Recent graduates struggle with transition into workforce

While many students who are close to graduating may be worrying about finding a job, those already in the "real world" are having trouble transitioning into the work force.

Becky Weir, assistant director for the Career Center, said one of the most difficult areas for students in the transition is time management.

"In school you are used to a much more flexible schedule and most places at work are expecting you to be there from 9 to 5. It's an adjustment to fight traffic and get to work," Weir said.

According to an article by jobweb.com, new hires have ranked time management as No. 2 on a top-10 list of skills that will get you noticed, right after communicating effectively. The list also ranked networking at No. 8.

"Networking is incredibly important for any business profession," alumnus Adam Schindler said. "Your time will come. Make those connections, know people and network."

Schindler, a 2006 graduate, worked through college but still faced challenges when entering the work force.

"Its very difficult because I'm in a business dominated by experience and age," he said. "That was my biggest hurdle. People look at me as a kid, even if I'm the smartest person in the room."

Alumnus Tad Johnson, a current aerospace engineer for NOAA, graduated from the university in the spring with a job lined up. While he said he is fortunate to be living at home, Johnson said he's had difficulties making the transition from being in school to working full time.

"Knowing what to do with health care needs was tough. I went home … and searched the Internet for 45 minutes," Johnson said. "Now I'm stuck with it for the next six months until they do it again in December."

Weir said she believes the easiest way to bridge the gap between college and the real world is through internships and externships, a shadowing experience where students apply to shadow an employer in a particular field.

"With the externship, people begin to see what the field is really about. You gain confidence talking to employers … and you are just much more poised."

As assistant director for the career center, Weir is able to meet with students one-on-one and prepare them for professional opportunities.

"[Companies] are really looking for employees who are willing to come early and stay late ... and step up. Sometimes students will complain that it just makes no sense to them and that's not going to be accepted particularly well," she said.

Whether you like it or not, the transition to the work force will not be easy, but there are ways to make your switch smoother.

"Look for internships early, try to get internships where you want to and definitely follow up on them and bust your butt because you only get first impressions once," says Johnson.

ga@umdbk.com