You graduated from school, and you are on the job. It wasn’t easy to get there, but all the time and effort devoted to your studies has finally paid off. Now what?
Whether you’re a student dreaming about that day you get to kickstart your career or a graduate already settling into a new role, one of the most important things to remember is that you are not done learning.
The healthcare industry, like school, is demanding on a person’s skills, intellect, and emotions. Likewise, it can also be rewarding for what you get out of it or learn from it. As a pending or current UMA graduate, we want you to be resilient on the job in the face of change and adversity.
Here are six strategies to keep in mind that might already be familiar to you:
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Learn What You Don’t Know
When you begin your education and career training, you don’t know it all right off the bat. Similarly, when you start a new job, you should always have your eyes and ears open. Your employer will most likely give you an orientation, but it is nearly impossible to convey every nuance of your position and the company. Pay careful attention at meetings and if someone talks about something you are not familiar with, ask questions and seek resources. There is much self-study you will need to do about your organization, as well as your role within it, to gain solid footing.
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Be a Risk Taker
To get to this point, you’ve already dealt with your share of risks. Going back to school, learning about a new field, putting yourself out there to potential employers. These can be difficult milestones to pass. So, when you start a new job, don’t be afraid to take more risks. Ask your supervisor to allow you to attempt tasks that are interesting to you, or that could present a good challenge for skills growth. This will inform your boss that you want to learn and do more while allowing you to build knowledge that can make you a valuable employee.
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Manage Change
Going to school likely presented a major change in your day-to-day life. Perhaps there were ups and downs, or maybe the routine of studying and completing coursework grew tiring. Work can be similar. The two hardest things to handle on the job are no change in the tasks you have been doing for some time, or conversely, a major change to your role. This is where resilience comes in, and it is perhaps the most valuable concept you will need to teach yourself. During times of change or lack thereof, staying positive and over-communicating in a constructive manner with your supervisor is critical. If you like your job, but want some different things to do, keep your boss informed so that they can give you a chance when opportunities arise. If you experienced a drastic change to your position, schedule frequent check-ins with your supervisor to level set new expectations and to allow you to seek resources, and support.
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Use Self Preservation Techniques
Do what you need to do to always show positivity and optimism on the job. School likely wasn’t always a cake walk. Especially if you were taking classes from home, balancing both responsibility and mental health by setting boundaries. Take breaks at work when you can, enjoy a walk at lunch, eat foods that make you feel good, get more sleep, or find a hobby to take your mind off work. Frankly, it’s not your employer’s responsibility to make sure you feel happy on the job. That is entirely up to you.
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Have a Plan
What is the worst thing you can picture happening to you on the job, and how would you react? For example, if you work with spreadsheets or large data files, can you imagine losing all the information you so carefully gathered? A true nightmare. However, if you can game plan what you might do in this scenario, you can be better prepared for it. Being organized with your tasks and knowing who to contact for immediate help with workplace emergencies can also give you a sense of security. Perhaps you’ve experienced this while in school. Trouble submitting an assignment on deadline? Technical issues preventing you from getting work done? Think about how you planned your way through those situations.
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Assign a Personal Board of Directors
It will depend on the situation, but what frustrates you about your job may not be something to discuss with your employer. This is when you would want to speak in confidence to your personal board of directors. These are folks you can go to outside of the job for perspective and advice. They can be family members or friends who you can trust to give good advice on how to morph your work concerns into appropriate actions to take. This might be the same support network you turned to whenever you faced an obstacle in your schooling.
Though starting a new job may seem daunting, it’s not uncharted territory for you. Think about what it took to get to where you are. Whether you’re a current student or graduated and entering the workforce. Remind yourself of the obstacles you’ve faced and what you did to get past them. You’ll often find that those same strategies, and the ones mentioned above, can help you pass yet another major milestone — starting your career.
UMA Support
UMA knows that many students juggle work and family life while going to school. That’s why we have a built-in support system. Our Learner Services Advisors are here for you. Call 888-216-0544. We encourage you to reach out with questions and concerns.
UMA Cares
UMA Cares handles important student issues that may need to be addressed with special attention. UMA Cares takes all inquiries seriously and responds in a timely manner. Visit UltimateMedical.edu/uma-cares/ to make your voice heard.
UMA Wellness Center
Stay tuned to the UMA Wellness Center for new blog posts! Wellness is incredibly important to your studies and your overall health. UMA is committed to providing you and your household with access to wellness resources. You and your household can use these resources to work toward your health and wellbeing!
UMA does not endorse any vendors, products, or services presented in the UMA Wellness Blog Series, and UMA bears no responsibility in any capacity as it relates to such vendors, products, or services. The information on wellness or related services is not intended or implied to be a substitute for professional financial advice. Please contact the vendor or service provider for answers to questions regarding its content, products, or services.