SCHOOL-TO-WORK TRANSITION

Welcome to the STRUGZ platform where life principles, careers, and business tips are shared. School-to-work transition is a life step that we all must be faced with at some point in our life. Many of us, were not hurdled with these challenges, while some are still struggling with it. The question is, how best do you handle it? This week's edition offers more variables into how best to transition from school to work life, giving and empowering young graduates with the right attitude to enter the ‘real-life.’

The process of moving from education or training to employment is often faced with unforeseen challenges. Covering the period in which this change takes place, how well do you handle them? School to Work is a system to introduce the philosophy of school-based, work-based, and connecting activities as early as kindergarten to expose students to potential future careers. School to Work emphasizes lifelong learning.

Making the move from college to your post-graduation life is one of the most exciting things you will ever do. You have your whole life before you and a world of possibilities. But that dream of possibility does not always pan out. Recent graduates frequently face challenges when making the transition from student life to the career world. Few people can land their perfect jobs effortlessly.

Here are some of the common challenges you may face as a new graduate, as well as some tips on how to overcome them:

1. No 'Real World' Experience

Many employers prefer candidates with little experience in their industry. Even though you have graduated with a degree and presumably know a lot about your industry, real-world job experience will make you more marketable.

To gain some real-world experience, you should try to find an internship during your junior or senior year of University. If it is too late to get the internship, reach out to your professors to see if they know of any companies looking for recent graduates.

2. Unrealistic Expectations

You have a degree. That is wonderful! But so, do most of the other candidates. You do not have experience in the field, you probably do not have many connections, and you likely do not have a lot of other experience that applies to your job search. It is not realistic to imagine that you will land your dream job right out of college or be running a company in three years. These things do, occasionally, happen – but they are the exception, not the rule.

Recognize that you will have to pay your dues before you can land an elevated position within an organization.

3. Unsure How to Negotiate Salary and Benefits

You might have been told that the salary you make directly out of college contributes greatly to your lifetime earning potential. This is because most of your raises from that point forward will be based on your current salary. The higher your starting salary, the better each subsequent raise will be.

Unfortunately, most fresh graduates have no idea how to properly negotiate their salaries. They might be afraid they will not get the job if they ask for more money. The reality is that most employers expect you to negotiate. They frequently offer lower than they expect to pay so they have some wiggle room for negotiating. If you do not ask for more money than they offer, you are intentionally accepting less than they think the position is worth. So, take some time to brush up on your negotiating skills. Your future self will thank you.

4. Poor Interview Skills

Unfortunately, this is another area that the university frequently does not prepare you for. Many students graduate believing that if they have the degree, the skills, and the drive, they will get a great job. The reality is that your interview is tremendously important. From the time you walk into the room until the time you send (or neglect to send) a thank-you card, you are being judged. One wrong answer could mean missing out on a great opportunity.

It is a good idea to practice interviewing well before you graduate, you could work with a friend or teacher. And before your interview, do some research. Be prepared to talk about the company and why you would fit in there.

5. Lack of Direction

Recent graduates are frequently confused about their life's paths. You might be torn between starting your career and pursuing further education. You might want to travel before you get a job. Or maybe you want to get to work, but you just do not know what you want to do.

Unfortunately, there is no easy solution to this problem. Everyone's journey is different. Eventually, things will start to become clearer. In the meantime, try new things, join clubs or organizations, meet new people, look for popular professions among previous graduates, and search for new jobs constantly. Eventually, something will click.

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Graduating from University/college is a huge accomplishment! But as with any life transition, it comes with its share of challenges. These are some of the most common challenges faced by fresh graduates. Are there any others you would add to the list? Have you experienced any of these challenges? How did you handle them? Leave a comment below!