Rules For Making The Transition From The Classroom To The Workplace

August 1, 2000
University Park, Pa--The job market looks great for this year's college graduating class, but landing that first job is only half of the equation. Following a few simple workplace rules can help you make the transition from college classrooms to the workplace.

"Pay attention to the people in your workplace and what they do. Note how things get done and who does what," says Margaret Sebastianelli, director of the Student Services Center in Penn State's College of Health and Human Development.

Here are some basic rules that Sebastianelli recommends following in the workplace:

* Be on time or early for everything.

* Dress appropriately for your work place and group.

* Stick to business while at work.

* Keep your social life as separate as possible.

* Know your work priorities and follow them.

* Avoid the "nightowl" life so that you will be alert at work.

* Keep your boss informed and avoid springing surprises.

* Know and follow the chain of command.

* Pay attention; listen to people; be polite.

* Think about work outside of work; bring in ideas from home.

* Go above and beyond the call of duty when you can.

"You should realize that time is an even more important factor in today's business world than in college," says Sebastianelli. Penn State's College of Health and Human Developments hosts several career events throughout the year to prepare its students for the transition to the "real world." One event involves bringing back alumni to campus to share their ideas on topics such as networking, and balancing a career and family.

Be a team player, advises Sebastianelli. Getting along with others is always one of the highest qualities sought by employers, so one of the oldest of golden rules, "Do unto others as you would have done unto you," is a key to having a successful career, says Sebastianelli.

"Eliminate or limit personal calls from the office, unless your employer is reimbursed," says Sebastianelli. "Don't abuse privileges and don't use machines or e-mail for personal use. Respect your coworkers' privacy. Don't read others' faxes, e-mail or personal things."

Sebastianelli suggests volunteering at work by tackling the job nobody wants or by working the evening hours.

"Employers often tell me about how important it is to have dependable employees. Employees who will be there and do what they promise when they promise," says Sebstianelli. "My advice is to always take the challenge as long as you don't have to compromise your principles."

Introduce yourself immediately to the co-workers in your department, including the secretaries and other administrative assistants, says Sebastianelli.

"Take the initiative to introduce yourself to everyone you encounter. It helps you get off on the right foot with your colleagues. Be nice to secretaries and office assistants and treat them as professionals. They're the gatekeepers and they can be your best ally or worst enemy. Treat them with respect because you'll learn they deserve it and they help you accomplish your job."

EDITORS: If you need any additional information, you can reach Sebastianelli at or 814-865-2156 Steven Infanti, External Relations Coordinator, is at 814-863-4325.