For the Class of 2010: Entering the Professional Workforce, by Adam Scholl
Make no mistake, we are experiencing one of the worst economic downturns of the past century. With many companies instituting hiring freezes and layoffs, it’s a scary time to be graduating from college and starting a job search. As you will come to find out after securing your first job, the fears don’t subside at the end of the interview process. Rather, they are replaced with questions: What do I do now? Can I do this job? Am I really qualified for this position? What happens when my employer finds out I’m not confident in my ability to do the job? You begin to be concerned that all that time and effort you put into the interview process will be for nothing once your employer realizes you’re not quite the employee he thought you were.
First and foremost, relax! Obtaining your first job in the business world is a significant achievement. It demonstrates that a company sees great potential in you as an employee and as a future member of the team. The transition from college to corporate environment is more significant than many recent graduates and new hires realize, as it can require some pretty significant lifestyle changes. Let’s face it, the habits, activities, and interactions that might have characterized your college life need to change.
