Theory to Practice: The Transition from University to the Workplace

Scriptorium Team
Jul 8
5 min read

As an intern in the final stretch of my degree, I’ve had one foot in both the classroom and the workplace, and the transition between the two has been eye-opening, to say the least. University gave me foundational knowledge through its coursework, providing theory, terminology, and framework for communication, but my work experience at Scriptorium has shown me two things: how much I know about this field (without realizing it), and how much I still have to learn. But my work experience at Scriptorium has shown me how much I still have to learn, and how much I already know without realizing it.

A computer resting on a desk with stacks of books beside it.

Academic work hones research and analytical thinking through essays and projects, training us to analyze information, solve problems, and enforce time management by balancing multiple deadlines, an ability employers look for in new hires. Classroom work strengthens written communication; writing reports and composing presentations refines students’ abilities to structure messages clearly, which is important to at least 90% of employers [1].

Still, no matter how strong that academic foundation is, certain lessons only come with hands-on experience. Some things simply cannot be simulated in a classroom since no rubric or group project can fully capture the pace, pressure, and unpredictability of real work experience.

Real Workplace Experience

Certain skills only sharpen with real workplace experience. The complexities of workplace culture, the nuances of hierarchy, and company norms are areas that classes can’t fully replicate. As an intern, I have carefully observed how real meetings work, who the key decision-makers are, and how to communicate with my coworkers. Real-time problem-solving under pressure is another thing: in school, deadlines are weeks away, and stakes are grades; in a job, urgent deadlines and unexpected internal or external conflict require fast, on-your-feet decision-making where the stakes are higher than grades.

Workplace communication also evolves beyond textbook rules. University taught me tone and structure, but writing a professional email or rewording a tricky requires a finesse that can only come from practice. Learning the right tone, when to be formal or casual, and how to de-escalate conflicts via email, chat, or in person are lessons students can only pick up through work experience.

Ambiguity is another workplace reality. Early-career workers “may not know . . . to speak up in meetings, collaborate with people in charge, or ask for what they need,” according to Harvard Business Review [2]. University projects have rubrics and detailed instructions, but workplace projects may lack clear instructions or a change of scope. As new professionals, we must learn to recognize when something needs further clarification and how to formulate questions for this clarification. We need to discover how to seek guidance and on-the-job mentoring, which takes time and courage.

Where The Two Worlds Connect

This blend from theory to practice is something every student eventually faces, and I have found that the overlap is more powerful than I expected. Universities and workplaces are increasingly connected through experiential learning, so internships and co-ops serve as direct bridges between theory and hands-on practice. NACE reports that over 70% of companies plan to increase or maintain intern hiring [3], highlighting the value of these early experiences in a new graduate’s career.

Team projects and collaboration in courses simulate workplace teamwork dynamics to give a taste of shared accountability and the nature of collaborative problem-solving we face at the workplace. Harvard Business Review editor Amy Gallo recalls becoming adept at “moving work forward” in group projects as an undergrad[2], and I relate to that. All of the university experiences we face cultivate essential competencies, such as communication, critical thinking, teamwork, and professionalism, guiding us to succeed in our careers.

Work experiences also develop essential soft skills. Working on a real team has taught me the importance of accountability, communication, and leadership in a way that classroom role play cannot replicate, as I now work with real colleagues and clients, not just classmates. This setting has allowed me to become more responsible for outcomes and has pushed me to perform at a higher level, as handing in a final paper differs from delivering a work presentation, collaborating with client projects, or crafting communication strategies the company will use.

Personal Growth During the Transition

Moving from student to professional is also a personal journey. This experience is more than a shift of routine and responsibilities; it’s a shift in identity. As a soon-to-be graduate, I’ve started to see myself less as a student and more as a colleague, which is both exciting and intimidating. This change can shake confidence, and I know I am not the only one, as up to 82% of new hires experience impostor syndrome as they adjust [4].

A group of graduates sitting with their hats facing the camera with the quote, "I have learned that becoming a professional is not a sudden switch you flip after graduation; it is beginning a different type of learning. The solid base of classroom theory and my professional practice has shaped not just the work I do, but the professional I want to be and the kind of learner I want to remain." - Maria

It takes time to get used to a new setting, and for some, the process might not always be linear. The struggle with self-doubt when given more responsibility for projects is a real thing. However, it is through those experiences that we start to build a professional voice and confidence in our work and abilities. It is that push out of our comfort zones that makes personal and professional growth happen. And while that growth often feels personal, it reflects a collective experience: the end of the student experience and the beginning of a professional career.

Stepping into the workplace becomes much smoother when academic knowledge is reinforced by real-world experience. The research, writing, and critical thinking skills I’ve been developing at university have given me a strong foundation. Still, it is the real projects, deadlines, and feedback from industry professionals that make these skills come to life. My time at Scriptorium has helped me see and be confident in my own capabilities while showing me I still have room to grow. I have learned that becoming a professional is not a sudden switch you flip after graduation; it is beginning a different type of learning. The solid base of classroom theory and my professional practice has shaped not just the work I do, but the professional I want to be and the kind of learner I want to remain.

Scriptorium offers intern positions to help guide the next generation of professional communicators. Interested in learning our process? Contact us!

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