“Welcome to the real world” is an often used phrase shared with new graduates. It is somewhat false because it implies that students were living in a fake world. A related term is “adulting,” meaning the person must now act like a grown-up. Regardless of the sarcasm or good wishes, anyone entering a new job (recent graduate or not) has a lot to learn and would most likely welcome support from career service providers. A glimpse into the day in the “real world” life would be one tool or resource worthy of sharing. As the song says, “Hey, it's a brave new place. Hey, now you're at the gate. Welcome to the real world, there's so much to learn” (Mr. Mister, 1985).
~ Melanie Reinersman, M.A., insights@careerdevelopmentalliance.com
Photo by Anaya Katlego on Unsplash
FOCUS ON: Job Descriptions Written by People Doing the Job
“What people think a specific career is all about” versus “what the worker really does” is valuable information. Add another paragraph on the “Day in the Life” and now the picture is clear. Bonus text includes “Something Important to Know,” while the facts of education and salary are not overlooked. What for Work offers a honest representation of jobs so career decisions can be made with confidence. Search now at What for Work.
CAREER SPOTLIGHT: Actors, Optometrists, Fundraisers, Oh, My!
The Occupational Outlook Handbook (OOH), published by the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) presents a Featured Occupation. With each visit to the OOH homepage, a different occupation is featured for the purpose of exploring and learning. Clicking on the profile will lead to facts such as work environment, pay and job duties, which paint a clearer picture of the day in the life of that occupation. Read more at BLS.gov
COLLEGE AND UNIVERSITY: Transitioning to Financial Independence
Budgeting, saving and insurance should be part of everyday life as an adult, but it is a bit harder to think about retirement and investments. Risk tolerance and planning for the unexpected are not to be ignored when your clients are starting new jobs upon graduation. Read more from ClearPoint.
YOUR LIBRARY: Tools to Help the New Generation of Workers Succeed
Welcome to the Real World: Finding Your Place, Perfecting Your Work, and Turning Your Job into Your Dream Career, by career expert and entrepreneur Lauren Berger, recommends people in the “real world” be bold, take risks, and understand value. Help your clients think of a job as a link to future opportunities. Read more about this book for workplace novices on Amazon.com or read the review on GetAbstract.com
TOP TEN: CEOs who Started in Entry-Level Positions at Companies They Now Lead
Loading trucks, working the assembly line, and front desk reception were the first days' job in the former life of CEOs at well-known companies. Contrary to the “job-hoppers” of today, these big company CEOs truly know what the “bottom” and “top” jobs are in the company since they worked their way up. General Motors' Mary T. Barra and Chris Rondeau of Planet Fitness are just two examples of executives who learned the ropes every day. See all ten.