As we bid farewell to the academic world, it’s time to share some insights and reflections with the Class of 2013. While no university has invited us to present a commencement speech this year, that won’t stop us from offering some free advice and personal experiences tailored for those stepping into a new chapter of their lives.
Overqualified Yet Unprepared
There’s an adage that says, “Those who can, do; those who can’t, teach.” Sadly, this is often misleading. If your college experience mirrored ours, you know that many professors struggle to effectively teach. Therefore, if you learned anything significant during your college years, it was likely how to teach yourself.
This self-learning ability is incredibly valuable, even if mastering it took four years filled with numerous parties and significant financial expense. However, if you’ve honed this skill, there is little you cannot accomplish—provided you have the necessary courage and determination.
Upon our graduation, we were already engaged in an entry-level job within our desired field. However, we also faced some personal turbulence from past mistakes. Yet, we emerged on the other side, stronger for it.
Breaking into the professional world is no small feat, especially since your formal education likely hasn’t equipped you with the skills needed to excel in your job. In fact, some lessons learned in school might even hinder your progress.
But you already know this all too well.
Practical Mischief
A recent study by McKinsey & Company reveals that recent graduates often feel overqualified for their jobs, many of which don’t even require a degree. Additionally, they report feeling ill-prepared for the professional world, with the transition from college to work being far from smooth.
This predicament isn’t entirely your fault; the cost of college can feel like a scam. Nevertheless, you must adapt quickly if you want to build a successful career. Otherwise, you might take a seemingly rash step, like enlisting in the military.
Most commencement speeches outline exactly what you should do as you transition from academia to the workforce. For instance, President Obama recently encouraged graduates at The Ohio State University to “confront the threat of climate change before it’s too late.”
We won’t prescribe what you should do in your life; we trust your imagination will guide you. After enduring countless academic lectures, additional dogma is probably the last thing you need to hear.
However, for those of you uncertain about your next steps, especially if you’re leaning toward the corporate world, here are a few things to avoid:
To The Class of 2013
First, refrain from attempting to change the world or focus on community service; the world has plenty of do-gooders but not enough go-getters. If you’re seeking employment, steer clear of negotiating salary and benefits during your initial job interview. There will be plenty of time for that once you’ve invested a decade or more into your career.
Do not expect recognition for hard work or a job well done; people tend to forget the wins and remember the errors. Similarly, don’t be surprised when colleagues betray you. A confident smile in the face of adversity will set you apart from office politics.
When dealing with clients, try not to take their complaints too personally. You’ll soon realize they rely on you more than you depend on them. And when they express dissatisfaction, it doesn’t necessarily reflect poorly on your performance; in fact, it can lead to profitability for them.
If possible, avoid sending emails entirely. But if it’s necessary, keep them brief—no more than three sentences. Lengthy communications can become tedious, like this one, where the key points often get lost in verbosity.
Above all, always arrive on time and don’t leave early—except on Fridays or before holidays, of course. While the working hours can feel grueling and the tasks overwhelming, remember that it’s not all bad—unless, of course, your alarm goes off at 5 AM on a Monday.
Welcome to the real world. With any luck, it won’t be too harsh on you. Now, go out there and chase your dreams.
Sincerely,
MN Gordon
for Economic Prism
