What's next, graduates? 7 tips for making the grade in the workplace

Thousands of our boys and girls effectively became adults in recent days and weeks as they graduated from high school.

On Saturday, 1,327 graduated with various degrees from Southeast Missouri State University.

For all of these young men and women, life is about to change, and dramatically so.

With graduation comes a reason to celebrate. It's taken a lot of work and sacrifice to reach this point. This milestone was reached after much studying and focus. Graduation is the culmination of long days and nights, juggling priorities and making sacrifices.

It's natural and completely healthy to look back, to remember the good times and celebrate the sacrifice. But what lies ahead, graduates?

For those entering the workforce, it's an exciting new beginning. Many of you graduates have already held down jobs, worked internships and feel prepared to go it alone. But for most of you there will be struggles ahead. The first job probably won't set you up for the rest of your life. Your education has not ended; it has only begun.

Some of you have spent 17 years or more earning a degree. Most of you understand that a degree is a good way to get a foot in the door. A degree is the acknowledgment that you stayed the course and put in the work.

But employers want more than a degree. So when you do get that first job -- that entry-level position that doesn't pay well -- here's what employers want to see as they think about giving you a promotion, more responsibilities and perhaps a bigger paycheck:

Initiative: Do you look for ways to help and improve, even though it may not be part of your job responsibilities?

Work ethic: Are you willing to show up early and stay late? Or are you racing for the time clock, dragging yourself in just before you absolutely have to be there?

Creativity: Can you find new and more efficient ways to solve problems at your workplace? Is there a better way to do something? Don't be afraid to share your ideas.

Communication: Be respectful. Be nice. Be honest.

Coachability: Can you take constructive criticism without taking offense, and can you apply that to your work? Can you learn lessons from your mistakes and move on?

Attitude: Wherever you work, you become part of the culture. What part will you play? When you hear negativity, will you respond with more negativity, or will you remain upbeat? Will you be the person who people look to for encouragement or the person people look to when they want to spread gossip and bitterness? Are you willing to understand that there is no such thing as a perfect workplace? There are many, many things you can do to improve your work culture. Smiling and keeping a sense of humor is a good place to start. But offering a kind word to a co-worker or acknowledging a job well done can develop trust with co-workers and superiors.

Attention to detail: Typically entry-level positions entail doing task-driven jobs. Keep in mind that it's important to master certain aspects of the job before you can move up the ladder. Focus. Immerse yourself. Pay attention to the details. Don't strive to meet expectations. Exceed them. Do all the little things. They amount to big things.

Enjoy the work: Your days of cramming for tests are over. You can't wait to start a job or a career. We don't blame you. It's time to start your real life. But work life is not an easy path, either. Like college, work can be fun and hugely rewarding, and you will make lifelong friends. Just understand, work is a process, and it will take a while to get where you want to be. That's OK. That's the way it's supposed to be.

Congratulations on earning your degree.

And good luck in finding the job and career that will bring you satisfaction and many opportunities.