Trust me, you won't notice much of a difference. For one thing, you'll be too wrapped up in the excitement and challenge of starting a new career to notice that spring break has passed by. In addition, unlike school, there is no more work to do after hours-no cramming for finals, no all-nighters-once you get home, you can concentrate on your personal interests.

However, the question inevitably arises, how should I use my vacation and personal days…and what's the difference between the two? It can be confusing. In fact, KPMG has done away with the distinction between vacation, personal and even sick days, instead granting employees a "time bank" of days.

The vast majority of companies still maintain the vacation/personal/sick day system. The purpose of sick days are quite obvious, they are to be used when you are sick. However, most companies grant only a finite number of days-if you have a more serious illness, you may have to start using your personal days, take an unpaid leave or go on disability, if you have that insurance coverage.

The distinction between personal and vacation days is a more clouded one. The concept behind personal days is that they be used to resolve personal conflicts/situations that may arise. For example, you might have to pick-up your mother from the airport, or go to a doctor's appointment.

Although it is best to save your personal days for when you unexpectedly need them, it is perfectly acceptable to use them for whatever you desire--there is no "taboo" way to spend your personal day. You might take a personal day in the summer to go to the zoo, or take in a ballgame.

Vacation days, on the other hand, are used by most people to take an extended break from work. Of course, you'll be expected to plan your vacation between busy times and large projects. But taking a longer stretch of vacation allows you to relax, take your mind away from work, and come back refreshed and ready to get back, and usually in a more creative and effective mindset.

Employers grant vacation, personal and sick days not as a gift, but as a bottom line concern. Employees who are permitted time to recuperate and relax are ultimately more effective. Vacation time is an important, though scarce, resource--using it wisely will help you be a more focused and productive employee.