Dear College Graduates

Dear College Graduates

Written By Dr. Pamela Heilman, PsyD, LCP

First, I want to say, Congratulations! Completing your college degree is an amazing accomplishment. In addition to the regular stressors of getting through college, you managed to do so in the middle of a pandemic! Give yourself credit for the result of your hard work and dedication. 
​
As someone who regularly works with college students, my guess is that you are experiencing a mixture of emotions in light of your graduation. Excitement, pride, fear, and sadness tend to top the list. It is common to experience all of these emotions! While people are congratulating you and patting you on the back, you may be worrying about what to do next or whether you will get a job.

​Here are some encouraging statistics for graduates. As Thier (2022) summarizes in Fortune, every year Monster produces a “State of the Graduate” report which provides information on the current job market. According to the latest report, companies will hire 26.6% more college graduates from 2022 than in 2021. Additionally, 72% of employers have increased entry-level salaries in the last 12 months. While many job-seekers assume the employer has the upper hand, 57% of hiring managers indicated that job candidates have the power. Currently, it is estimated to take an average of 4 weeks to fill an entry-level role. This has increased 57% since 2019. Whether you already have a career plan or you are in the process of figuring out your next step, here are some things to keep in mind. 

• Career indecision may be more common than you think. It is estimated that anywhere from 10-30 percent of college students should be classified as “undecided” (IResearchNet). Many consider career indecision a normative phase that is closely related to an individual’s age and education level. This experience may extend beyond graduation. 
• For those of you who are still feeling undecided, The Occupational Outlook Handbook located at www.bls.gov is an excellent resource. 
• Limit support or advice-seeking to a few trusted family members or friends. Without meaning to, many people may project their own fears and insecurities when giving career advice. I found that when I told people I wanted to be a psychologist, the common response I received was how much time and money it would take to make it happen. 
• Networking is important. Consider creating a profile on a professional networking site such as LinkedIn. You can gain a lot of information about different career avenues and the qualifications that are needed. You might also try contacting someone to ask whether they would be willing to answer questions about their profession. There are people who enjoy mentoring young professionals in their field.
• It’s great to dream big and to try to find a career that feels like your life’s purpose. However, not everyone ends up in a job for which they are passionate. What might be more realistic is to find a job that feels manageable and allows you time and resources to pursue hobbies, relationships, or volunteer work that makes you feel inspired. Do the best you can with the opportunities that present themselves now and this may lead to a job that feels more meaningful down the road. 
• Remember that your goals and aspirations may change over time as you gain new experiences. Allow yourself grace and flexibility as you continue to learn and grow. 
• Look for organizations that align with your goals and values. This will impact the workplace culture and could make the difference between a job that feels manageable and one that does not. 
• Do your homework on companies before interviewing. It helps to demonstrate specific reasons you are excited to work for that particular company. 
• No matter how certain a job offer may seem, never assume you have the job until you officially get the offer! 
• After an interview, jot down specific topics that were discussed. Write a thank you card or email that you can send promptly after you’ve finished your interview. Include some of these specific items. This can help keep you in the employer’s mind. 
• Lastly, mindfulness can be helpful with life transitions. Try to focus on the present moment as you graduate or celebrate accomplishments with family and friends. I still remember my last day at my undergrad school. I took one last long jog around campus and allowed myself to think about many of my positive experiences. It is a memory I enjoy to this day. 

References: 

Bring on Gen Z: Hiring the Newest Workers. Monster. https://media.monster.com/marketing/2022/US_BringOnGenZ.pdf 

Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Outlook Handbook, OOH FAQs, at https://www.bls.gov/ooh/about/ooh-faqs.htm 

Career Indecision. Career Research. https://career.iresearchnet.com 

Their, J. (2022, April 26). 2022 grads are set to outlearn last year’s cohort-and the year before that. Fortune. https://fortune.com/2022/04/26/2022-grads-set-to-outearn-last-years-cohort/