Catalyst Connects: Workplace Skills for Young Adults — Transitionability

By Jay Bergmann, Employment and Training Consultant 

Catalyst Connects: Workplace Skills for Young Adults sessions offer a vibrant space for Frederick County youth and young adults (ages 16-24) to connect with peers and gain essential professional skills. Each one-hour session focuses on a different topic from the Workplace Excellence curriculum, providing valuable insights and practical knowledge to support your professional journey. It is a great opportunity to come together with peers who are also starting to navigate the workforce.

The Workplace Excellence curriculum covers 10 topics designed to help young adults develop important workplace skills. Participants who attend all 10 Catalyst Connects sessions can earn a certificate of completion. This certificate, along with the skills learned through the program, can be added to a resume and help demonstrate your commitment to professional development.

Catalyst Connects rotates through all 10 Workplace Excellence topics before starting over, so no matter when you begin, you'll have the opportunity to complete every session, which is required to earn your certificate.

In this blog series you will get a brief overview of the 10 Workplace Excellence abilities. Let’s continue with Transitionability.

Transitionability is a worker's ability to balance their work and life responsibilities to create success for themselves and the companies they work for.

When a young adult first starts out in the workforce, especially a consistent 40 hour a week job, there are changes that take getting used to. Some include finding transportation to work, wearing specific work clothes, preparing their own meals, and more. In order to be able to transition effectively and positively, you may want to consider some of these tips.

Tip #1: Prepare for Success

Taking small steps the night before can improve the start to your workday. Make your lunch the night before and prepare breakfast if possible so you aren’t rushing in the morning. Pick out your clothes the night before so you know your uniform is clean! Map out your route and have alternatives if there is traffic or the bus isn’t running. Even if these things may be quick, less-than-5-minute tasks, think of all that time you can spend peacefully starting your morning out with a good breakfast and a slow start!

Tip # 2: Think Ahead

It has become common for employers to ask for a 90-day plan during an interview. This is an outline of what you would prioritize and focus on during your first 90 days on the job. This plan will vary depending on the job but some common ideas could be learning the culture, getting to know your team, or clarifying expectations about your role. You can also use this as a roadmap for yourself to keep on track and get integrated into your new office!

Tip # 3: Maintain Work-Life Balance

Starting a new job can be overwhelming and you may feel as if there is tons to learn with not much time during your 8 hour days. But that is what the next day is for — not your personal time after work. If you start out with a positive and beneficial work life balance it can help you maintain those practices even when work may get busy or more overwhelming. Finding your unique way to unwind after a long work day is crucial so that you can be focused at work and at home.

These tips can lead you into a positive and effective transition to the workforce!

If you want to learn more about transitionability and the other Workplace Excellence topics, come by Catalyst Connects Mondays at 3pm! No registration required.