The Unspoken Truth About Being a “Real Adult”
Getting a degree from a prestigious institution doesn’t guarantee success in the real world. I learned this the hard way. Despite being told that attending an East Coast Small Liberal Arts College would prepare me for the working world, I found myself struggling to navigate everyday concepts after graduation.
The Harsh Reality of Adulthood
After securing my first job and apartment, I was bombarded with unfamiliar terms that left me feeling embarrassed and clueless. My leasing agent had to explain the concept of “prorating” my rent, which is the process of dividing the monthly rent by the number of days in the month to determine the daily rate. It’s a simple yet essential concept that I should have learned in school.
Deciphering Health Insurance Jargon
Health insurance was another area where I struggled. I had to Google terms like “premium” (the monthly payment for health insurance) and “deductible” (the amount you pay out-of-pocket before insurance kicks in) for months before I understood them. It’s astonishing that these fundamental concepts weren’t taught in school.
Cracking the Code of Business Proposals
In my first paid internship, I was tasked with reviewing Requests for Proposals (RFPs) for an outside company. An RFP is a formal request for business proposals, outlining the requirements and expectations for the project. It’s a crucial process that many industries use, and I was surprised to learn that it wasn’t covered in school.
Unraveling the Mystery of RFQs
Before an RFP, there’s often a Request for Qualifications (RFQ), which is used to cast a wide net and identify potential candidates. This process helps narrow down the field to the most qualified applicants, who then submit RFPs. It’s a vital step in many industries, and I’m still surprised that I learned about it on the job.
The Art of Reflection: After-Action Reports
After executing a large event, my boss requested an After-Action Report, which is an analysis of the project’s successes and failures. I was taken aback by the term, but it’s a valuable tool for reflection and improvement. It made me wonder if industry-specific terms like this are used in other fields as well.
The Power of Industry-Specific Language
Mastering industry-specific words and phrases is key to entering a particular world. Whether it’s “plating” in the food blogging industry or “RFPs” in business, using these terms confidently signals that you’re part of the club. So, what words did you learn in your industry that you never learned in school? Share your stories in the comments!
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