College is a time of discovery and enlightenment. It is when people blossom into their best selves and some form lifelong friendships. Sometimes, college life can become too sheltered and idyllic. Students are free from the stress of adult life, with the sole focus on education.
Therefore, graduation is a bittersweet moment. Not only do learners leave the cocoon of their parents, but they have to face adult problems as soon as they graduate. The long term goal of a college education is to get a good job. But adjusting to the role of a fully functional adult is challenging. College graduates have to form healthy personal relationships, manage their careers, and keep growing as a person. And every graduate must overcome these challenges to become successful. The best policy is to remain open to change and take everything as it comes.
But, what are the most common challenges in the life of a college graduate? And who can help them overcome these issues?
Who can help college graduates?
Before we talk about the pressing problems of post-college life, let’s talk about who can help us overcome them. Fortunately, you do not have to brave these problems alone. College counselors are the go-to resource for students to talk about their future. Some counselors help learners with their mental health, while others help navigate the complexities of adult life. As a side note; Is this something you are interested in? If yes, then research how to become a college counselor.
What are the most common challenges for college students in their career?
1. The pressure to find the “right” job:
Nowadays, there is a lot of focus on getting things “right.” Therefore, students spend most of their time searching for the right career and lose some stellar opportunities. There is no singular path for anyone since notions about the conventional career are ever-evolving.
First of all, happiness depends on many distinctive factors. As everyone has different priorities, different things make people happy. You might want a better paying job or prefer to work in a flexible work environment. The only way to find out what suits you best is by trying different options.
It is advisable to keep your path open and do anything that catches your fancy. Sooner or later, you will find the position that works for you.
2. The scarcity of jobs:
Sadly, there are not many job options nowadays. And there is fierce competition for every other position. Often, companies have a large pool of applicants for high paying positions. Therefore, graduates suffer during the lean periods. In such an environment, it is a mistake to rely solely upon your diploma. It is why you should look for internships to gain valuable work experience. A mix of the right degree, the right skills, and the right attitude is the antidote.
3. Do not rely on recruiting:
The thing is, recruiting is something of faulty science. Many people leave their fate to the recruitment agencies without thinking about anything else. Furthermore, most people believe that going to a state school places them at a disadvantage compared to other applicants. But, that is not true. Not all firms place intrinsic value on prestigious colleges. Indeed, most look for employers from a broad sample to improve cross-college disparity. Focus on honing your skills instead of stressing about unnecessary things.
4. Working yourself to death:
As a society, we place a lot of value on hard work. While working hard is necessary for success, too much work can become mentally demanding. Often students find themselves turning into workhorses due to the unrealistic expectations of the employers. Therefore, it is vital to say no to things once in a while. Paying your dues is necessary for promotions, but there should be a healthy work-life balance. The best thing is that this makes for happy and productive employers. So, remember to say no when everything becomes too much for you.
5. Do not expect things to go your way all the time:
Most of the graduates have a warped sense of the job market. They think a job is all about taking two-hour-long lunches and playing pranks on their colleagues. So they get an unexpected shock when they face the drudgery of everyday life. Furthermore, there are times when work will be horrible. It is best to try to take these days in stride and believe in yourself. Keep in mind that mistakes are proof that you are trying to succeed.
6. Some other things to keep in mind:
Networking is vital for the real world. Thinking that hard work and a can-do attitude both are enough to get you a great job is naive. What you know matters as much as who you know in practical life. Therefore, students should build relationships with industry experts to enhance their navigation efforts. Furthermore, practice makes perfect. So, go for every job interview you get to polish your interviewing skills.
Conclusion:
The job sector is evolving. People need to wear different hats at work, from managing teammates to providing feasible solutions. Therefore, the ideal candidate is someone who has a broad skill set. Furthermore, graduates must be flexible in their career choices. Not every plan pans out as you expect it to be, which is why perseverance and adaptability make job navigation easier. Forget about the ideal job and do what you love.
