“May your adventures bring you closer together, even as they take you far away from home.” ― Trenton Lee Stewart
Transitioning from college to the real world doesn’t have to be as hard as you think. The trick they say is to love what you do and love who you do it with. Therefore, here are a few points you should think about and look for before entering a new work environment.
Mission Statement: Before interviewing at any company, make sure to throughly look over their mission statement. This is where you know exactly what the company is about, believes in and feels as a whole. If you do not agree with this statement, there is a huge chance you are about to butt heads with a lot of individuals.
Attitude: When interviewing, it is important to vibe off of one another and create a positive attitude that would transcend into a work environment. If you are not meshing well with the individuals interviewing you, you may develop a bad perception about the company culture as a whole. However, first impressions go far, but should not completely deter you from taking a position if you love it. You never will know what awaits for you when you take the rest of the company into account and experience it first hand.
Friendliness: Interviews are never fun, so lets imagine it as you simply talking to a new friend or acquaintance. The friendliness you perceive from the individual you are speaking with in an interview can almost always give you a glimpse into what the other employees are like. Caring and smiling faces are too hard to pass up, so come equipped with one!
Enthusiasm: When you come into a team, bring your collaborative spirit out. Team work is always the best work and no idea is prominent over others. The more comfortable you are with your coworkers the more ideas can flow, progress and be transformed into amazing things. It is exciting to think about all of the wonderful friendships you will create and succeeding together is even better!
Erin C. Anderson 