How to Prep Your Part-Time College Student Hire for Full-Time Employment

Transitioning from part-time to full-time employment can be a challenge for employees. It is a huge adjustment, especially if they were balancing other life responsibilities. Full-time means more responsibility at work and higher expectations. As an employer, there are ways you can support part-time employees who are transitioning to full-time.

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Normalize the difficulty

The employee may feel alone in the struggle of transitioning and may be hard on themselves. Encourage them and remind them that the adjustment between part-time and full-time is difficult for everyone who goes through the transition. From more hours to a fear of failure, their pressures may be overwhelming. Pair them with other employees who went through the same transition and ended up being successful. This will give them peace of mind, knowing others have been through similar things and have been successful. Offer them support as they go through this transition period and remind them that they will adjust as they become more confident in their new position.

Set clear expectations

One crucial thing you can do for your employee is to be clear about what you expect of them. Their role has likely changed during their position from part-time to full-time. Communicating your expectations will help give them a guideline for their role moving forward. Not letting them know what you expect will leave them feeling nervous and fearful, unsure if they are maintaining the expectations you have. The expectations allow them a way to hold themselves accountable and perform to the standard they need to for their role.

Provide support

Throughout the transition process, check in with your employee to see how they are doing and to remind them that you are there to support them. Help them set goals and check in with them regularly to encourage them in their progress. Give constructive feedback as needed and give them learning opportunities related to their role. Surround them with employees who also made the transition from part-time to full-time. This will give them a support system of people who have gone through what they are going through and will help them feel less alone in the struggles they may be feeling.

Strengthen their skills

Give the employee specific skills to focus on instead of vague support and learning. Having something to focus on will help them have something to work for and be motivated towards. This can help “distract” them from their struggles as they get used to their full-time schedule and role. These skills can include time management, growth mindset, professionalism, and networking. The employee will be able to use these skills at your company and other companies in the future.

Work-life balance

While the employee may feel like they have to sacrifice a lot more of their time now that they are full-time, they still deserve to maintain a work-life balance. Offer flextime to allow them to set a schedule that works with their life and schedule, especially during the transition period. Encourage them to use any paid time off benefits you offer them to help them recharge and relax. If you model the expectation for a work-life balance, your employee will be more comfortable applying it to their own life and work.

Connect them to benefits

One of the biggest things about transitioning to full-time employment is the fact that your employee will likely be eligible for benefits. When they make the shift to full-time employment, have a meeting to discuss the benefits that are available and help them get enrolled in the ones they are interested in signing up for. This will help them be motivated to work, knowing they are working for more than just their paycheck.

Keep communication open

It is important that you keep communication open between yourself and the employee making the transition to full-time. Be open to any feedback the employee has about the process and be available to answer any questions they may have. Again, check in with them throughout the transition to make sure they are doing well and the transition is going smoothly. Do not assume that they will be the ones coming to you with issues; be willing to check in and see if there is anything you can assist with.

Celebrate contributions and achievements

Employees of all levels need to feel like their contributions are being recognized and celebrated. This is especially true when an employee takes on a full-time schedule and more responsibility. While it is important to provide constructive feedback, do not forget to also show your appreciation for the employee’s contributions. Take time to celebrate any goals that the employee accomplishes. Celebrating even small achievements will help them feel like they are transitioning well in the role and will give them confidence to keep going, even when things get tough.

Helping an employee transition from part-time to full-time can be difficult, but with your support and guidance, they can make the change confidently and successfully.