Why Your First Job Post-College Matters
More Than You Know
College graduates are under pressure and in a hurry to find their first job quickly.
However, their quest shouldn't be to secure something to get hired. It should be to find
the right fit, recognizing the importance of choosing a role and company that will
position them for success.
Do not take a “check the box” approach and simply accept the first role you're offered,
as you might be taking a step backward. This first job is critical: It will be a barometer
for future roles, serving as a basis of comparison as you develop professionally. It will
be your “test drive” of the knowledge and skills cultivated during college, in and
outside the classroom.
While you may have earlier work experience during school, in this first role, you will
be interacting with other adult professionals in a peer-to-peer capacity. You and your
parents invested time and money in your education, and you owe it to yourself to be
sure that your first job is in harmony with your capabilities, goals and potential.
Your Career Legacy Starts Here
Do the role and the organization reflect your personal values and interests? If you find
a position that you feel certain you are qualified for, ask yourself if you want to do it
for that organization, working alongside the people in that company. If they are too
conservative or liberal, or too structured or disorganized, you might like your work,
but not the culture. If you take a position that doesn't work out, you can choose to
leave, but realize that you will need to include it on your resume and explain it to
future employers when they ask, “Why did you take that position?”
Avoid An Underemployment Trap
Taking a job that doesn't require a bachelor’s degree is known as
underemployment. Data from the U.S. Census Bureau and the U.S. Bureau of Labor
Statistics shows that 41% of recent graduates are currently underemployed.
Carefully study job postings before you apply. You may see job postings that are
suspiciously similar for the same firm: One markets the role to “recent college
graduates” while another, with the same duties, is aimed at people with no college
experience. Seek work that will challenge you and provide an environment with peers
who motivate and engage you. If you need to find work urgently, perhaps for
economic reasons, seek out something flexible so that you can accommodate a
concurrent job search for a meaningful first professional role.
Recognize A Revolving Door
A job post including the term “recent graduates” may yield roles that hire grads, but
not all firms may be a good place to grow. As you interview, ask if the company has
employed recent graduates, if there is training and what comes next after your first
placement. Ask what their retention rates are for new employees at different time
periods, like six months and two years.
Another scenario might be a terrific company offering a terrible job. If a recruiter
spends more time telling you about what comes after this first role, probe to find out
how quickly people seek the next opportunity. Is everyone looking to transfer three
months after starting?
Internships Beyond Graduation
Consider paid internships in your job search. These may be prerequisites for full-time
jobs. Firms are increasingly using internships and temporary roles as opportunities to
assess talent before making permanent offers of employment. Internships of this
nature are terrific skill-building, work experience and networking opportunities. A
successful internship might lead to a full-time role after you prove yourself and will
certainly make you more marketable to employers.
While working, continue pursuing your job search. Be sure to actively express your
interest in full-time employment at the company hosting your internship.
Staying On the Job
Look for a role that you believe you will be happy in for two to three years at the
outset and that matches your skill set. No one is expecting that you will stay for 25
years at this first company. In fact, according to one study by the U.S. Bureau of
Labor Statistics, people hold an average of 12 jobs during their careers.
The first year of employment can be a challenge. As a young adult, the transition from
the semester-by-semester cycle of college to full-time, permanent work is a major
adjustment. In fact, most employers believe college grads are not prepared for the
workplace. Understand the skills and proficiency level needed to succeed. Ask what
sort of training new hires receive at the firm, including if there is a mentoring program
or opportunities specifically for new employees to network. Seek out online programs
or training schools that will help you continue to build the skills required in the
workplace.
Ask For The Right Pay
If you found a great opportunity at an organization that matches your style, skills and
values, ensure that you consider all components of the offer. Before getting to the
offer stage, have a realistic and appropriate salary range in mind based on information
gathered from your network and research.
When you receive an offer, you can immediately put it into context. Ask when there
will be an opportunity for feedback, a formal review and consideration for a raise to
ensure you have a clear expectation. Maximizing the salary for your first job will help
you establish a good foundation for future increases.
As you search for and evaluate roles, get help from family and friends. If an
opportunity is missing a key ingredient, seek guidance from others who have your
best interests in mind, and get their impressions of the situation. Balance your zeal for
simply finding a job with starting a career — one that you will be proud of growing.
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