Congrats! You’ve just graduated college and now it’s time to begin your career as a young professional. Only one problem — everyone only focus on the fact that you’re young and not on the fact that you’re a professional.
It’s time to change that.
You want to be taken seriously in your career and have every opportunity available to you, so acting like a mature professional is essential if you want to be considered as such.
It’s more than just acting the part, however, you actually have to be professional. That is a little more difficult, but it’s still doable. It’s all up to you.
Here are a few things you can change about your life that will result in you growing up, becoming more mature, and being taken seriously as a working professional.
Appearance
You don’t have to throw them away (although you probably should), but wearing your “Got Beer” T-Shirt to work just isn’t a good idea anymore. You need to actually look the part of a professional and that may require changing your wardrobe a bit. Use whatever graduation money you have left to purchase a quality tailored suit. Every young professional should have at least one suit, and as you make more money you’ll be able to acquire more. Along with a nice suit, your every day attire should be more professional as well. Even when you’re not at work, dressing more mature will allow you to look, act, and actually feel like a professional. Wear dress shirts, polos, does shoes, nice pants, a watch, and anything else that will make you look and feel good. No more ripped T-Shirt and shorts.
Where You Live
Renting apartments in a frat party area is a bad idea if you’re trying to put that part of your life behind you. Renting apartments in a mature part of town, however, is a great idea. You’ll be able to find affordable apartments for rent in an area where other working professionals are trying to improve their lives and not just party. It’s not just about where you live, too, it’s about how you live. Get rid of all your immature stuff, buy some dishes, and actually clean up after yourself. Renting apartments should be looked at as a privilege and something you should take seriously. Plus, you’re not going to impress any potential partners if your place is a mess and you’re living like a child.
Productivity
This one is key. Changing the way you look at productivity is extremely important for any young professional who is trying to get ahead in their career. Looking at productive tasks as chores will make you not want to do them. Treating them like exciting opportunities, however, will motivate you to get them done. Rather than playing Xbox until 4a.m. every night, get a good night’s sleep, eat right, work hard, stay positive, and start a productive side project. It can even be something that you love, but don’t just let yourself fall back into your lazy habits. Stay productive and change your life for the better.