When I found out I had been offered a position on Kreischer Miller’s Talent Acquisition team, I was ecstatic. However, at the same time, a small wave of doubt slowly crept in. Am I prepared for this? Am I qualified? This is new and intimidating!
I graduated from West Chester University in May 2024 and joined Kreischer Miller the following September. Now, six months into my journey—from intern to full-time team member—I’ve gained some insights about the transition from being a full-time student to a working professional. While the shift has had its challenges, and it is still a work in progress, I have certainly learned a few key lessons that I hope will help others make a similar transition.
College to Career Transition Lesson #1: Accept That This is a Time for Growth
The workplace is different from the classroom, and I had to embrace the learning curve. I quickly realized that I wouldn’t always have the right answers or know the best course of action—and that’s okay.
Instead of feeling discouraged, I made it a priority to “be a sponge.” I asked plenty of questions, even if I felt they may be unimportant or “silly.” I actively listened during teachable moments. I worked on improving my skills while also recognizing and taking pride in the things I quickly excelled at.
Learning doesn’t stop after school, and even those far more experienced than me at Kreischer Miller continue to grow every day.
College to Career Transition Lesson #2: Build Relationships and Find Your People
Starting a new job, especially in an unfamiliar industry, can be daunting. I graduated with a Communication Studies degree from West Chester and was now taking a step into the world of public accounting. I was worried I would feel isolated from the rest of the team. However, I quickly learned a very important lesson: everyone is human.
I can easily say I have yet to meet a team member who has not been interested in my progress and career development. Find the people who are willing to encourage you; the people who want the best for you. Get to know these people. Ask about their lives, their family, their work. Seeking out mentors and engaging with your colleagues goes a long way in creating a sense of belonging. A simple “how are you” at the start of your day can make you feel more at home.
College to Career Transition Lesson #3: Understand Workplace Communication
Effective communication is essential in any professional setting. In college, casual conversations and unresponsiveness during group projects were the norm, but in the workplace, clear and professional communication is key.
Whether it’s writing emails, participating in meetings, keeping your Outlook calendar up to date, or asking for feedback, learning to communicate effectively can help you stand out and build strong relationships. Bring a notebook with you each time you enter a meeting, actively listen and jot down notes. You will be shocked at how quickly something can slip your mind. You’ll also be shocked at how impressive you’ll look when actively asking for feedback and seeking to become a better professional. This is something I try to work on each day.
College to Career Transition Lesson #4: Be Patient With Yourself
After my first two weeks at Kreischer Miller, I often found myself thinking, "Am I doing this right? Am I handling this well?" I had to remind myself to be patient. My routine wasn’t going to adjust overnight, and neither was my mindset.
Each day, I try to celebrate small wins—whether it’s forming a new connection, writing a well-crafted mass email, or successfully tackling a big task. With time, confidence and knowledge will grow.
Next Steps to Kickstarting Your Professional Path With Confidence
While this transition can be overwhelming at times, embracing the process, seeking support and guidance, and maintaining patience has been making all the difference. Now six months into my role, I am feeling more confident in my abilities and environment.
It’s important to remember that every professional alongside you was once in the same exact shoes. Stay curious and build connections with these people – they can teach you that there is so much to look forward to if you take the right steps.
Click here to learn more about team members’ experiences or visit our Careers page to learn more about careers at Kreischer Miller.