or grad school to work life relies on our ability to adapt. It is a particularly challenging transition, since it is likely the first time we transition from a time when our schedule is handed to us through classes, when our projects are also likely handed to us, when our end goal is taught to us. Once we are out of college or grad school, we have to determine our own end goal, our own schedule and projects (depending on our work). This could create confusion or even withdrawal. How do we handle it in the best way?

One of the main ways to minimize hardship during this transition is to know what you are getting into. Let’s say you finished grad school and are starting to work in a corporate office. Research what it means to work in a corporate office: expectations, goals, visions, communication styles within teams and with higher-ups, corporate structure etc. The more you understand where you will be and what you will do, the more at ease you will feel.

The second way is to adapt your mindset about changes. School is predictable: you go to elementary school, then to middle school, then to high school, then to college, then to grad school. Work life is not as predictable, especially with the current job market. It is a must to accept that plans may not work out exactly as planned. That’s why it is important to leave room for changes whenever we make a plan. It could look like Plan A, Plan B, Plan C (i.e. if Plan A doesn’t work out, we try Plan B). It could also look like more flexible timelines for a single plan (i.e. Plan A in 3 years, Plan A in 5 years, Plan A in 10 years). This leaves you some room to breathe and lightens your burden.

Once you get a taste of work life after college or grad school, it will not be as scary anymore and you will likely even start liking the freedom that comes with it. But it is important to make sure that the process doesn’t take a tool on us and moves us further in the easiest way possible. That’s why everyone undergoing this transition needs some reflection on their situation and also some extra help.