Real-World Advice To College Graduates That You May Not Want To Hear
It’s graduation season, and this year’s class has faced unprecedented challenges due to the pandemic. Many of you have spent most of your college years learning over Zoom and missing out on the full college experience. However, these challenges have taught you valuable lessons about grit, resilience, and overcoming adversity, which will serve you well in your future pursuits.
As you embark on the job search, there are concerns about a possible recession and increasing costs. You may need to defer gratification and consider moving back home to save money. It’s not ideal, but it’s a learning experience, and you should have hope and imagination for building a better future.
When it comes to job searching, you’ll quickly discover that “entry-level” jobs require two or more years of experience, creating a Catch-22. Companies will offer internships, often unpaid, with the hope of transitioning to a full-time role if you exceed expectations. The job market is challenging, and you may feel frustrated with the hiring process. Businesses slow-walk the process in uncertain economies to avoid hiring someone only to let them go later.
Preparing for job interviews is crucial. Research the company, its mission statement, products and services, leadership team, and its stature within the sector. Take a peek at the LinkedIn profiles of those conducting the interview to get a feel for the people and engage in polite small talk at the start of the interview. Look for any red flags.
It’s essential to change your thinking as you enter the workforce. It’s not all about parties and big sporting events. Building a successful career is costly, and renting apartments in the big cities may be prohibitive. Living with roommates and deferring costs is vital to putting savings aside and investing in long-term wealth.
J.K. Rowling, a successful author, offers valuable advice in her commencement speech at Harvard University in 2008. She faced failure but viewed it as a learning experience. Let your failures be your teacher. Learn from them, and don’t be afraid to take risks.
Real-world advice to college graduates may not be what you want to hear, but it’s necessary to guide you on the journey to building a successful career. Embrace the challenges, stay resilient, and keep pushing forward.
Related Facts:
– According to a survey by the National Association of Colleges and Employers, only 65.8% of 2019 graduates who applied for a job received at least one employment offer.
– The Federal Reserve Bank aims to reach maximum employment and stable prices, but inflation has made it more difficult to achieve maximum employment.
– The pandemic has impacted the job market, resulting in job losses and hiring freezes.
Key Takeaway:
– Adversity and challenges may shape you into a critical thinker who is less afraid and more resilient.
– Prepare for interviews, research the company and interviewers, and be open-minded to unpaid internships as opportunities to gain experience.
– Changing your thinking and deferring gratification may enable you to afford a successful career and build long-term wealth.
In conclusion, college graduates may face tough challenges and tough choices, but these may be opportunities in disguise. Adapting to the changing job market and focusing on long-term goals, instead of temporary pleasures, may offer the satisfaction of building a fulfilling career and a brighter future.
