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What’s the biggest mistake that college graduates make when entering their new careers or workforce in general ?
Common mistakes made when starting their careers #general
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4 answers
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Gloria’s Answer
I have worked with a few college graduates who had not worked in a business environment before graduating. The biggest challenge that I see if is that the new graduates think that their new coworkers know all of the knowledge that they just learned in college. That is most often not the case. It can be surprising for recent graduates that have learned how to do a specific job, just to find out that it doesn't always work that way. That is often due to the culture of a company or a department within the company. Some students get a job that is close to what they studied, but isn't exactly the same. I am in Learning and Development at a corporation. We sometimes get people who studied Secondary Education. Education in school can be quite different from education in corporate environments. The challenge that you have when you enter the workforce is to take your strengths (such as your knowledge) to work for the business, not the other way around. So in the case of my example, you would come into the company, learn the culture, learn how you can be a productive contributor, and bring your knowledge to bear to support business needs.
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Crystal’s Answer
One of the biggest mistakes is not really knowing what the job is and thinking its going to be like what you learned about the profession in college. My biggest piece of advice is to get an internship and offer to help in as many ways as you can so you can learn many different aspects of the job.
The other thing that some people expect is that just because you have been in the job for X year(s) is that you will automatically get a promotion. You need to WORK for a promotion and show you add value to the team and company, not expect to be rewarded just for showing up to work every day.
Always be ready to jump in and help the team out, especially when you are starting out in your career. This helps you learn more about the overall company and the different roles and shows that you are willing to roll up your sleeves to make the team successful as well.
The other thing that some people expect is that just because you have been in the job for X year(s) is that you will automatically get a promotion. You need to WORK for a promotion and show you add value to the team and company, not expect to be rewarded just for showing up to work every day.
Always be ready to jump in and help the team out, especially when you are starting out in your career. This helps you learn more about the overall company and the different roles and shows that you are willing to roll up your sleeves to make the team successful as well.
Updated
Anna’s Answer
Don't be afraid to make mistakes. Ask questions and be willing to learn and work on a variety of projects. Positive attitude goes a long way and teamwork will get you there faster!
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Chris’s Answer
A college degree of any kind is an awesome accomplishment...but (including myself) many fresh college grads can let the accomplishment give them arrogance. Starting out at your first job typically, you are starting over and climbing the ladder.