Academic life is a period of gaining knowledge, developing skills and refining ourselves. It is a phase where we start discovering ourselves. We apply what we learn during our academic life once we enter the workplace.
Every individual’s workplace experience differs. Some of us may find the workplace welcoming and some of us may not. Does this question our ability? The answer is no. In fact, it’s completely alright to feel that we don’t belong to a particular workplace.
Here, the real challenge lies in how we face this feeling, overcome the obstacles coming our way and emerge out be better versions of ourselves by putting our heart and soul into our work .
Common challenges faced on entering workplace after academics are as follow s:
· Disorientation due to shift in identity from student to profession al.
· Feedbacks are constant in workplaces as opposing to grades during academ ics.
· Unavailability of guidance when ne eded.
· Pressures due to work-life ba lance.
· Difficulties in adjusting to new norms of the wor kplace.
Ways to overcome these cha llenges:
· Gain exposure during academics through internships, fellowships and assist antships.
· Seek guidance via alumn i network.
· Gain skills in communication, presentations, time-management, Microsoft Office and others.
· Seek feedbacks from professors throughout.
Overall, challenges are a part of every journey and we must try to grow ourselves up by learning from those challenges.
MBH/PS