By Candice Zhang
Transitioning from university to the workplace can be daunting for new graduates but adopting the right strategies can ease the journey. Building professional connections, honing technical skills, maintaining humility and balancing personal well-being are key elements to achieving a smooth transition into Canada’s workforce.
According to a recent study by the International Labour Organization, the average transition time from school to the workplace is a little over 12 months. Along with long transition periods, another report from Forbes indicated that 40 per cent of recent graduates said their university education did not prepare them for the workforce.
No need to fret, The Eyeopener has you covered with some helpful tips and expert advice to ease the transition from classroom to cubicle. Here’s The Eye’s guide to being a young professional in corporate Canada.
1. Building your network
Often referred to as “networking,” Stanford University defines the term as building connections with individuals in a field or organization where you may want to work. Expanding your contacts and building professional relations is key to climbing the corporate ladder.
According to Matthew Sisto, a marketing coordinator at GN Group and graduate from the marketing management program at Toronto Metropolitan University (TMU), “The most important thing is to know your fellow coworkers.”
Sisto suggested attending work-specific events in your ideal industry to make valuable connections.
“Participating in networking events and luncheons is a great way for a new graduate starting a job to really get immersed in the company,” he said.
As a new employee, building social connections continues to be a vital aspect. However, according to experts familiar with professionalism in Canada’s corporate workforce, it’s also key to navigating the boundaries between being ‘sociable’ versus being unprofessional.
Richard Deklerk, an instructor of accounting at the Ted Rogers School of Management, said “In your first few months…you want to make a name for yourself, but do it in the right ways. You don’t want to be a class clown.”
Both Deklerk and Sisto emphasized the importance of making connections in a way that builds your reputation through professionalism and not inappropriate behaviour.
2. Taking a humble approach
Although being eager and willing to take initiative is an asset, Deklerk stated that being humble in your workplace is equally important.
New graduates should be aware that a ‘know-it-all’ attitude is not the answer.
“Let your work shine, [there’s] nothing wrong with taking credit or taking a compliment when it’s received,” said Deklerk. “But don’t go on about it for three days.”
Though showing effort and passion for a job is vital for success, Deklerk said that new graduates should not try to go way too overboard.
“Let your work shine, [there’s] nothing wrong with taking credit or taking a compliment when it’s received”
According to Indeed, “humble employees can be more open to working with other people, valuing the insights and contributions of others, rather than viewing your coworkers as competitors.”
“[New graduates] don’t necessarily have to be taking over the conversation in group meetings,” said Deklerk.
Anthony Chan, an accounting professor at TMU, also said new graduates should not over-exaggerate their own abilities or underestimate their colleagues as well.
“Never think that you are smarter than your colleagues, [or] than your supervisors,” said Chan.
He explained that when new graduates humble themselves, they stay true to themselves and work on developing their own skills.
3. Develop technical competencies
A basic yet effective technique, developing technical competencies to succeed in an entry-level position can help with an easier transition into full-time corporate employment. Things like basic data analysis, Google/Microsoft computer programs and even writing a memo, are all examples of useful technical skills many employers would find useful.
“At the end of the day, if you want to survive in the organization, you have to make contributions to the organization”
Employers continue to value technical skills, especially during the growth of Canada’s business and technology sectors. According to Statistics Canada, more than half of Canadian employers in 2021 reported that skills employees needed to improve on were mainly technical or job-specific skills.
In the business field, an example of a technical skill could be proficiency in Microsoft Office. According to research conducted by Brookfield Institute, Microsoft Excel skills can be more advantageous than coding, machine learning techniques and other advanced programming skills. Additionally, business students can also brush up on specific industry software.
According to Chan, having technical skills allows a new graduate to gain a competitive advantage and add value to the organization they work for.
“Some students may think that they can be successful by networking,” he said. “But at the end of the day, if you want to survive in the organization, you have to make contributions to the organization.”
4. Develop a healthy work-life balance
Lastly, it’s hard to do good work when you’re not functioning at your best. Working long hours on a set schedule can definitely be exhausting. Wayne Smith, a professor and director at the Institute for Hospitality and Tourism Research at TMU, emphasized the importance of mental health and support systems outside of work.
“It is good to seek a support system outside of work,” said Smith. “After work, maybe join an extracurricular or something just to socialize.”
Smith said strong support systems can boost mental health morale and lead to much better outcomes while creating a better work-life balance.
“It is good to seek a support system outside of work”
Other than mental wellness, Smith also highlighted the importance of having a balance between other aspects of life.
According to the Canadian Centre for Occupational Health and Safety, a poor work-life balance can result in occupational injuries, fatigue, burnout and poor mental health effects. Setting yourself on the right track mentally and financially while in university can go a long way.
“You need to also make sure you’re saving enough money, and you’re allocating enough time to yourself,” said Smith.
He also said in order to maintain a balance between personal and professional life, it is important to get into the habit as a student and set yourself up for a successful future.
“Start now,” said Smith. “Start saving up and creating a support system because after you graduate, many students will notice that it’s much harder to develop that kind of network.”
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