Quoted from The Straits Times 03/09/2008:

Worried about entering the working world? Here's your guide to moving smoothly from student to employee.

Be observant

• The first step to making a smooth transition into your new role is to observe how the people around you work and interact.
• Every organisation has its own unique culture and the workplace requires a different set of skills from the university or polytechnic.
• By taking the time to observe how others operate, you will have an understanding of how things work in your new environment and you will be able to make a great impression.

• Never underestimate the importance of building relationships and the positive impact this will have on your work situation.
• You will feel more comfortable asking difficult questions and getting advice from colleagues you have a comfortable relationship with and this will contribute to your success in your new role.

• As you learn more, ask for feedback from people around you, especially your manager. It is never too early to learn the skill of "managing upwards".
• Put simply, this means keeping a good flow of communication between you and your manager, asking for feedback and keeping him informed of your progress on tasks before he has to ask you.

• A classic mistake many new employees make is to work themselves into the ground, believing that this is the best way to impress their colleagues and supervisors.
• In reality, you will make a better impression by working smarter, rather than working harder.
• Resist the temptation to work from home or put in longer hours just to make an impression.
• By doing this, you will run the risk of raising your manager's expectations of what you can reasonably achieve.

• A great skill and an easy one to develop is to approach your manager with solutions rather than problems. When you need t go to your manager with a challenge you are facing, get into the habit of always having a solution in mind.
• By requesting their approval on a solution, you respect their authority and involve them in the decision, but you also make their job easier while showing your initiative.

• Another thing that will help you to get ahead is finding yourself a mentor. Consider what you are looking for in a mentor and then approach the person of your choice. This may be a little daunting, but your chosen person is likely to be flattered and unlikely to turn you down. Alternatively, you may find a mentor relationship which progresses quite naturally after you have been in your job for a while.
• A mentoring relationship is invaluable when you are starting your career. You will have an experienced sounding board to assist you with problems and celebrate your achievements.
• No matter how small the challenge, your mentor will usually have experienced something similar before, and will be familiar with the trials and tribulations you experience on a day-to-day basis.

• Don't put too much pressure on yourself. The transition from studies to a career is exciting and challenging, but everyone makes mistakes along the way.
• You don't need to be perfect to be successful, but you do need initiative, a willingness to learn and a desire to achieve.