Graduates will face obstacles adjusting to working world

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Classes are almost done, job searching has hopefully begun and seniors are getting ready to move on. Taking the next step might not be as easy as it sounds for seniors who are trying to mentally adjust to the idea of a new social scene after graduation.

Jobs or not, seniors are saying goodbye to the good life in college and thinking seriously about how the next part of their lives will play out. For many, the end of school means new friends, work environment and responsibilities. The thought is daunting for some and exciting for others.

Interdisciplinary studies in social science and human resources and society senior Cherizza Lundy will be moving to Portland, Ore., this summer to take a job in human resources. She said she is nervous for the move even though she is used to being on her own as an out-of-state student.

“It’s a different atmosphere … We’re all part of the same culture, and here I am going into a completely different state (where) I won’t have that camaraderie with every person I run into,” Lundy said.

Lundy was employed by the same company last summer and said that she mostly worked with people who were twice her age.

“It’s trying to step into this position of power when you’re half someone’s age … I’m worried about demanding respect in the workplace,” Lundy said.

Philip Gardner, director of the Collegiate Employment Research Institute at MSU, said this might prevent some roadblocks for students who do not necessarily know how to communicate well with people who are not their age.

“The point is that no matter how good you think your idea is, if it goes against the flow, then you need to adjust and modify how you do things and communicate with people,” Gardner said.

Interdisciplinary studies in social science and health studies senior Kim Stemp is actively looking for a job in public health. Stemp is thinking about what her adjustment will be like as she looks for a match.

Stemp realizes she will have to break some MSU ties as she leaves friends and traditions behind.

“A lot of people have a hard time keeping in touch with people. I feel like I would be one of those (people),” Stemp said.

She said she wants to move to a city like Chicago where she already has some friends who graduated from MSU last year.

“One thing I am worried about if I do move somewhere where I do know people is that I wouldn’t meet new people,” Stemp said.

She is trying to mentally prepare herself for the changes that will come once she starts working 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. every day and has a stable schedule. Stemp also realizes there might be some adjustments because she might not be working with people who are her age.

To establish new relationships, Lundy plans to join a gym, and she hopes other new employees might become friends with her.

“I’m trying to tell myself I should be excited. But at the same time, I’m scared to see what kind of support system I’m going to get because I don’t think I’ll get a better support system than here,” Lundy said.

The best way students can adjust to their new working environments is to understand the norms of the company, Gardner said. Finding a mentor can help with the transition, he added, because that person could also get a graduate accustomed to a new community.

“(Graduates) will have to be sensitive to the fact that not everyone holds the same work expectations,” Gardner said.

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