Besides being a life coach, I also have the pleasure of working with graduate students at a major research university. I get to watch these young adults grow and change, transforming right before my eyes. They go through just about as many transitions in their 2+ years in my program as those of us going through the chaos of mid-life.
Let me explain their transitions and share a few tips to help them go smoothly. No matter what stage you are in life, I think you’ll benefit from reviewing these action steps.
Transition from Student to Professional
Being a student is something they all know how to be. They know how to consume information and complete assignments to prove they understand it. But recognizing they are now an expert in their area of study is where the magic happens.
Action – Take inventory of your strengths, what you are good at, and who you like to interact with. Get specific. After this brainstorm, draft a paragraph or two about what you have to offer the world and then strike a Wonder Woman / Superman pose.
The realization of this transition tends to be where impostor syndrome rears its ugly head. Imposter syndrome is the idea that you’ve only succeeded due to luck, and not because of your talent or qualifications. Almost every adult I’ve talked to has experienced this type of fear.
Action – Make a list everything you’ve accomplished to date. Think holistically (academics, extracurricular activities, family and friends, etc.). Keep this list close for the “bad days”.
Transition from Subordinate to Partner
In the hierarchy of a project, students have been on the receiving end, doing as they are told. Now they get to be a part of the front end, the planning and preparation. The transition to a role of partner or equal takes confidence and a sense of self-worth. Not all students are lucky enough to have a faculty advisor who fosters an environment of growth, so this transition can be unnerving.
Action – Read Building Confidence and reflect on what you learn. Identify gaps and the resources you need to fill them.
We have all been taught the importance of communication. Transitioning into a role of partner or leader requires them to defend their point of view and stand up for themselves.
Action – Identify which form of communication is the weakest for you (speaking, writing, reading, illustrating, etc.). Find a mentor, coach, or resource that will help you hone your skills.
Transition from Preparing to Being
Let me use my students as an example here. They are studying the science of our greatest natural resource, water. They’ve been preparing to be a water scientist and soon they will be a water scientist. This transition is about the time frame in which they think and set goals. It’s about how to manage priorities long term instead of short. They’ve been thinking short term for so long – completing their degree – that they have rarely thought too far past that milestone. They’ve been paddling upstream, giving very little thought to what they’ll do when they reach the calmer waters of their destination (water pun, get it?).
Action – Complete a Wheel of Life exercise to set priorities and identify actions for areas that need your attention.
Transition are tough, no matter your age. Investing some time to break them down will always be time well spent. Be brave enough to adapt so you can thrive.
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