From the lecture hall to the office: 5 surprising things that await you in everyday working life

Starting your career feels like a leap into a new world. Many things are different from what you know from your studies. Some rules become more important, some habits suddenly no longer help you. And a few things surprise you in a way that no seminar has taught you.

Small talk is suddenly important

At university, you often get through without talking much to others. Not at work. A quick chat in the kitchen, a casual remark in a meeting or a genuine ‘How are you?’ - it all seems small, but it makes a big difference. Small talk is not a waste of time. It is the beginning of trust. And trust is the basis for collaboration. Talking openly opens doors - even without a title.

Soft skills are not soft

At university, what you know usually counts. At work, it's often how you approach people that counts first. A brief exchange in the coffee kitchen, a small comment before a meeting or a genuine ‘How are things going with you?’ - it all seems unimportant, but it makes a big difference.

Small talk opens doors, even if it's not about big issues. It creates closeness without pressure. If you talk openly without immediately wanting a lot, you show interest. And interest leads to trust. Relationships are not only created through projects or performance. They grow through small encounters - day after day.

Performance is not always visible

In university, you get immediate feedback: a grade, a comment, a score in the system. It's different on the job. You can achieve a lot, be very present, take on big tasks - and yet you often hear little about it. No quick rewards. No pats on the back.

That doesn't mean that your work doesn't matter. On the contrary. Good performance is shown by the fact that things are running smoothly, projects are growing and colleagues can count on you. In everyday working life, long-term trust counts more than short-term praise. It is important that you can see for yourself what you are achieving - and that you can talk about it when you need to.

Relationships count - for real now

Vitamin B sounds like a cliché. But in everyday working life, it's often relationships that open doors. Not because someone favours you. But because trust is built. People who know you prefer to work with you. In other words: be open. Ask questions. Network with others. Not for the sake of it, but out of genuine interest. People notice whether you want something - or whether you are there.

You don't have to be able to do everything - but want to

Nobody expects you to understand everything straight away or to be able to do it perfectly. But it is immediately noticeable whether you are willing to learn. Curiosity, openness and the courage to ask questions often count more than ready-made knowledge.

At university, you are often trained to provide the right answers. On the job, it's about finding new ways, looking for solutions, accepting mistakes and sticking with it. If you signalise: ‘I want to learn’, you will be taken seriously. Those who pretend to know everything are often left out. Attitude beats knowledge. Always.

Conclusion

The step from the lecture hallto the office is not a leap into the unknown. It's a path you can take - at your own pace, in your own way. What you learnt during your studies - sticking with it, thinking for yourself, keeping an open mind - will help you more than you might think.

It's not about getting off to a perfect start. It's about getting involved. To grow. And realising it: You are ready. Even if it doesn't feel like it at first.