One day you're walking proudly across the stage receiving your diploma. The next day you're walking meekly into a new office wondering when you suddenly became a grownup. The transition from college to work is startling. No longer can you make your schedule fit your social life — if you liked to stay up late, you didn't take an 8 o'clock class. Generally you can't tell your boss you like to party into the wee hours of the morning so you're going to need to start work at 11 a.m. everyday. The time you start work will be dictated by someone else. You will also have deadlines to meet and your work will be judged regularly. Along with these new responsibilities will come a regular income, paid vacation time and sick days and other fringe benefits.

Here's how to survive your first days at your first "real" job:

• From College Campus to Corporate Climate
• Your First Job: Making a Good Impression
• Starting a New Job